BS EN 12640 is the recognised European standard that defines how lashing points on commercial vehicles must be designed, constructed and positioned. Its purpose is to ensure that lashing points provide consistent, reliable performance when securing loads during road transport.
"The standard specifies the minimum requirements and test methods for lashing points fitted to commercial vehicles and trailers with flatbed body construction of maximum total mass above 3.5 t and intended for general use."
BS EN 12640:2001 - BSI Standards
In addition to performance requirements, EN 12640 defines terminology, structural expectations and test criteria used by vehicle and body manufacturers when integrating lashing points into bodies and chassis. Operators, fleet engineers and transport managers commonly refer to the standard when checking that load restraint equipment is suitable for their operations and aligns with wider load-securing expectations, including DVSA guidance on load securing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 'lashing point'?
EN 12640:2001 defines a lashing point as a "securing device on a vehicle, to which a lashing may be directly attached". Lashing points form the interface between the vehicle structure and load-securing equipment such as straps or chains.
Am I EN 12640 compliant?
To comply with EN 12640, lashing points must meet the technical requirements set out in EN 12640:2001. These cover construction quality, positioning along the vehicle, minimum quantities relative to vehicle length, and the verified tensile load each point can withstand. Compliance demonstrates that the lashing system is capable of resisting forces generated during normal transport conditions.
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