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Standards Development
This technical specification will review the existing IoT equipment which is applied on containers,
evaluate its specifications and compatibility with the operational environment to define the terminology
of “Smart Container”.
This working item will also specify the technical requirements for IoT systems in smart containers,
focusing on interoperability, security, and data privacy.
Establishment of operations principles that accommodate the unique features of smart containers,
ensuring safe and efficient transport will be also guiding the work of the experts during this working
item.
The technical specification will bring clarity regarding the smart container, and thereby promote the
adoption of smart container technologies by providing a clear and unified framework that addresses
key operational, safety, and technical challenges. A defined specification on smart container would
support reduction of illicit goods transportation, by providing a digital identity to the container, which is
used for verification of the container location at the given moment in time. In addition, this technical
specification would define a list of safety related principles that manufacturers of a smart container
might consider in its design or design of its smart accessories. A smart container technical specification
would enhance global supply chain efficiency and visibility, and thereby possibly improve cargo security
and integrity, and facilitate real-time monitoring and management of containers. Furthermore, it will
support regulatory compliance, like for example FCC Part 15, Directive 2014/30/EU, or ETSI EN 300
220-2 and foster innovation in the logistics and shipping industry.
With the increasing integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the logistics and shipping
industry, there is a growing need for a standardized approach to the definition, and operation of smart
containers. Smart containers, equipped with IoT systems, may offer significant benefits in terms of e.g.
efficiency, security, and real-time tracking of cargo. The review process of ISO 830:1999 has
highlighted the need for a separate specification for smart containers. The lack of standardization and
agreed definition, including the list of minimal required features to be identified as a smart container,
technical specifications, stowage principles, its digital identity for security control, and their potential
contribution to logistics safety, such as fire risk identification, poses challenges for interoperability,
safety, and global adoption.
The proposed technical specification will refer to the existing smart container definitions and analyse
the components defining container as smart. The expected outcomes:
• An ISO technical specification for smart containers that enhances global trade efficiency.
• An ISO definition of the smart container, which will enable standardization around its operations and
safety.
• Increased interoperability and compatibility of smart container technologies.
• Improved real-time visibility and management of cargo, leading to enhanced
• operational efficiency.
• A framework for responding to safety-related events, contributing to the protection of cargo,
personnel, and infrastructure.
If the NWIP is approved, the working group would be expected to define the smart container from the
technical aspect of the features the applied IoT technology imposes, specifying the minimal
requirements for a container to be called “smart”. The experts will clarify its “smart” components, define
technical specifications needed for a safe participation of the smart container in the international logistics, propose a list of safety principles critical for the smart container’s operations, based on the
hardware design and its compatibility with the environment.
The proposed project includes all three main container groups: refrigerated containers, dry containers,
and tank containers, as well as their alternative designs, e.g. composite dry container, composite tank
container, foldable or collapsable container. The criteria for the specifications and processes definition
will be based on possible use cases to be developed by the experts of the working group taking into
consideration existing use cases defined by relevant industry organisations.
Terminology used in the document:
IoT Device or System- is a hardware item which has a direct independent connectivity. It sends the
data directly to the IoT cloud. In this document, the device serves as a gateway to the cloud.
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