Appendix ANNEX 7 REGARDING APPROVAL OF CONTAINERS
United Kingdom
PART I
REGULATIONS ON TECHNICAL CONDITIONS APPLICABLE TO CONTAINERS WHICH MAY BE ACCEPTED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT UNDER CUSTOMS SEAL
Basic principles
Approval for the international transport of goods under Customs seal may be granted only to containers constructed and equipped in such a manner that:
- (a)
no goods can be removed from, or introduced into, the sealed part of the container without leaving visible traces of tampering or without breaking the Customs seal;
- (b)
Customs seals can be simply and effectively affixed to them;
- (c)
they contain no concealed spaces where goods may be hidden;
- (d)
all spaces capable of holding goods are readily accessible for Customs inspection.
Structure of containers
To meet the requirements of Article 1 of these Regulations:
the constituent parts of the container (sides, floor, doors, roof, uprights, frames, cross-pieces, etc.) shall be assembled either by means of devices which cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving visible traces or by such methods as will produce a structure which cannot be modified without leaving visible traces. When the sides, floor, doors and roof are made up of various components, these shall meet the same requirements and be of sufficient strength;
doors and all other closing systems (including stopcocks, manhole-covers, flanges, etc.) shall be fitted with a device on which Customs seals can be fixed. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from outside the container without leaving visible traces, or the door or fastening be opened without breaking the Customs seals. The latter shall be adequately protected. Opening roofs shall be permitted;
apertures for ventilation and drainage shall be provided with a device preventing access to the interior of the container. This device must be such that it cannot be removed and replaced from outside the container without leaving visible traces.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 1(c) of these Regulations, constituent parts of the container which, for practical reasons, have to include empty spaces (for example, between the partitions of a double wall) shall be permitted. In order that the said spaces cannot be used to conceal goods:
- (i)
where it covers the full height from floor to roof, or, in other cases, where the space between it and the outer wall is completely enclosed, the lining inside the container shall be so fitted that it cannot be removed and replaced without leaving obvious traces, and
- (ii)
where a lining is of less than full height and the spaces between the lining and the outer wall are not completely enclosed, and in all other cases where spaces occur in the construction of a container, the number of such spaces shall be kept to a minimum and these spaces shall be readily accessible for Customs inspection.
Windows shall be allowed in demountable bodies as defined in Annex 6, Explanatory Note 0.1(j) of the Convention, provided that they are made of materials of sufficient strength and that they cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces. Glass may nevertheless be permitted, but if glass other than safety glass is used, the windows shall be fitted with a fixed metal grille which cannot be removed from the outside; the mesh of the grille shall not exceed 10 mm. Windows shall not be allowed in containers as defined in Article 1(j) of the Convention other than in demountable bodies as defined in Annex 6, Explanatory Note 0.1(j) of the Convention.
Containers capable of being folded or dismantled
Containers capable of being folded or dismantled shall be subject to the provisions of Articles 1 and 2 of these Regulations; in addition, they shall be fitted with a bolting system which locks the various parts together once the container has been erected. This bolting system must be capable of being sealed by the Customs if it is on the outside of the container when the latter has been erected.
Sheeted containers
Where applicable, the provisions of Articles 1, 2 and 3 of these Regulations shall apply to sheeted containers. In addition, these containers shall conform to the provisions of this Article.
The sheet shall be either of strong canvas or of plastic-covered or rubberised cloth, which shall be of sufficient strength and unstretchable. It shall be in good condition and made up in such a way that once the closing device has been secured, it is impossible to gain access to the load without leaving visible traces.
If the sheet is made up of several pieces, their edges shall be folded into one another and sewn together with two seams at least 15 mm apart. These seams shall be made as shown in sketch No 1 appended to these Regulations; however, where in the case of certain parts of the sheet (such as flaps and reinforced corners) it is not possible to assemble the pieces in that way, it shall be sufficient to fold the edge of the top section and make the seams as shown in sketch No 2 appended to these Regulations. One of the seams shall be visible only from the inside and the colour of the thread used for that seam shall be clearly different from the colour of the sheet itself and from the colour of the thread used for the other seam. All seams shall be machine-sewn.
If the sheet is of plastic-covered cloth, and is made up of several pieces, the pieces may alternatively be welded together in the manner shown in sketch No 3 appended to these Regulations. The edges of the pieces shall overlap by at least 15 mm. The pieces shall be fused together over the whole width of the overlap. The edge of the outer sheet shall be covered with a band of plastic material at least 7 mm wide, affixed by the same welding process. The plastic band and a width of at least 3 mm on each side shall have a well-marked uniform relief stamped on it. The pieces shall be welded in such a way that they cannot be separated and rejoined without leaving visible traces.
Repairs shall be made in accordance with the method described in sketch No 4 appended to these Regulations; the edges shall be folded into one another and sewn together with two visible seams at least 15 mm apart; the colour of the thread visible from the inside shall be different from that of the thread visible from the outside and from that of the sheet itself; all seams shall be machine-sewn. When a sheet which has been damaged near the edges is repaired by replacing the damaged part by a patch, the seam can also be made in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 3 of this Article and sketch No 1 appended to these Regulations. Sheets of plastic-covered cloth may alternatively be repaired in accordance with the method described in paragraph 4 of this Article, but in that case the plastic band must be affixed to both sides of the sheet, the patch being fitted on the inside of the sheet.
The sheet shall be fixed to the container in strict compliance with the conditions set forth in Article 1(a) and (b) of these Regulations. The following systems can be used:
The sheet can be secured by:
- (i)
metal rings fixed to the containers;
- (ii)
eyelets let into the edge of the sheet, and
- (iii)
a fastening passing through the rings above the sheet and visible from the outside for its entire length.
The sheet shall overlap solid parts of the container by at least 250 mm, measured from the centre of the securing rings, unless the system of construction of the container by itself prevents all access to the goods.
When any edge of a sheet is to be permanently secured to a container, the two surfaces shall be joined together without a break and shall be held in place by strong devices.
When a sheet locking system is used, it shall in locked position join the sheet tightly to the outside of the container (as an example, see sketch No 6 appended to these Regulations).
The sheet shall be supported by an adequate superstructure (uprights, sides, arches, slats, etc.).
The spaces between the rings and the spaces between the eyelets shall not exceed 200 mm. The spaces may however be greater but shall not exceed 300 mm between rings and eyelets on either side of the upright if the construction of the container and the sheet is such as to prevent all access to the interior of the container. The eyelets shall be reinforced.
The following fastenings shall be used:
steel wire rope of at least 3 mm diameter; or
ropes of hemp or sisal of at least 8 mm diameter encased in a transparent sheath unstretchable plastic; or
ropes consisting of batches of fibre-optic lines inside a spirally wound steel housing encased in a transparent sheath of unstretchable plastic; or
ropes comprising a textile cord surrounded by at least four strands consisting solely of steel wire and completely covering the core, under the condition that the ropes (without taking into account the transparent sheath, if any) are not less than 3 mm in diameter.
Ropes in accordance with paragraph 9(a) or (d) of this Article may have a transparent sheath of unstretchable plastic.
In cases where the sheet has to be fixed to the frame in a system of construction which otherwise complies with the provisions of paragraph 6(a) of this Article, a thong can be used as fastening (an example of such a system of construction is given in sketch No 7 appended to this Annex). The thong has to comply with the requirements stipulated in paragraph 11(a)(iii) with regard to material, dimensions and shape.
Each type of rope shall be in one piece and have a hard metal end-piece at each end. Each metal end-piece shall allow the introduction of the thread or strap of the Customs seal. The fastener of each metal end-piece of ropes in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9(a), (b) and (d) of this Article shall include a hollow rivet passing through the rope so as to allow the introduction of the thread or strap of the Customs seal. The rope shall remain visible on either side of the hollow rivet so that it is possible to ensure that the rope is in one piece (see sketch No 5 appended to these Regulations).
At the openings in the sheet, used for loading and unloading, the two surfaces shall be joined together. The following systems can be used:
The two edges of the sheet shall have an adequate overlap. They shall also be fastened by:
- (i)
a flap sewn or welded in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article;
- (ii)
rings and eyelets meeting the conditions of paragraph 8 of this Article, the rings shall be manufactured of metal; and
- (iii)
a thong made of appropriate material, in one piece and unstretchable, at least 20 mm wide and 3 mm thick, passing through the rings and holding together the two edges of the sheet and the flap; the thong shall be secured inside the sheet and fitted either with:
-
an eyelet to take the rope mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Article or,
-
an eyelet which can be attached to a metal ring mentioned in paragraph 6 of this Article and be secured by the rope mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Article.
-
A flap shall not be required if a special device, such as a baffle plate, is fitted, which prevents access to the container without leaving obvious traces. Neither shall a flap be required for containers with sliding sheets.
A special locking system holding the edges of the sheet tightly locked when the container is closed and sealed. The system shall be provided with an opening through which a metal ring mentioned in paragraph 6 of this Article can pass and be secured by the rope mentioned in paragraph 9 of this Article. Such a system is described in sketch No 8 appended to this Annex.
The identification marks, which must appear on the container, and the approval plate provided for in Part II of this Annex, shall in no circumstances be covered by the sheet.
Containers with sliding sheets
- 1..
Where applicable, the provisions of Articles 1, 2, 3 and 4 of these Regulations shall apply to containers with sliding sheets. In addition, these containers shall conform to the provisions of this Article.
- 2..
The sliding sheets, floor, doors and all other constituent parts of the container shall fulfil either the requirements in Article 4, paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 11 of these Regulations or the requirements set out in (i) to (vi) below.
- (i)
F1The sliding sheets, floor, doors and all other constituent parts of the container shall be assembled either by means of devices which cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces, or by such methods as will produce a structure which cannot be modified without leaving obvious traces.
- (ii)
The sheet shall overlap the solid parts at the top of the container by at least 1/4 of the actual distance between the tensioning straps. The sheet shall overlap the solid parts at the bottom of the container by at least 50 mm. The horizontal opening between the sheet and the solid parts of the container may not exceed 10 mm measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container at any place when the container is secured and sealed for Customs purposes.
- (iii)
The sliding sheet guidance, sliding sheet tension devices and other movable parts shall be assembled in such a way that when closed, and Customs sealed, doors and other movable parts cannot be opened or closed from the outside without leaving obvious traces. The sliding sheet guidance, sliding sheet tension devices and other movable parts shall be assembled in such a way that it is impossible to gain access to the container without leaving obvious traces once the closing devices has been secured. An example of such a system of construction is given in sketch No 9 appended to these Regulations.
- (iv)
The horizontal distance between the rings, used for Customs purposes, on the solid parts of the container shall not exceed 200 mm. The space may, however, be greater but shall not exceed 300 mm between the rings on either side of the upright if the construction of the container and the sheets is such as preventing all access to the container. In any case, the conditions laid down in (ii) above shall be complied with.
- (v)
The distance between the tensioning straps shall not exceed 600 mm.
- (vi)
The fastenings used to secure the sheets to the solid parts of the container shall fulfil the requirements in Article 4, paragraph 9 of these Regulations.
- (i)
F2Containers with a sheeted sliding roof
Where applicable, the provisions of Articles 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of these Regulations shall apply to containers with a sheeted sliding roof. In addition, these containers shall conform to the provisions of this Article.
The sheeted sliding roof shall fulfil the requirements set out in (i) to (iii) below.
- (i)
The sheeted sliding roof shall be assembled either by means of devices which cannot be removed and replaced from the outside without leaving obvious traces, or by such methods as will produce a structure which cannot be modified without leaving obvious traces.
- (ii)
The sliding roof sheet shall overlap with the solid part of the roof at the front side of the container, so that the roof sheet cannot be pulled over the top edge of the upper cantrail. In the length of the container, at both sides, in the hem of the roof sheet, a pre-stressed steel cable shall be inserted in such a way that it cannot be removed and re-inserted without leaving obvious traces. The roof sheet shall be secured to the sliding carriage in such a way that it cannot be removed and re-secured without leaving obvious traces.
- (iii)
The sliding roof guidance, the sliding roof tension devices and other movable parts shall be assembled in such a way that when closed, and Customs sealed, doors, roof and other movable parts cannot be opened or closed from the outside without leaving obvious traces. The sliding roof guidance, sliding roof tension devices and other movable parts shall be assembled in such a way that it is impossible to gain access to the container without leaving obvious traces once the closing devices have been secured.
An example of a possible system of construction is shown in sketch No 10, appended to these Regulations.
Sketch No 1
SHEETS MADE OF SEVERAL PIECES
Sketch No 2
SHEET MADE OF SEVERAL PIECES
Sketch No 3
SHEET MADE OF SEVERAL PIECES
Sketch No 4
REPAIR OF THE SHEET
Sketch No 5
SPECIMEN OF END-PIECE
Sketch No 6
EXAMPLE OF SHEET LOCKING SYSTEM
Sketch No 7
EXAMPLE OF SHEETS FIXED TO SPECIAL-SHAPED FRAMES
Sketch No 8
SHEET LOCKING SYSTEM AT OPENINGS FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING
Sketch No 9
EXAMPLE OF A CONSTRUCTION OF A CONTAINER WITH SLIDING SHEETS
Sketch No 9 continued:
Sketch No 9 continued:
Sketch No 10
EXAMPLE OF A CONSTRUCTION OF A CONTAINER WITH A SHEETED SLIDING ROOF
Sketch No 10 continued:
Sketch No 10 continued:
PART II
PROCEDURES FOR THE APPROVAL OF CONTAINERS COMPLYING WITH THE TECHNICAL CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED IN PART I
General
1.
Containers may be approved for the transport of goods under Customs seal either:
- (a)
at the manufacturing stage, by design type (procedure for approval at the manufacturing stage); or
- (b)
at a stage subsequent to manufacture, either individually or in respect of a specified number of containers of the same type (procedure for approval at a stage subsequent to manufacture).
Provisions common to both approval procedures
2.
The competent authority responsible for granting approval shall issue to the applicant, after approval, a Certificate of Approval valid, as the case may be, either for an unlimited series of containers of the approved type or for a specified number of containers.
3.
The beneficiary of approval shall affix an approval plate to the approved container or containers before their use for the transport of goods under Customs seal.
4.
The approval plate shall be affixed permanently and in a clearly visible place adjacent to any other approval plate issued for official purposes.
5.
The approval plate, conforming to model No I reproduced in Appendix 1 to this Part, shall take the form of a metal plate measuring not less than 20 cm by 10 cm. The following particulars shall be stamped into or embossed on the plate or indicated on its surface in any other permanent and legible way, in at least the English or the French language:
- (a)
the words ‘Approved for transport under Customs seal’;
- (b)
an indication of the country in which approval was granted either by name or by means of the distinguishing sign used to indicate the country of registration of motor vehicles in international road traffic, and the number (figures, letters, etc.) of the Certificate of Approval and the year (e.g. ‘NL/26/73’ means ‘Netherlands, Certificate of Approval No 26, issued in 1973’);
- (c)
the serial number assigned to the container by the manufacturer (manufacturer's number);
- (d)
if the container has been approved by type, the identification numbers or letters of the type of container.
6.
If a container no longer complies with the technical conditions prescribed for its approval, it shall, before it can be used for the transport of goods under Customs seal, be restored to the condition which had justified its approval, so as to comply again with the said technical conditions.
7.
If the essential characteristics of a container are changed, the container shall cease to be covered by the approval and shall be re-approved by the competent authority before it can be used for the transport of goods under Customs seal.
Special provisions for approval by design type at the manufacturing stage
8.
Where the containers are manufactured by type series, the manufacturer may apply to the competent authority of the country of manufacture for approval by design type.
9.
The manufacturer shall state in his application the identification numbers or letters which he assigns to the type of container to which his application for approval relates.
10.
The application shall be accompanied by drawings and a detailed design specification of the container type to be approved.
11.
The manufacturer shall give an undertaking in writing that he will:
- (a)
produce to the competent authority such containers of the type concerned as that authority may wish to examine;
- (b)
permit the competent authority to examine further units at any time during the production of the type series concerned;
- (c)
advise the competent authorities of any change, of whatever magnitude, in the design or specification before proceeding with such change;
- (d)
mark the containers in a visible place with, in addition to the markings required on the approval plate, the identification numbers or letters of the design type and the serial number of the container in the type series (manufacturer's number);
- (e)
keep a record of containers manufactured to the approved design type.
12.
The competent authority shall state what changes, if any, must be made to the proposed design type so that approval may be granted.
13.
No type-approval by design type shall be granted unless the competent authority has satisfied itself by examination of one or more containers manufactured to the design type concerned that containers of that type comply with the technical conditions prescribed in Part I.
14.
When a container type is approved there shall be issued to the applicant a single Certificate of Approval conforming to model No II reproduced in appendix 2 to this Part and valid for all containers manufactured in conformity with the specifications of the type so approved. Such Certificate shall entitle the manufacturer to affix to every container of the type series an approval plate in the form prescribed in paragraph 5 of this Part.
Special provisions for approval at a stage subsequent to manufacture
15.
If approval has not been applied for at the manufacturing stage, the owner, the operator, or the representative of either, may apply for approval to the competent authority to which he is able to produce the container or containers and for which he seeks approval.
16.
An application for approval submitted under paragraph 15 of this Part shall state the serial number (manufacturer's number) placed on each container by the manufacturer.
17.
When the competent authority has ascertained that the container or containers comply with the technical conditions prescribed in Part I, by examination of as many containers as it considers necessary, it shall issue a Certificate of Approval conforming to model No III reproduced in Appendix 3 to this Part and valid solely for the number of containers approved. Such Certificate, which shall bear the manufacturer's serial number or numbers assigned to the container or containers to which it relates, shall entitle the applicant to affix to each container so approved the approval plate prescribed in paragraph 5 of this Part.
Appendix 1
Model No I
Approval plate
(English version)
Model No I
Approval plate
(French version)
Appendix 2
Model No II
IMPORTANT NOTICE
(Annex 7, Part II, paragraphs 6 and 7 to the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, 1975)
Appendix 3
Model No III
IMPORTANT NOTICE
(Annex 7, Part II, paragraphs 6 and 7, to the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under Cover of TIR Carnets, 1975)
PART III
EXPLANATORY NOTES
The Explanatory Notes to Annex 2 set out in Annex 6 to this Convention apply mutatis mutandis to containers approved for transport under Customs seal in accordance with this Convention.
7.I.4.6(a) Part I, Article 4, paragraph 6(a)
Example of a system of affixing sheets around containers' corner-castings, acceptable from Customs point of view, is given in the sketch appended to Annex 7, Part III.
7.II.5(d) Part II — paragraph 5(d)
If two sheeted containers, approved for transport under Customs seals have been joined together in such a way that they form one container, covered by a single sheet and fulfilling the conditions for transport under Customs seal, a separate Certificate of Approval, or approval plate, shall not be required for the combination.
DEVICE FOR AFFIXING SHEETS AROUND CONTAINERS' CORNER CASTINGS
