A system for sterilizing plastic containers and in particular plastic parisons with a transport device which transports the plastic parisons along a predetermined transport path (P), has a first sterilizing device which is suitable for applying radiation to an external surface of the plastic containers in order to sterilise this external surface, and a second sterilizing device which is suitable for applying radiation to an internal surface of the plastic containers in order to sterilise this internal surface. At least one holding device is disposed on the transport device and has an engaging element which can be introduced into a mouth region of the plastic container in order to hold it, wherein at least one component of the second sterilizing device is integrated into this holding device.
