# International Container Registry Systems

*Last updated: 2026-06-25*

> An international container registry system is a centralised database that assigns each shipping container a globally unique identifier under ISO 6346, permanently recording ownership, technical specifications, and certification status.

An international container registry system is a centralised database that assigns each shipping container a globally unique identifier under ISO 6346, permanently recording ownership, technical specifications, and certification status. The ISO 6346 code comprises a four-character owner prefix, an equipment category identifier, and a six-digit serial number with a check digit. Carriers, leasing companies, and customs authorities use these registries to verify a container's location history, maintenance records, and CSC certification validity. In day-to-day freight forwarding, accurate container numbers are a prerequisite for issuing correct bills of lading and customs declarations—a single transposed digit can cause a shipment to be rejected. These systems document the physical equipment itself and should not be confused with the booking or real-time tracking platforms operated by shipping lines.

**Source:** [https://www.iso.org/standard/20453.html](https://www.iso.org/standard/20453.html)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | International Container Registry Systems |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 124 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-25 |
| Source | https://www.iso.org/standard/20453.html |

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