Chapter 1. Introduction

 1.1 Scope

1.1.1 The aim of this IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) is to give advice on the safe packing of cargo transport units (CTUs) to those responsible for the packing and securing of the cargo and by those whose task it is to train people to pack such units. The aim is also to outline theoretical details for packing and securing as well as to give practical measures to ensure the safe packing of cargo onto or into CTUs.

1.1.2 In addition to advice to the packer, the CTU Code also provides information and advice for all parties in the supply chain up to and including those involved in unpacking the CTU.

1.1.3 The CTU Code is not intended to conflict with, or to replace or supersede, any existing national or international regulations which may refer to the packing and securing of cargo in CTUs, in particular existing regulations which apply to one mode of transport only, e.g. for transport of cargo in railway wagons by rail only.

 1.2 Safety

1.2.1 Improperly packed and secured cargo, the use of unsuitable CTUs and the overloading of CTUs may endanger persons during handling and transport operations. Improper declaration of the cargo may also cause dangerous situations. The misdeclaration of the CTU's gross mass may result in the overloading of a road vehicle or a rail wagon or in the allocation of an unsuitable stowage position on board a ship thus compromising the safety of the ship.

1.2.2 Insufficient control of humidity may cause severe damages to and collapse of the cargo and cause also the loss of the stability of the CTU.

 1.3 Security

1.3.1 It is important that all personnel involved in the packing, security sealing, handling, transport and processing of cargo are made aware of the need for vigilance and the diligent application of practical procedures to enhance security, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

1.3.2 Guidance on the security aspects of the movement of CTUs intended for carriage by sea may be found in a variety of documents including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended; the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) Code; the ILO/IMO Code of Practice on Security in Ports; and the Standards and the Publicly Available Specifications developed or being developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to address cargo security management and other aspects of supply chain security. Furthermore, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has developed a SAFE Framework of standards to secure and facilitate global trade.

 1.4 How to use the CTU Code

1.4.1 This Code comprises 13 chapters. Most of them refer to one or more annexes which is highlighted in the text where applicable. Further practical guidance and background information are available as informative material^footnote, which does not constitute part of this Code. Table 1 at the end of this chapter provides a summary of contents.

1.4.2 More information on the consequences of improper packing procedures is provided in informative material IM1.

1.4.3 Following the introduction in chapter 1, chapter 2 lists definitions of terms which are used throughout the Code. Chapter 3 provides an overview of basic safety issues related to the packing of CTUs, briefly described as "dos and don'ts". Detailed information on how to comply with these "dos" and how to avoid the "don'ts" are contained in the following chapters and in the related annexes.

1.4.4 Chapter 4 identifies the chains of responsibility and communication for the principle parties in the supply chain and is supplemented with annex 1 on information flow and, particularly for terminal operators, with annex 2 on the safe handling of CTUs. Information on typical documents related to transport may be obtained from informative material IM2.

1.4.5 Chapter 5 (general transport conditions) describes the acceleration forces and the climatic conditions to which a CTU is exposed during transport. Annex 3 provides additional guidance on the prevention of condensation damages.

1.4.6 Chapter 6 (CTU properties), chapter 7 (CTU suitability) and chapter 8 (arrival, checking and positioning of CTUs) should be considered to select the appropriate CTU for the cargo to be carried and to ensure that the CTU is fit for its intended purpose. Additional guidance to these topics is provided in annex 4 (approval plates), annex 5 (receiving CTUs) and annex 6 (minimizing the risk of recontamination). More information on the properties of the various CTU types is provided in informative material IM3, more information on species of concern regarding recontamination may be obtained from informative material IM4.

1.4.7 Chapter 9 (packing cargo into CTUs) is the core chapter of this Code dealing with the actual packing operation. This chapter directs the user to the related provisions in annex 7, where detailed information on load distribution, securing arrangements, capacity of securing devices and methods for the evaluation of the efficiency of a certain securing arrangement are provided. This annex is supplemented with appendices on packaging marks, friction factors and on calculations for load distribution and cargo securing. Guidance for working on the top of tank CTUs or solid bulk CTUs is provided in annex 8. To facilitate the evaluation of the efficiency of cargo securing arrangements, one sound practical tool is the "quick lashing guide" provided in informative material IM5. In addition, very detailed information on intermodal load distribution is provided in informative material IM6. Information on manual handling of cargo is provided in informative material IM7. Information on the transport of perishable cargo is provided in informative material IM8.

1.4.8 Chapter 10 provides additional advice on the packing of dangerous goods. Chapter 11 describes the actions required on the completion of packing. Information on CTU seals is provided in informative material IM9.

1.4.9 Chapter 12 contains advice on the receipt and unpacking of CTUs and is supplemented with annex 5 (receiving CTUs) and annex 9 (fumigation). Additional information on the testing of gases is provided in informative material IM10.

1.4.10 Chapter 13 outlines the required qualification of personnel engaged in the packing of CTUs. The topics for consideration in a training programme are listed in annex 10.

 1.5 Standards

Throughout this Code and in its annexes and appendices, any national or regional standards are referenced for information only. Administrations may substitute other standards that are considered equivalent.