Security Seals
When it comes to security seals for our goods, it’s hard to be calm in these uncertain times. Security is very essential and has to be taken seriously. We need to secure our products to provide a hindrance to terrorist activities. Security seals give a sign that there has been tampering and they too serve as a deterrent.
Security seals will help users to identify if a certain container, package or other item has been opened. In the industry, the government as well as the consumers is using tamper evident security seals to find unauthorized opening of a secured item. Security seals are also intended to leave visual evidence of unauthorized entry.
Usage of Security Seals
Helps to hold access
It records and shows integrity of the load
Prevents inventory shrinkage
Shipping integrity
It offers container security
Theft prevention and detection
Accountability for hazardous material handlers
Serves as computer security
It is used for National Defense and Homeland security
Protects the products of the consumer
Three types of Security Seals
* Tamper-evident seals- it gives evidence of contamination. These are simple seals but not designed to provide additional protection.
Examples of Tamper-evident seals
Films
Plastic wraps
Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes
Crimped cables
* Barrier seals- it is a devices that serves to forestall invasion.
Examples of Barrier seals
Snap seals
Cables
Padlocks
Container seals
Bolt seals
* Electronic seals- it continually monitors for changes and gives warn if tampering occurs. These are referred to as “e-seals”.
Specific Types of Security Seals
Lead seals
Numbered seals
Railcar seals
Truck seals
Container seals
High security bolt seals
High security cable seals
Security Seals Integrity Responsibilities
Security Seals are to be affixed by the security personnel of the manufacturing entity. They should have received instruction and training in the proper use and application of high security seals. They will also be accountable for the strictly controlled access of seals and they shall be issued at random to avoid seals being affixed in successive order.
Seals are to be placed in a safe location until they are used. Access to this location must be restricted to those personnel who are responsible for the inventory and affixing of seals. And also, a standardized log must be maintained.
Seals must be of the high security type. All seals that are removed from a cargo container for customs inspection or law enforcement activity must be placed in the container in plain view before placing a new seal onto the container and should put up a system for reporting any changes.
Security Seals Requirements
The manufacturer is responsible for the sealed container or trailer. The seals must be attached at its origin and should be of the high security type as per ISO/PAS 17712, freight containers-mechanical seals. The manufacturer should put up a verifiable security system for the storage, handling facilities and container yards to prevent theft. It ensures a place to verify seal numbers and amount of cargo when received. It makes sure of the use of seals and maintains a log for seal numbers that were issued and used.
The importer ensures that all concerned parties should know the security guidelines and procedures on how to use seals and seal integrity. They should create a procedure on how to notify any seal anomalies to US Customs and Border Protection.