ISO 19281:2025

Overview

ISO 19281:2025 - Air cargo - Fire-resistant containers - Design, performance and testing requirements specifies minimum design, performance and test methods for passive fire‑resistant containers (FRCs) used in civil transport aircraft cargo compartments. The standard covers fully enclosed unit load devices (ULDs) that are intended to contain a cargo fire for a rated duration. It does not cover fire detection or active suppression systems. ISO 19281:2025 is the second edition (revising the 2016 edition) and is intended to support airworthiness approval of FRC type designs and their safe use in aircraft cargo compartments.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions - Clear definitions for FRC, fire containment and related ULD terminology.
• General requirements (Clause 4) - Approval and airworthiness responsibilities; construction and materials; dimensional/contour limits for aircraft compatibility; weight, environment and maintenance considerations.
• Materials and construction - Containers must be built of materials that meet the fire resistance requirements specified in the standard and comply with related ULD design criteria.
• Performance and testing (Clause 5) - Component- and full‑scale testing requirements, including:
  • Container body and base tests
  • 45° angle test
  • Accessories evaluation
  • Environmental testing
  • FRC assembly and full-scale fire tests
  • Allowable damage limits and data collection/preservation requirements
• Operational and marking requirements - Markings, manufacturer instructions and operator requirements (training, handling and inspection) are specified to ensure safe in-service use.
• Annex A - Thermocouple locations and instrumentation guidance for full‑scale tests.

Practical applications and users

ISO 19281:2025 is used to:

• Guide ULD and FRC manufacturers in designing and certifying fire‑resistant containers for air cargo.
• Support airworthiness authorities and certification bodies when evaluating FRC conformity and approvals.
• Inform airlines, cargo operators and ground handling organizations on inspection, maintenance and operational requirements for FRCs.
• Assist safety engineers and regulatory compliance teams in integrating passive fire containment solutions into cargo fire protection strategies.

Keywords: ISO 19281:2025, fire-resistant containers, FRC, air cargo, ULD, cargo fire containment, design performance testing, airworthiness.

Related standards

Relevant normative references include:

• ISO 21100, ISO 8097, ISO 10327 (ULD/container design and testing)
• ISO 14186 (fire containment covers)
• ISO 10046 (cargo volumes), ISO 10254 (vocabulary), ISO 11242 (pressure equalization)
• ISO 877-1, ISO 4892 series (material exposure/testing)