The stowage and securing of cargo is in a complex legal context at both European and national level. To provide clarity in this area, it is important to take into account the new European regulations EUMOS 40674:2021 and EUMOS 40607:2020, which regulate various aspects of securing and promote the harmonization of liability in the absence of a specific uniform law on this matter.
At the international level, there is a general legal framework governing the stowage and securing of goods in Europe. Some of the most relevant aspects are:
CMR Convention: The Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR), adopted in Geneva on May 19, 1956, establishes fundamental rules for the international carriage of goods by road. Although the CMR does not focus exclusively on the stowage and securing of cargo, it regulates key aspects of the carrier's and shipper's responsibility for the safety and condition of the goods during carriage.
Local, Regional or National Regulations: In addition to international regulations such as CMR, each member country of the European Union may have its own local, regional or national regulations related to road transport and cargo security. These regulations can vary significantly from country to country and often include specific requirements on stowage and securing of goods.
EUMOS 40674:2021 and EUMOS 40607:2020: These European standards are of particular importance for the stowage and securing of cargo. Through them, guidelines and requirements are established to ensure the safety of cargo during transport. EUMOS 40674:2021 focuses on the verification and certification of lashing devices, while EUMOS 40607:2020 deals with packaging and unit load. Both standards seek to promote harmonized and safe cargo securing practices.
The legal framework for cargo stowage and securing in Europe is a combination of international regulations, such as the CMR, country-specific national regulations and the European regulations EUMOS 40674:2021 and EUMOS 40607:2020. It is essential that both carriers and shippers are aware of these regulations and comply with them to ensure the safety of cargo during transport and to avoid potential legal problems. The harmonization of these regulations is an important step towards increased safety in freight transport throughout Europe.
Technical Standards
The Standards contained in Annex III of Directive 2014/47/EU of April 3, 2014, are fundamental in the field of technical roadside inspection of commercial vehicles in the European Union (EU) and play a crucial role in the safety of freight transport. These regulations, together with their transpositions in the EU member states, set technical standards to guarantee the correct securing of cargo on road vehicles and ensure that safety requirements are met. Here is a detailed description of some of the main standards mentioned:
EN 12195-1:2010 - Calculation of securing forces: This standard focuses on the calculation of the forces required to securely lash cargo on road vehicles. It provides guidelines for determining the lashing force required in various transport situations.
EN 12195-2:2001 - Lashing straps made from man-made fibers: This standard focuses on lashing straps made from man-made fibers and establishes requirements and guidelines for their safe use. It defines specific characteristics and quality standards for these tapes.
EN 12195-3:2001 - Load securing chains: This standard applies to chains used for securing loads on road vehicles. It establishes requirements for restraint chains, ensuring their strength and durability.
EN 12195-4:2003 - Steel wire ropes: This standard addresses steel wire ropes and defines the technical specifications and requirements to ensure their effectiveness in securing loads.
EN 12640:2019 - Lashing points for load securing: This standard focuses on lashing points used in intermodal loading units and commercial vehicles. It establishes minimum requirements and performs tests to verify their strength.
EN 12642:2016 - Body structure of commercial vehicles: This standard relates to the securing of cargo on road vehicles and establishes the minimum requirements for the body structure of these vehicles, ensuring their ability to safely support and secure loads.
ISO 1161:2016 - Intermediate corner fittings for freight containers: This international standard establishes specifications for intermediate corner fittings used in series 1 freight containers, ensuring their strength and quality.
ISO 1496 - Minimum requirements and tests for series 1 freight containers: These ISO series standards establish minimum requirements and test procedures for freight containers used in the transport of goods.
EN 283:1991 - Mobile bodies - Tests: This standard applies to mobile bodies used in the transport of goods. It defines test procedures to evaluate their performance and safety.
EN 12641-1:2019 and EN 12641-2:2019 - Tarpaulins for commercial vehicles: These standards establish minimum requirements for tarpaulins used on intermodal loading units and commercial vehicles. They focus on the safety and quality of tarpaulins.
EUMOS 40511:2013 - Test method for mounted posts: This EUMOS standard relates to mounted posts used to secure cargo on commercial vehicles. It provides a test method to evaluate their effectiveness and strength.
EUMOS 40509:2020 - Test method for unit load stiffness: This EUMOS standard establishes a test method for measuring unit load stiffness, which helps to ensure load stability during transport.
Technical standards play a vital role in the safety of freight transport in the European Union by setting precise standards and requirements for the securing of cargo, the quality of the devices used and the strength of lashing points. Compliance with these standards is essential to ensure that loads are transported safely and that the risk of accidents on the road is minimized.
For further information or queries, please contact the Forankra team.
