How strong must the lashing points on a trailer be?
Lashing points on a trailer must meet EN 12640, which sets a minimum rated capacity per point by vehicle mass: about 400 daN up to 3.5 t, 800 daN from 3.5–7.5 t, 1000 daN from 7.5–12 t and 2000 daN over 12 t. Above all, each point must be at least as strong as the lashing you attach to it — otherwise the point, not the strap, becomes the weakest link. EN 12640 also fixes how many points you need and how far apart they sit, and every compliant point carries a label with its rating in daN.
You can calculate the perfect number of straps, yet still lose the load if the anchor tears out of the deck. So this guide covers what EN 12640 requires, the minimum strength by vehicle mass, how many points you need and how to check them. It pairs with our article on the fittings you screw in — Рым-болты и талрепы — and with the 5 методов крепления грузов.
What is a lashing point, and what does EN 12640 require?
A lashing point is a rated anchor on the vehicle — a ring, hook eye or track fitting — that a strap or chain attaches to. EN 12640 is the standard that specifies the minimum design, strength, number, layout and marking of these points on commercial vehicles and intermodal units. Importantly, it complements EN 12195: EN 12195-1 tells you how many lashings you need, while EN 12640 makes sure the points can actually take that force.
Therefore every EN 12640 point carries a label showing its rated capacity in daN and the permitted angle of pull. If the marking is missing or the point is weaker than your lashing, the securing is not valid — no matter how good the strap is.
What is the minimum strength of a lashing point? (by vehicle mass)
EN 12640 scales the minimum rated capacity to the vehicle’s maximum mass. These are the commonly specified minimums:
| Vehicle maximum mass | Minimum rated capacity per point |
|---|---|
| Up to 3.5 t | ≈ 400 daN |
| 3.5 – 7.5 t | ≈ 800 daN |
| 7.5 – 12 t | ≈ 1000 daN |
| Over 12 t | ≈ 2000 daN |
These are minimums, so many trailers carry stronger points — for example 4000 daN, or 7000 daN rings intended for Крепежные цепи under EN 12195-3. The practical rule stays the same: match the point to the load, and never exceed the point’s rating.
How many lashing points do you need, and how far apart?
EN 12640 also fixes the number and layout, so a strap always has a rated point within reach. In short:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Platform up to 2.2 m long | At least 4 points (2 per side) |
| Platform over 2.2 m long | At least 6 points (3 per side) |
| Max spacing between points | 1200 mm (up to 1500 mm at the wheel wells) |
| Max distance from headboard / rear | 500 mm |
| Max distance from the sidewall | 250 mm |
As a rough check on quantity, the number of points in play should satisfy n ≥ payload (daN) ÷ point rating (daN). So a heavier load, or weaker points, simply means you spread the force across more of them.
How do you check the lashing points before loading?
First, read the label: a compliant point shows its rating in daN. Then inspect the hardware and choose where to hook:
- Confirm the EN 12640 marking is present and legible, and that the rating meets or beats your strap or chain LC.
- Check the ring, weld and mount for cracks, bending, elongation or corrosion — a deformed point is out of service.
- Never hook onto a random bracket, light fixing or the rope rail unless it is a rated point; it will tear off before the strap does.
- Keep the pull within the point’s permitted angle; a sideways yank can fail a point below its rating.
This is the same “weakest link” logic that governs Рым-болты и талрепы, and it belongs on your pre-departure checklist. Get it wrong and a torn-out point can cause exactly the loss we break down in Стоимость повреждённого груза.
Lashing points vs body strength: EN 12640 or EN 12642?
These two standards are easy to confuse, yet they cover different parts of the vehicle. EN 12640 rates the точки крепления; EN 12642, by contrast, rates the body structure — the headboard, side walls and rear — which does the blocking. A “Code XL” curtainsider is certified to the reinforced (XL) level of EN 12642, so its walls can restrain cargo directly. In practice you use both: strong points for lashing, and a strong body for blocking.
Rated points, rated lashings. LPX Trade supplies lashing rings and anchor fittings, plus EN 12195 straps and chains to match them. All LC/daN-marked; Declaration of Conformity available on request.
FAQ: lashing points and EN 12640
What is EN 12640?
EN 12640 is the European standard for lashing points on commercial vehicles and intermodal loading units. It sets the minimum strength, number, layout, angle and marking of the points, so that the anchors can withstand the forces calculated under EN 12195-1. The current version is EN 12640:2019.
How much weight can a lashing point hold?
Under EN 12640, the minimum rating scales with vehicle mass: about 400 daN up to 3.5 t, 800 daN from 3.5–7.5 t, 1000 daN from 7.5–12 t and 2000 daN over 12 t. Many points are stronger. The rating in daN is stamped on the point’s label.
How many lashing points does a trailer need?
A platform up to 2.2 m long needs at least 4 points (2 per side); a longer platform needs at least 6. Points sit no more than 1200 mm apart (1500 mm at wheel wells), within 500 mm of the front and rear and 250 mm of the sidewall.
Can I attach a strap to any point on the trailer?
No. Attach only to a rated EN 12640 lashing point whose capacity meets or beats your strap or chain LC. A rope rail, light bracket or random weld is not a rated point and can tear off under load, so it does not count towards securing.
What is the difference between EN 12640 and EN 12642?
EN 12640 rates the lashing points; EN 12642 rates the vehicle body structure — headboard and side walls — used for blocking. A Code XL body is certified to the reinforced level of EN 12642. You typically rely on both: points for lashing, body for blocking.
Автор: LPX Trade Editorial Team — a supplier of EN 12195 cargo securing equipment. Based on the current standards and on roadside-inspection practice.
Последнее обновление: 2 августа 2026 года.
Источники: EN 12640:2019 (lashing points — minimum requirements and testing); EN 12642 (body structure of commercial vehicles, Code XL); EU Best Practices Guidelines on Cargo Securing for Road Transport; EN 12195-1:2010 (calculation of securing forces).