This part of ISO 1496 specifies the basic specifications and testing requirements for ISO series 1 freight containers of the totally enclosed general purpose types and certain specific purpose types (closed, vented, ventilated or open top) which are suitable for international exchange and for conveyance by road, rail and sea, including interchange between these forms of transport.

This part of ISO 1496 does not cover ventilation arrangements, either vented or ventilated.

The marking requirements for these containers are given in ISO 6346.