Glossary > #Sealing

Sealing of Shipping Containers

What is “Sealing of Shipping Containers”?

Sealing of shipping containers is a key step in ensuring the security and integrity of goods during transport. This practice is essential for both domestic and international shipping to protect goods from unauthorized handling, access, and theft. Sealing also confirms that the container has not been opened or tampered with since its departure from the point of origin.

Container sealing is also a regulatory requirement in global trade, which ensures compliance with customs and shipping regulations. It helps maintain a chain of responsibility for goods and provides peace of mind to all parties involved in the logistics chain – manufacturers, carriers, and customers.

Key elements of container sealing:

  1. Security seals: Physical devices, such as bolt seals, cable seals, or RFID technology seals, attached to the container’s locking mechanisms.
  2. Regulatory compliance: Sealing must comply with international standards, such as ISO 17712:2013, which governs the use of high-security seals in global trade.
  3. Documentation: Seal numbers are recorded in shipping documents to ensure traceability and verification.

Why is container sealing necessary?

Sealing of shipping containers is not merely a formality; it serves several essential functions:

1. Cargo Security

  • A sealed container ensures that the goods inside remain untouched during transport. High-security seals deter unauthorized handling and access, thereby reducing the risk of theft or smuggling.

2. Regulatory Compliance

  • International shipping requires container sealing, particularly when crossing borders. Customs authorities often inspect the integrity of seals to verify that the goods inside match the shipping manifest and comply with import/export regulations.

3. Proof of Integrity

  • A seal serves as proof that the container has not been opened or tampered with during its journey. This is a crucial aspect of the chain of responsibility in global trade.

4. Insurance Protection

  • Many insurance companies require containers to be sealed to cover potential losses or damages. A damaged or missing seal could result in the invalidation of insurance claims.

Types of Container Seals

Different types of seals are used depending on the required level of security. Below are the most common types:

1. Bolt Seals

  • What is it? High-security seals made of metal, typically hardened steel.
  • Key features: Widely used in international shipping, complying with ISO 17712:2013 standards. They are tamper-resistant and suitable for high-risk transport.
  • Example: Neptune Seal, a bolt seal with steel wings for enhanced security.

2. Cable Seals

  • What is it? Flexible seals with a cable mechanism.
  • Key features: Adjustable and tamper-resistant. Ideal for securing containers with irregular locking systems.
  • Example: Cableseal 3.5×250 mm.

3. RFID Technology Seals

  • What is it? High-tech seals equipped with RFID chips.
  • Key features: Provide real-time tracking and status updates. Can indicate whether the container has been opened.
  • Example: RFID Neptune Seal.

4. Plastic Seals

  • What is it? Lightweight and cost-effective solutions made from durable plastic.
  • Key features: Often used for lower-security applications.

5. Electronic Seals

  • What is it? Advanced seals with electronic components.
  • Key features: Offer the highest level of security with features such as GPS tracking, tampering alerts, and audit logs.
  • Example: ALERT LOCK electronic seal.

Standards and Compliance in Shipping Container Sealing

ISO 17712:2013

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established the ISO 17712:2013 standard for high-security seals. This standard ensures that seals used in international shipping meet strict security criteria. Key elements include:

  • Physical durability: Seals must be robust and resistant to tampering.
  • Tamper visibility: Any attempt to remove or tamper with the seal must be easily detectable.
  • Unique identification: Seals must have unique serial numbers or barcodes.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)

Container sealing is a requirement of the C-TPAT program, which focuses on enhancing supply chain security against terrorism. Program participants (shippers and carriers) must use high-security seals that comply with ISO 17712 standards.

Process of Sealing Shipping Containers

Container sealing involves several steps that ensure a secure and compliant process:

Step 1: Container Inspection

  • Before sealing, inspect the container structure. Look for holes, cracks, or signs of tampering.

Step 2: Cargo Verification

  • Ensure that the goods loaded into the container match the shipping manifest. This step ensures that no unauthorized items are included.

Step 3: Seal Application

  • Attach the seal to the container’s locking mechanism. Ensure that it is firmly attached and cannot be removed without damage.

Step 4: Seal Number Recording

  • Record the unique serial number of the seal in the shipping documents. This number will be used for verification at various checkpoints.

Step 5: Arrival Inspection

  • Upon arrival, verify that the seal is intact. Customs authorities may break the seal for content inspection, but if necessary, they will issue a new seal.

Container sealing is a fundamental step in global logistics that ensures the safe and reliable transport of goods across borders. By selecting the appropriate type of seal, complying with international standards such as ISO 17712:2013, and implementing advanced technologies, carriers can protect their cargo and meet regulatory requirements.

Sealing a container is not just about attaching a physical device; it is about protecting the integrity of the supply chain, building trust among the parties involved, and ensuring that goods arrive at their destination without compromise.