ISO 16049-1:2013 specifies the design criteria and testing methods adequate to guarantee the ultimate load and operational dependability of cargo restraint strap assemblies with a typical rated ultimate tension load capability of 22 250 N (5 000 lbf), as used by the airline industry in order to restrain on board civil transport aircraft during flight:
a) cargo loaded and tied down onto airworthiness approved air cargo pallets, themselves restrained into aircraft lower deck, main deck or upper deck cargo systems and meeting the requirements of ISO 8097 (NAS 3610) or ISO 21100, or
b) non-unitized individual pieces of cargo, or pieces of cargo placed onto an unrestrained ("floating") pallet into either lower deck, main deck or upper deck containerized cargo compartments of an aircraft.
The same restraint strap assemblies can also be used in other applications such as:
c) non-containerized (bulk loaded) baggage and cargo compartments,
d) to ensure cargo restraint inside an airworthiness approved air cargo container.
Compliance with ISO 16049-1:2013 provides one means of cargo restraint straps airworthiness approval by Civil Aviation Authorities under TSO/ETSO C-172, in addition to the other requirements therein.