GSF is working to raise awareness of the need for high standards in the packing of goods in freight containers, and other transport units.

It is the responsibility of those who pack goods into containers to ensure they are adequately secured and restrained, that the weight is distributed evenly and does not exceed the maximum permitted for that container unit.

Additional restrictions apply to the packing of goods classified as dangerous and to the packing of large, indivisible loads.

Container packers should also take precautions to avoid containers and cargoes becoming contaminated by insects and other pests that may pose a risk to native plant species in the destination country.

Recommended standards and practices for the packing of goods into containers is contained in The Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (the CTU Code) which is jointly published by three UN agencies, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

GSF is a partner in the Cargo Integrity Group that has published guidance and advice on the safe packing of goods in cargo transport units.

Find out more about the Cargo Integrity Group