Cargo safety depends heavily on one factor: using the right lashing webbings with the right standards and specifications. Whether securing containers for export, loading goods on trailers, or stabilizing heavy industrial equipment, compliant webbing ensures your cargo stays safe throughout transport.
This guide simplifies everything you need to know — from LC, WLL, MBL, labeling rules, global standards, spec tables, and what to check before purchasing lashing webbings.
1. Why Standards Matter in Lashing Webbings
Lashing webbing is more than a polyester strap. It is a safety-critical product designed to withstand high tension, shock, weather conditions and dynamic load movement. Using non-standard or weak webbing can cause:
- Cargo shifting
- Transport damage
- Vehicle imbalance
- Accidents or insurance disputes
Understanding standards ensures buyers, logistics teams, and exporters choose webbings that can truly bear the required loads.
2. The Core Technical Specifications of Lashing Webbing
When evaluating lashing webbing, four technical indicators matter most:
(1) LC — Lashing Capacity
LC represents the maximum allowed force the webbing can handle in a straight-line pull during securing.
- Measured in daN or kN
- Example: 2,500 daN LC means it can safely handle a force of 2,500 daN during lashing.
(2) WLL — Working Load Limit
WLL is the maximum safe load the webbing can be subjected to during routine use.
- Usually lower than LC
- Always follow WLL for day-to-day operations
(3) MBL — Minimum Breaking Load
MBL is the minimum force required to break the webbing under a controlled test.
Industry rule of thumb:
MBL ≈ 2 × LC
(4) BF — Breaking Force
Some manufacturers mention BF instead of MBL.
It represents the actual tested breaking strength, often higher than MBL.
3. Global Standard: EN 12195-2 (European Norm)
he most widely recognized safety standard for lashing webbings is:
EN 12195-2: Web Lashing Made from Man-Made Fibres
This standard defines:
- Testing method
- Material requirements (polyester recommended)
- Labeling requirements
- Color coding
- Allowed tolerances
- Safety factor (usually 2:1)
- How LC and MBL must be measured and reported
Most global freight handlers, forwarders, and shipping lines prefer EN 12195-2-compliant straps because they ensure reliability.
Why EN 12195-2 is important for Indian exporters
Indian exporters shipping to Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia, and North America often use EN-compliant lashings to satisfy:
- Customs inspections
- Marine insurance requirements
- Buyer’s compliance audits
- ISO container securing audits
Using certified products reduces claims and strengthens trust in supply chains.
4. Required Label Markings on Lashing Webbing
Every compliant lashing webbing must have a durable, stitched-in label containing:
- Manufacturer’s name (e.g., JP Fibres)
- LC (Lashing Capacity)
- WLL (Working Load Limit)
- MBL or BF
- Material (usually 100% High-Tenacity Polyester)
- Length & width
- Batch/lot number for traceability
- Safety standard followed (e.g., EN 12195-2)
- Year of manufacture
- Instructions for safe use
- Warnings (e.g., “Do Not Use for Lifting”)
If any of these are missing, the product is non-compliant.
5. Standard Webbing Widths & Corresponding Strengths
The width of the webbing directly influences its capacity.
Here is a practical comparative table:
Table: Common Lashing Webbing Width vs Capacity
| Webbing Width | Typical LC (daN) | Typical MBL (kg) | Ideal Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mm | 800–1,000 daN | 1,600–2,000 kg | Light cargo, cartons, pallets |
| 35 mm | 1,500 daN | 3,000 kg | Medium loads, automotive parts |
| 50 mm | 2,000–5,000 daN | 4,000–10,000 kg | Heavy cargo, machinery |
| 75 mm | 5,000–10,000 daN | 10,000–20,000 kg | Industrial + oversized loads |
Values vary by yarn quality, weave density, and stitching pattern.
6. How to Read a Lashing Webbing Label — Example Breakdown
Imagine this sample label:
JP Fibres – Polyester Web Lashing
- LC: 2,500 daN
- WLL: 1,250 daN
- MBL: 5,000 daN
- Width: 50 mm
- Standard: EN 12195-2
- Batch No: 24/JPF/9821
- Year: 2025
- Warning: Do not use for lifting
This label tells the operator that:
- They can safely apply 1,250 daN daily
- Maximum tested strength is 5,000 daN
- Webbing complies with international freight norms
- The batch can be traced for quality audits
7. How to Verify Lashing Webbing Compliance Before Purchase
Here is what logistics managers and buyers should check
✔ 1. Manufacturer Certification
Ask for:
- EN 12195-2 compliance
- ISO 9001 certification
- OEKO-TEX / REACH compliance (material safety)
✔ 2. Batch Traceability
Every roll or strap should have a unique batch code.
✔ 3. Yarn Quality
Prefer:
- High-tenacity polyester (HT)
- UV-resistant yarn
- Low elongation properties
✔ 4. Stitching Quality
Check:
- Number of stitches
- Reinforced patterns
- No loose ends or cuts
✔ 5. Edge Protection
Edges should resist abrasion, especially for export container loading.
✔ 6. Test Certificates
A genuine manufacturer will provide:
- Breaking load test reports
- Visual inspection reports
- Dimensional accuracy certificates
8 Compliance & Safety Checklist
Use this checklist before buying or using lashing webbings:
A. Pre-Purchase Compliance
roduct follows EN 12195-2 or relevant standard
LC, WLL, MBL clearly specified
Label is stitched, readable, and durable
Material is 100% High-Tenacity Polyester
Batch/Lot number available
Test certificate shared by manufacturer
Stitching pattern is consistent and reinforced
Width and thickness match required load
Edges have abrasion resistance
Supplier has ISO 9001, REACH, OEKO-TEX certifications
B. Pre-Use Safety Checklist
No cuts, frays, or broken yarns
Label is intact
No chemical burns or discoloration
No stiffness or brittleness from UV exposure
Hardware (if any) free from rust
Strap tensioned properly
Edges protected from metal corners
Correct number of straps used for cargo weight
No knots used on webbing
Conclusion
Understanding standards and specifications is the foundation of safe cargo securing.
When you choose lashing webbings compliant with EN 12195-2, properly labeled, and tested for strength, you significantly reduce the risk of cargo damage during transport.
As a trusted manufacturer and exporter, JP Fibres offers:
- High-tenacity polyester lashing webbings
- Certified & batch-traceable products
- Consistent quality backed by ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX, and REACH standards
This guide helps buyers make informed decisions — and ensures cargo safety across global supply chains.