GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

International Container Registry Systems

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.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iso.org/standard/20453.html

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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

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Definition & Explanation

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.

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Current 2026

Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system

Passar 2.0: import pilot with pre-registration

Passar 1.0Passar 2.0Passar 3.0

Passar Hub →Declar Info

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Recommended format: Source: Freight Academy – International Container Registry Systems (https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-container-registry-systems), accessed 2026-11-11
APA style: Freight Academy Editorial Team. (2025). International Container Registry Systems. Freight Academy. https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-container-registry-systems
BibTeX: @misc{internationalcontainerregistry2025, title = {International Container Registry Systems}, author = {{Freight Academy Editorial Team}}, year = {2025}, url = {https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/international-container-registry-systems}, note = {Freight Academy, accessed 2026-11-11} }

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