The work aims to learn the mature structural forms of impact limiters for spent fuel transport casks at home and abroad, analyze the main characteristics of application technology, and sort out the material characteristics and research status of existing impact limiters, so as to provide certain reference for the design and development of domestic impact limiters. The application status of impact limiters for representative spent fuel transport casks at home and abroad was summarized. The advantages and disadvantages of existing impact limiters, and the matters needing attention in structural design were analyzed. The shell impact limiters filled with wood were mostly used on the spent fuel transport casks. Polyurethane foam, honeycomb aluminum and other materials were also used as filling materials. In addition, foam aluminum, carbon foam, two-way corrugated honeycomb aluminum and other new materials have also been studied for impact limiters. It is suggested to increase the research on new buffering materials and structural designs of impact limiters to meet the application needs of large domestic spent fuel transport casks in the future. At the same time, the adaptability and compatibility development of impact limiters should be paid attention to and series products should also be developed.