What’s the difference between DOT and ISO?
Compressed Air Tanks require certification in the United States and Europe. In the United States, the DOT (Department of Transportation) enforces the standards set by CGA (Compressed Gas Association). In Europe, the UN (United Nations) and EU (European Union) enforce the standards set by ISO (International Standards Organization).
It is very expensive for manufacturers in paintball, or any industry that uses cylinders, to be part of ISO and CGA. This ensures safety standards for all when it comes to the manufacture and use of cylinders.
If you have a tank with an ISO number and you live and play paintball in the United States, you need to make sure your tank also has the UN symbol and the USA certification code stamped on your tank in conjunction with the ISO number.
If your tank only has an ISO number, it is NOT VALID for use in the United States.
- All of these tanks are still subject to Hydro Testing every 5 years, and all tanks have a 15-year lifespan.
If you have a tank with an ISO number and you live and play paintball in the United States, you need to make sure your tank also has the UN symbol and the USA certification code stamped on your tank in conjunction with the ISO number.
If your tank ONLY has an ISO number, it is NOT VALID for use in the United States.