13.07.2026 | Updates to VDI 2700 Part 3.2 and Part 16

Standards, guidelines and technical regulations are constantly evolving. As experts in load-securing you informed about relevant changes and new requirements so that you are always up to date.

VDI 2700 Part 3.2: Revised edition 02/2026

The VDI guideline 2700 Part 3.2 was republished in February 2026 and replaces the previous 2006 version. It governs the application, testing and marking of selected load securing equipment such as load bars and shoring bars, intermediate wall locks, stanchions and their receivers, longitudinal insert rails, slatted insert boards with grid spacing, as well as dunnage bags.

A key element of the revised edition iss for testing and marking. Manufacturers and distributors must demonstrate the performance of their products in accordance with defined test procedures and permanently mark them (including information on identification and permissible forces).

Also newly regulated: If a lifting accessory is used as a lashing device, only the WLL specified on the lifting accessory may be assumed as the lashing force. This ensures that when used as a lashing device, the load does not exceed the WLL of the lifting accessory.

VDI 2700 Part 16: New edition – key changes at a glance

In June 2026, the update to VDI 2700 Part 16 “Load securing on road vehicles – load securing for transporters up to a permissible total mass of 7.5 t” was published. Here you will find an extract of the changes.

Updated references to standards

Some references to standards have been aligned with the current status of already applicable guidelines.

New and more precise requirements for add-on parts and installations

Add-on parts and installations that can be removed without tools will in future be considered as load. This means that they must be secured during transport.

The guideline also requires that add-on parts and installations may only be mounted at the attachment points specified by the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, the installer/converter must provide the vehicle documentation with information on load capacity as well as details on the impact on unladen weight and payload.

The new VDI guideline also includes further clarifications for racking systems. In future, a permissible surface load must be specified for these. All components of a system (intermediate walls, separating nets, lashing points etc.) must be able to withstand the forces involved in load securingance with VDI 2700 Part 3.2 in such a way that slipping of the load is prevented. Consequently, packages must not simply be placed in racking systems, but must also be additionally secured against movement during transport.

With /produkte/ladungssicherung/zurrpunkte-zurrschienensysteme/lashing rails the guideline clarifies that the weakest link in the load transfer chain is always decisive. It is therefore not sufficient to consider only the load capacity of a lashing rail. The vehicle body must also be able to permanently absorb the introduced forces. The VDI thus clearly distinguishes between the load capacity of a component and the actual load capacity when installed.

Clear marking of cover nets

The new edition of VDI 2700 Part 16 also reiterates that cover nets must be clearly distinguished from lashing and separating nets. Cover nets must be labelled accordingly with the note “For covering only”. This requirement is already known from VDI 2700 Part 3.3.

Conclusion

The new edition of VDI 2700 Part 16 introduces fewer fundamental innovations and instead focuses on guidelines aligned with current requirements and clearer allocation of responsibilities.

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