# BIC Bureau International des Conteneurs 3-Letter Owner Prefix Spec
> Verify 3-letter BIC owner prefixes for shipping lines, container leasing companies, and rail operators.

- **Canonical URL:** https://stanzaapi.com/tools/container-validator/iso-6346/bic-owner-code-format
- **Governing Standard:** ISO 6346 / BIC Container Prefix Coding (Bureau International des Conteneurs (BIC) & ISO)
- **Latency:** <1ms Edge
- **Privacy:** In-memory execution only (zero data stored or logged)

## Technical Overview & Governing Rules
The first 3 letters of any ISO 6346 container number identify the owner or principal operator registered globally with the BIC in Paris.

## Specification Matrix
| BIC Prefix | Operator Name | Headquarters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MSK | Maersk Line | Denmark |
| MSC | Mediterranean Shipping Company | Switzerland |
| CMA | CMA CGM Group | France |
| COSU | COSCO Shipping Lines | China |
| HLX | Hapag-Lloyd | Germany |
| ONE | Ocean Network Express | Singapore/Japan |

## Standard JSON Response Model
```json
{
  "ownerCode": "MSK",
  "operator": "Maersk Line",
  "registered": true
}
```

## Frequently Asked Questions & Edge Cases
### Q: Must every container have a BIC registered code?
**A:** Yes, international shipping containers must carry a registered 3-letter BIC code to enter customs ports.