ISO 9897:1997

Overview

ISO 9897:1997 defines the Container Equipment Data Exchange (CEDEX) general communication codes used in freight container transactions. The standard specifies alphabetic and alphanumeric code sets for commonly exchanged data elements (damage, component, repair, location, material, responsibility, etc.), enabling concise, machine‑readable messages for electronic and manual communication among carriers, repairers and logistics partners.

Key topics and technical requirements

• CEDEX code sets and annexes: The standard contains multiple code lists (Annexes A–M) covering message types, structural & repair condition, damage location and type, material type, repair type, dimensions/units, responsibility, party identification, container and chassis components, and an alphabetical index of CEDEX codes.
• Mandatory code assignment: CEDEX codes in the standard are obligatory for interoperable use; operators must not unilaterally alter or introduce codes without registration. Two trading partners may temporarily agree alternative codes but are encouraged to register them.
• Damage location coding convention: A structured 4‑character location code locates damage from whole container face to small sections:
  • First character: face/type (e.g., L = left side, D = door end, T = roof, X = whole unit).
  • Second character: part/area on that face (e.g., T = top half, B = bottom half); special assemblies use dedicated codes for reefers, gensets, tanks.
  • Third/fourth characters: section numbers (or X/N) to indicate exact section(s) or full face coverage. Grid sizing examples: 1200×1200 mm for 20/40 ft faces, 600×600 mm for 10 ft, 900×900 mm for 30 ft.
• EDIFACT alignment: Annex A defines message types and maps to UN/EDIFACT codes for EDI transmissions; EDIFACT message codes are treated as obligatory for electronic interchange.
• Registration authority: The International Intermodal Repairers (IIR) acts as Registration Authority for CEDEX data elements and code updates.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses ISO 9897: shipping lines, container lessors, repair shops, terminal operators, intermodal transport providers, insurers, claims handlers and software vendors building EDI/maintenance systems.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces message length, transmission time and communication cost by replacing plain language with standard codes.
  • Enables automated processing, standardized damage reporting, repair authorization, inventory and maintenance tracking.
  • Provides consistent location and component identification across organizations and EDI platforms.

Related standards

• ISO 3166 (country codes)
• ISO 6346 (container coding, identification and marking)
• UN/EDIFACT (EDI message standards)

Keywords: ISO 9897, CEDEX, container equipment data exchange, container damage codes, container communication codes, freight containers, EDIFACT, container repair, damage location coding, intermodal repairers (IIR).