Detailed explanation of overseas container markings and customs clearance procedures

Overview of container markings

In order to facilitate the identification, management and handover of containers in international transportation, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) formulated the “Container Codes, Identification and Marking” standard (ISO6346-1995). This standard specifies the contents of the container, the size of the marking font, the location of the marking, etc. According to this standard, container markings can be divided into two categories: required markings and optional markings.

Required tag

Identification tag

• Container owner code: The code of the container owner, represented by 4 Latin letters. The first three digits are determined by the container owner and registered with the International Container Bureau; the fourth digit is “U”, which represents the shipping container code. For example, the container owner code of China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company is COSU.
• Equipment Identification Code: The fourth letter immediately following the container owner’s code. Usually “U” represents all conventional containers, “J” represents a container with a detachable one, and “Z” Trailers and chassis vehicles representing containers.
• Sequence number: It consists of 6 Arabic numerals. If it is less than 6 digits, it will be supplemented by “0”.
• Check numbers: used to verify the accuracy of the container owner code and serial number records, usually located after the serial number, represented by an Arabic numeral plus a box.

Job Marks

• Rated weight and dead weight marks: The rated weight is the total weight of the container, and the dead weight is the mass of the empty container, both of which must be expressed in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb).
• Air-Land-Water Intermodal Container Mark: This mark is black and is located in the upper left corner of the side wall and end wall.
• Electric shock warning mark on the top of the container: This mark is a triangle with a yellow background and various colors. It is usually located on the tank container and the escalator on the top of the container.

Optional tag

Identification tag

• Country and region code: For example, China uses CN and the United States uses US.
• Size and type code: It consists of 2-digit Arabic numerals, indicating the size and type of the container.

Job Marks

• Super high mark: All containers with a height exceeding 2.6m should be affixed with this mark.
• International Union of Railways mark: Containers that comply with the regulations of the International Union of Railways can obtain this mark.

Pass mark

Containers that can pass through or enter other countries or regions smoothly during transportation must be affixed with various traffic signs as required by regulations, such as safety license plates, container approval plates, insect-proof treatment plates, inspection badges, and International Union of Railways Tags etc.

Import customs clearance process

1. After receiving the complete set of documents from the customer, find out the shipping company, shipping agent, and location where the bill of lading is obtained for the imported goods.
2. Exchange the bill of lading and equipment handover order with the original endorsed bill of lading or a copy of the telegraphed delivery.
3. Conduct import commodity inspection.
4. If animal and plant quarantine is required, you need to apply in advance.
5. Make correct declaration information based on the customs declaration information provided by the shipper and the container number and seal provided by the yard or trailer.
6. After completing customs clearance, go through the three inspection procedures.
7. Handle port miscellaneous fees.
8. After all pickup procedures are completed, notify the yard to pick up the goods.
9. Pick up the goods within the time required by the Hong Kong side to avoid additional costs.
10. The deposit fee will be refunded after the goods are cleared.

Disadvantages of customs clearance

• Flight exceptions: Failure of cargo to arrive at the port on time will affect customs clearance time.
• Manifest issues: The inconsistency between the original manifest data sent by the airline and the tally report sent by the airport arrival department will affect customs clearance.
• Unable to contact recipient: Customs clearance information or duty payment issues cannot be confirmed due to incorrect recipient information or other reasons.