Containers for Import/Export and International Trade
Discover our shipping container solutions dedicated to international trade, customs logistics and export. The universal format with National Conteneur.
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Logistics and storage for import/export
International trade relies on the shipping container. It is the universal format for global transport. Whether you are exporting machinery to Africa or importing textiles from Asia, the container is your main logistics tool. National Conteneur offers you the full range — Dry, Reefer, Flat Rack, Open Top — to cover all your import/export needs.
- €800BnValue of French goods trade in 2023
- < 48 hStandard turnaround time for a container in transit
- > 95 %Global goods transported in standardized ISO containers
- 3.1 MJobs linked to foreign trade in France
Container uses in import/export
From customs transit to shipping oversized machinery, import-export operations require specific container formats, CSC-validated and compliant with international phytosanitary requirements. National Conteneur supports traders, freight forwarders and shippers with units available quickly, regardless of destination.
Industry constraints
How containers meet the requirements of international trade
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Universal ISO standardization
The ISO 668 shipping container format is the only standard accepted in every port in the world. Your goods move without any repackaging from the departure dock to the arrival dock. This total intermodality is the key to competitive international logistics.
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Type versatility
Whether it's dry, refrigerated, liquid, oversized or hazardous goods, there is a suitable container type. Dry, Reefer, Flat Rack, Open Top, Tank — our range covers all international trade needs.
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Customs compliance
Our containers are fitted with the mandatory CSC plates for sea transport and high-security ISO 17712 seals for customs integrity. The ISPM 15 phytosanitary certificate for the wooden floor is provided for countries that require it.
The most commonly used container types in import/export
The 40ft High Cube stands out as the reference for maximizing loadable volume on long-distance routes, while the Reefer and Flat Rack cover flows with thermal constraints or oversized cargo. These three formats share ISO 668 standardization, which guarantees their compatibility with port terminals and road carriers worldwide.
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40ft High Cube Dry container
The 40ft High Cube offers an interior volume of 76 m³, 10 cm taller than a standard container. It is ideal for bulky, lightweight manufactured products. It is the reference container for exports of furniture, textiles, appliances and industrial equipment.
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Reefer container
This refrigerated container is a giant fridge connected to the vessel's electrical network. It maintains a precise temperature between -30°C and +30°C for fresh, frozen, pharmaceutical or chemical products. Essential for agri-food exports and the international cold chain.
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Flat rack container
This container has neither a roof nor side walls. Its ultra-reinforced steel platform supports oversized loads (machinery, vehicles, industrial equipment). Parts are securely strapped to the thick wooden floor. It is loaded from the side using port handling equipment.
Standards
Customs standards and regulations to comply with
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The CSC plate
The International Convention for Safe Containers requires that any container loaded onto a merchant vessel be certified and periodically inspected. The CSC plate fixed to the container shows the date of the last inspection and the maximum authorized stacking load.
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The ISO 668 standard
It defines the exact, universal dimensions of shipping containers (20, 40 and 45 ft). This standardization guarantees total interoperability with all ships, port terminals, rail wagons and road trailers worldwide.
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The ISO 17712 standard (seals)
It defines the specifications for the high-security seals used to seal containers in customs transit. Only ISO 17712-compliant seals are accepted by customs authorities to guarantee the integrity of the cargo throughout its international journey.
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The ISPM 15 phytosanitary certificate
Many countries (United States, Australia, Canada, China) require the wooden floor of containers to be heat-treated to eliminate pests. The ISPM 15 certificate attests to this treatment and is mandatory for customs clearance in these destinations.
FAQ
FAQ: your questions about containers for import/export
Find answers to the most common questions about our containers and services.
Do you need to buy a new container to export?
No, it is not mandatory. A used container in good condition with a Cargo Worthy (CW) certificate and a valid CSC plate is perfectly suitable for export. CW certification confirms that the container is watertight and structurally sound. It is the most economical option for starting your export business.
How do I choose between a 20 ft and a 40 ft container?
The choice depends on the weight/volume ratio of your goods. For heavy, dense products (machinery, minerals, liquids), choose the 20 ft: you reach the weight limit before filling the volume. For light, bulky products (textiles, furniture, appliances), the 40 ft optimizes space and reduces the cost per m³.
What is an SOC container and why buy one?
An SOC (Shipper Owned Container) is a container that you own, as opposed to a COC (Carrier Owned Container) leased from the shipping line. Owning your own container avoids demurrage fees (penalties for exceeding the return deadline to the shipping line), which can reach several hundred euros per day. This is particularly advantageous if you export regularly to distant destinations.
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