What is ISO 21100 about?
ISO 21100 specifies the performance and testing requirements for approved (certified) cargo
unit load devices (containers, pallets, and nets) intended to be used for cargo restraint on board civil transport aircraft.
ISO 21100 is intended to provide a uniform technical reference for air cargo unit load devices
approval. As a prerequisite, it is presupposed that the applicable general civil aviation requirements and the aircraft manufacturer’s approved Weight and Balance Manual are followed.
ISO 21100 defines the minimum performance requirements and test parameters for air cargo
unit load devices requiring approval of airworthiness for installation in an approved aircraft cargo compartment and restraint system that complies with the cargo restraint and occupant protection requirements of EASA CS-25 or 14 CFR Part 25, except for the 9,0 g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561(b) (3) (ii).
ISO 21100 applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage
on board civil transport category airplanes type certificated under EASA CS-25 or 14 CFR Part 25, or equivalent.
Note: ISO 21100 does not apply to aircraft design or aircraft operating requirements, which are provided by the approved Weight and Balance Manual for each aircraft type.
Who is ISO 21100 for?
ISO 21100 on Air cargo unit load devices is relevant to:
- Airworthiness regulatory authorities and organisations
- Aerospace manufacturers
- Air cargo manufacturers
- Civil aviation organisations
- Air cargo unit load devices Manufacturers
Why should you use ISO 21100?
Air cargo unit loads carry heavy loads every day. It is imperative that their build quality is high in order to avoid accidents.
The civil aviation requirements referred to in ISO 21100 are those concerning certification
of transport aircraft and appliances to be installed aboard them and constitute the set of design and operation requirements internationally agreed in the application of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
You will be able to manufacture internationally acceptable norms Air cargo unit load devices that are efficient and cost-effective manufactured by following the design guidelines from ISO 21100. And exclusively applies to unit load devices airworthiness approval and testing parameters.
By adopting ISO 21100, you can manufacture cargo unit load devices and have quality assurance to ensure that products are produced according to the requirements and build trust in their use throughout the Aerospace supply chain.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 21100:2020 supersedes BS ISO 21100:2014, which is withdrawn. BS ISO 21100:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to BS ISO 21100:2014. These include:
- 10.3.5, addition of pallets track test to ensure compatibility with straps restraint
- 10.4.3, addition of stiffness requirements for containers base edges
- Clause 8, ULD configurations A8, B8 and M5 use limited to lower deck containers
- Clause 8, ULD configuration Q1 change to add pallet and net applicability
- Clause 9, restraint conditions K, L, P and Q change as a result of testing experience
