ISO 19281-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Air cargo — Fire resistant containers — Design, performance and testing requirements. This International Standard specifies minimum design, performance and test criteria for passive fire‑resistant containers (FRCs) intended for carriage on the main deck of civil transport aircraft to improve fire containment and safety of unitized cargo shipments.

Abstract

ISO 19281:2016 sets out the minimum design and performance criteria and the testing methods for passive fire‑resistant containers (FRCs) used to contain and restrain unitized cargo for loading into main‑deck cargo compartments (Classes B, E and F). It covers fire containment performance and related flammability requirements but does not specify requirements for fire detection or suppression systems; it assumes correct manufacture, installation and operational procedures by competent personnel.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (Edition 1, 2016) — revised and replaced by ISO 19281:2025.
• Publication date: February 2016 (Edition 1, 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 55.180.30 — Air mode containers, pallets and nets.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 20 pages.

Scope

Defines minimum design and performance criteria and test methods for passive fire‑resistant containers used on civil transport aircraft main decks. Intended for use where FRCs are a means to comply with airworthiness regulations or voluntarily to improve cargo‑compartment fire protection. The standard applies to containers intended for Class B, E and F main‑deck cargo compartments and excludes active fire detection or suppression system requirements. It also highlights the need for proper manufacture, installation, inspection and competent personnel for safe use.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum design criteria for FRC construction and structural integrity.
• Performance requirements for fire containment duration and flammability limits.
• Prescribed test methods — component and full‑scale fire resistance testing and environmental durability checks where applicable.
• Applicability to aircraft main‑deck cargo compartment classes (B, E, F) and limitations for lower‑deck use.
• Marking, documentation, operator instructions, installation and maintenance guidance.
• Requirement that FRCs are passive devices — standard does not set requirements for onboard detection or suppression systems inside the container.

Typical use and users

Used by air‑cargo container (FRC) designers and manufacturers to develop compliant products; by airlines and cargo operators for procurement and operational guidance; by regulatory and certification authorities assessing airworthiness approvals; and by safety engineers, ground‑handling and maintenance personnel involved in installation, inspection and handling of fire‑resistant containers.

Related standards

Standards in the same ISO/TC 20/SC 9 family and other air‑cargo equipment standards are related, for example ISO 10327 (main deck containers — design and testing) and other air cargo equipment/ULD standards; ISO 19281:2016 has been superseded by ISO 19281:2025 (Edition 2). Users should consult the current ISO 19281:2025 text and adjacent ISO/TC 20/SC 9 publications for up‑to‑date normative references.

Keywords

fire resistant container, FRC, air cargo, main‑deck container, fire containment, test methods, aircraft cargo safety, ULD, airworthiness, ISO 19281

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 19281:2016 is an International Standard that specified design, performance and testing requirements for passive fire‑resistant containers used on aircraft main decks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covered minimum design criteria, flammability and fire containment performance, and prescribed test methods for FRCs intended for Class B, E and F main‑deck cargo compartments. It did not set requirements for fire detection or suppression systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Container and ULD manufacturers, aircraft operators and air‑cargo handlers, certification bodies and safety/regulatory authorities, and engineers responsible for cargo system safety and certification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 19281:2016 has been withdrawn and superseded by ISO 19281:2025 (Edition 2, published May 2025). For current requirements and the latest test methods, consult ISO 19281:2025.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It forms part of the ISO/TC 20/SC 9 body of standards addressing air cargo containers, pallets and related equipment; related standards include main deck container and ULD design/testing standards such as ISO 10327 and other air‑cargo equipment standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Fire resistant container, FRC, air cargo, ULD, fire containment, fire testing, main‑deck container, airworthiness, ISO 19281.