BIC (Bureau International des Containers)

This international non-governmental organization based in Paris oversees standards for intermodal containers.

Founded in 1933, BIC is responsible for promoting security, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and standardization of the container supply chain. BIC sets containerization standards for sizes, codes, markings, and other aspects for efficiency and global uniformity. It also oversees the international promotion and management of container registration, identification, and data exchange standards. The organization generates a unique code for each entity, operator, or party to identify globally transported containers. The codes are also vital for communication and data exchange in logistics and shipping.