What is a CSC plate, and what should I do if its validity has expired?

The CSC plate (Convention for Safe Containers) is a safety approval plate. If the "Next Examination Date" has passed, a shipping line or port may refuse to accept the container for sea transport. MyContainers can arrange an inspection and validity extension through accredited surveying companies (e.g., RINA or Russian Register).

Is a "passport" or any specific document required for a used container when purchasing in Russia?

Marine containers are not motor vehicles requiring registration with traffic authorities (like a PTS in Russia), so no such document exists. Ownership is confirmed by the Contract of Sale, Handover Act, and payment documents.

What is an EIR, and why is it so important to check it?

The EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt) is the container handover act. It schematically marks all damages (dents, cuts, rust). If you sign an EIR marked "without remarks" and a scratch is found upon return, you will be billed for the M&R repair. Always verify the actual condition against the EIR!

Does an empty container require customs clearance when entering the Russian Federation?

Yes. If the container enters as packaging for imported cargo, it is processed under a temporary admission procedure. If you are buying it as an independent commodity, full customs clearance with payment of duties and VAT is required. When purchasing from MyContainers within Russia, the container is already cleared.

What documents are required to lease a container to a legal entity?

To conclude a lease agreement, we require scanned copies of corporate documents (TIN/INN, OGRN, Charter, company details card). For foreign companies, equivalent registration documents from the country of incorporation are provided.

Can I get container documents in English?

Yes, we work with international clients and can provide the Contract, Invoice, and Acts in English (or bilingual format), simplifying interactions with foreign counterparties and banks.

Do you issue a PTI certificate for refrigerated containers?

Absolutely. For every reefer we lease or sell, we conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection and provide an official PTI Report with temperature test readings.

How can I check if a container is wanted or pledged as collateral?

We check every container by its unique BIC code (4 letters + 7 digits) against international equipment owner databases and leasing company registries before offering it to a client.

What should I do if I discover damage upon container acceptance that is not listed in the EIR?

Do not sign the act until corrections are made. Contact your MyContainers manager immediately. We will promptly update the EIR or replace the container with a similar one so you are not held liable for third-party damage.

Do you provide documents with VAT for Russian companies?

Yes. Although basic international settlements may be conducted in USD, for Russian residents, we work through authorized representatives and provide a full set of documents (UPD, VAT invoice) with separated VAT in rubles at the Central Bank of Russia exchange rate.

Is a certificate of conformity required for a marine container in Russia?

For used containers imported as packaging or acquired for internal needs (storage, transport), mandatory certification is usually not required. However, for certain types of activities or upon client request, we can assist in obtaining a voluntary certificate of conformity.

What documents confirm MyContainers' right to sell containers?

We own a portion of the fleet or act under agency agreements with major leasing companies and terminal owners. Upon request, we are ready to provide confirming documents as part of a Due Diligence procedure.

Can a container be transported without a seal?

An empty container does not necessarily need to be sealed for domestic Russian transport. However, if the container is loaded, the presence of a numbered seal, whose number is specified in the CMR, Bill of Lading, and EIR, is a strict requirement of customs and transport legislation.

How long are transaction documents retained?

In accordance with Russian legislation, primary accounting documents and contracts are stored for at least 5 years. We guarantee the provision of document copies upon client request during this period.

Who bears the risk of accidental container damage?

The risk transfers to the buyer or lessee at the moment of signing the Handover Act (EIR) at the dispatch terminal and ceases upon signing the return act or upon delivery to the final destination, as clearly stipulated in our contract.

Useful materials

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Required Documents for a Marine Container: A Guide to CSC, EIR, Customs Clearance, and Transactions

A complete list of documents for a marine container: CSC plate, EIR, invoice, purchase or lease agreement. Nuances of customs clearance and legal due diligence from MyContainers.

Required Documents for a Marine Container: A Complete Guide

A marine container is not just packaging; it is a full-fledged transport unit and a movable asset that crosses state borders. Missing or improperly executed documents can lead to cargo delays at customs, penalties from shipping lines, or disputes over ownership.

MyContainers operates strictly within the framework of Russian legislation and international regulations. We have prepared this guide so you know exactly which documents a container must have for purchase, lease, or transport, and how to verify their authenticity.

1. Technical and Regulatory Documents

These documents confirm that the container is safe and approved for international transport.

Document	What It Is	Purpose and Issuer
CSC Plate (Safety Approval Plate)	A metal plate riveted to the left door of the container.	Confirms compliance with the International Convention for Safe Containers. Contains the manufacturing date, maximum gross weight, and the date of the next inspection (usually every 5 years). Without a valid date, a port or shipping line may refuse to accept the container.
PTI Report (Pre-Trip Inspection)	A technical inspection report (especially critical for reefers).	Confirms the refrigeration unit's functionality, watertightness, and sensor calibration. Issued by a service center or supplier (MyContainers) before each voyage.
Cleanliness Certificate	A document confirming sanitary treatment.	Required for transporting food-grade cargo to confirm the absence of odors, pests, and residues from previous cargo.

2. Commercial Documents (for Purchase or Lease)

These confirm ownership or the legal right to use the equipment.

Contract of Sale or Lease Agreement: The primary legal document regulating the terms of transfer, cost, liability of the parties, and return procedures (for leases).
Invoice or Proforma Invoice: Contains a detailed description of the item (type, container number, condition), cost, and party details. Serves as the basis for payment and customs declaration (for imports).
Handover Act / Bill of Sale: Confirms the actual transfer of the container from the seller to the buyer in the agreed-upon condition.
UPD / VAT Invoice (for Russian residents): When paying in rubles, we provide a complete set of closing documents with separated VAT, allowing you to claim tax deductions.

3. Logistics and Transport Documents

These accompany the container during its movement between terminals, warehouses, and ports.

EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt): The most critical document when picking up or dropping off a container. This act records the container number, type, condition (noting all scratches, dents, and defects), and seal numbers. Important: Always carefully check the EIR upon receipt to avoid being fined for pre-existing damage.
Bill of Lading (B/L): If the container is transported by sea as cargo (e.g., when purchasing a used container from abroad), it is listed in the B/L as a separate commodity.
CMR (International Consignment Note): Used for road transport of the container (on a flatbed or car carrier) within Russia, the CIS, or Europe.
Railway Consignment Note: Used when the container is transported as part of a railway train.

4. Customs Nuances: Clearing the Container Itself

Confusion often arises here. It is important to distinguish between two scenarios:

Container as Cargo Packaging: If you are importing goods inside a container, the container itself is usually processed under a temporary admission procedure. It must be exported back within a specified period (usually up to 3 years). No additional documents are required beyond standard transport documents.
Container as an Independent Commodity (Purchase): If you are buying a container (e.g., used from China or from a depot in Russia), it is subject to full customs clearance (release for domestic consumption). Required documents include the foreign trade contract, invoice, packing list, transport documents, and a customs declaration (CD).
MyContainers Handles This: When you purchase a container from us within the Russian Federation, it has already cleared customs. You receive a "clean" container with a contract and UPD, with no need to interact with customs authorities.

5. How MyContainers Guarantees Legal Clarity and Clean Title

Buying a container "off the street" without documents carries the risk of acquiring stolen equipment or assets pledged to a leasing company.

By working with MyContainers, you receive:

International Database Checks: We verify every container by its BIC code to ensure it does not belong to major leasing companies and is not on any wanted lists.
Transparent EIR: We record all defects upon transfer, protecting you from unjustified claims.
Complete Closing Documents: Contract, handover act, invoice, UPD (for Russia) — everything is generated on the day of the transaction.
CSC Renewal Support: If the plate's validity is expiring, we organize an inspection and certificate renewal through accredited agencies.

*The information on this page does not constitute a public offer.

*MyContainers is a partner of MyWay.

Frequently Asked Questions