ISO 21100-2020 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 21100-2020 — Air cargo unit load devices — Performance requirements and test parameters. Specifies minimum performance, airworthiness approval requirements and test parameters for air cargo pallets, nets and containers (unit load devices, ULDs) intended for carriage on civil transport category aircraft.

Abstract

This standard defines minimum requirements and test parameters for airworthiness approval of air cargo unit load devices (pallets, nets and containers). It is intended as a uniform technical reference for ULD approval and is used alongside applicable civil aviation requirements and aircraft weight-and-balance documentation. The document focuses exclusively on ULD airworthiness approval and testing parameters and does not cover aircraft design or operational requirements.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (edition 2, 2020).
• Publication date: June 2020.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.100, 49.120 (aircraft and cargo equipment categories).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2020).
• Number of pages: 46 (edition 2, 2020).

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are recorded in the ISO catalogue and associated standards registries.

Scope

Applies to airworthiness‑approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage on civil transport category aeroplanes type‑certificated under EASA CS‑25, 14 CFR Part 25 (or equivalent). Establishes minimum ULD performance requirements and test parameters for installation in approved aircraft cargo compartments and restraint systems; excludes aircraft design and general operating requirements and other ULD design/use guidance covered by other standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum structural performance and load‑handling criteria for ULDs (pallets, nets, containers).
• Test parameters and acceptance criteria for airworthiness approval of ULDs.
• Requirements for compatibility with aircraft cargo compartment restraint systems and weight‑and‑balance practices.
• Limitations and exclusions (e.g., aircraft design, covers, certain design specifications addressed in other documents).
• Reference to related civil aviation crash/occupant protection requirements (EASA CS‑25, 14 CFR Part 25).

Typical use and users

Used by ULD manufacturers, aircraft certification and design engineers, civil aviation authorities, maintenance and safety organisations, and test laboratories involved in ULD airworthiness approval, certification and conformity assessment.

Related standards

Replaces earlier editions and is itself revised by ISO 21100:2025 (new edition published after 2020). Other related documents include standards and specifications for ULD design, in‑service damage limits, test methods and load distribution models (see bibliography in the standard for full list).

Keywords

air cargo, unit load device, ULD, pallet, container, net, airworthiness, test parameters, performance requirements, aircraft cargo, certification, EASA CS‑25, 14 CFR Part 25

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21100:2020 is an international standard that specifies minimum performance requirements and test parameters for air cargo unit load devices (ULDs) such as pallets, nets and containers, for the purpose of airworthiness approval.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers structural performance criteria, test parameters and acceptance criteria for ULDs intended to be carried on civil transport category aircraft; it does not cover aircraft design or operational procedures and omits certain ULD design/detail topics addressed in other standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: ULD manufacturers, aircraft certification authorities, test laboratories, maintenance organisations and safety/airworthiness personnel involved in certifying and approving ULDs for air transport.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2020 edition is recorded as withdrawn in the ISO lifecycle and has been revised by ISO 21100:2025 (newer edition published). Users should refer to the 2025 edition for the current requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO/TC 20/SC 9 work on aircraft ground and cargo equipment; related ULD and cargo handling topics are covered by other ISO documents and national aerospace specifications referenced in the standard's bibliography.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Air cargo, ULD, pallet, container, net, airworthiness, performance, test parameters, certification, cargo restraint.