Containers going overseas need a valid CSC plate. Phil arranges the inspection through an approved CSC inspector — at his workshop, or on-site for larger fleets.
The Convention for Safe Containers is the international safety standard for shipping containers used in cross-border transit. Every container carrying cargo internationally has a CSC plate — a metal data tag fixed to the door that records the unit's certification status. The plate is valid for 5 years from manufacture; after that, the container needs to be re-inspected and re-certified before it can sail again.
Containers used purely for static UK storage don't need a current CSC plate. The certification only applies when the container's going overseas — but if you're shipping out, re-inspection is non-negotiable. Phil arranges it through an approved CSC inspector and quotes the cost separately from the container itself.
| Inspection area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Door hardware & seals | Hinges, lockbars, gaskets — all checked for fit and integrity. |
| Corner castings | The structural pickup points — must be free of cracks or damage. |
| Floor | Hardwood deck condition, no excessive wear or rot, no breaks. |
| Roof & side panels | No major dents that compromise structural integrity. |
| Frame & end frames | No structural cracks, no rust eating into load-bearing members. |
| CSC plate itself | Must be legible and correctly stamped. Replaced where worn out. |
Fail report turnaround. If a container fails the initial inspection, the inspector issues a report listing what needs repair. Phil can handle most of those repairs at his workshop — see the workshop-based repairs page — and the container is re-presented for inspection once the work is done.
Anyone shipping a container out of the UK. Common cases: expat relocations (Australia, USA, Canada, Dubai), commercial export, equipment shipments to overseas project sites, charity shipments to Africa, and any second-hand container with an expired plate being prepared for resale to a buyer who needs it CSC-current.
New one-trip containers ship with a fresh 5-year CSC plate from the factory — no re-inspection needed. Used containers are the ones where it gets relevant. Phil flags the CSC status when he quotes a used unit for an overseas job, so you know upfront whether re-inspection cost is on the table.
Call Phil: 020 8226 0007Tell Phil the container size, current CSC plate status (if you know it), and where the container is sitting. He'll arrange the inspection and quote the fee. Call 020 8226 0007 or fill in the form.
No call centres. No fuss. One phone call.
