In brief:
A container seal is a numbered security device. It is attached to the container door after loading and must be destroyed or visibly damaged to be opened.
This allows you to verify during handover whether the container has been opened since it was sealed. However, the seal does not provide reliable protection against break-ins and is not a substitute for a container lock.
Container seals are used to monitor transport routes. They indicate whether a secured container door has been opened or tampered with after sealing.
Every seal has a unique number. This number is recorded in the transport documents or digital freight data. At each handover, it can be verified whether the number and condition match the documentation.
Container seals are used in sea freight, road transport, rail transport, and customs procedures, among other areas.
The seal is attached to a suitable locking point on the container door. For many sea containers, this point is located on the door latch or the locking bars.
The position used depends on the door design and the type of seal. It is essential that the door cannot be opened after attachment without damaging the seal.
Before sealing, the doors must be fully closed and the locking bars must be correctly engaged.
Various types of seals are used for containers. They differ in their design and security level.
A bolt seal consists of a sturdy metal bolt and a locking body. It is frequently used for international container shipments.
Removing it generally requires appropriate tools. For certain shipments, high-security seals compliant with ISO 17712 are required.
A cable seal features a flexible steel cable. It can be attached to various locking points, making it suitable for a wide range of door and locking systems.
A plastic seal is lightweight and quick to apply. Its primary purpose is to indicate whether a closure has been opened. Its mechanical resistance is generally lower than that of a bolt or cable seal.
In addition to securing a closure, electronic seals can capture further data. Depending on the system, they can document events such as openings, timestamps, or locations.
The seal number is used for unique identification. It must match the number recorded in the freight or customs documents.
Before acceptance, you should check:
A matching number alone is not enough. The condition of both the seal and the container door must also be inspected.
ISO 17712 outlines the requirements for mechanical seals for freight containers. The standard defines various security classes and includes specifications for testing, marking, and resistance.
A distinction is made in particular between:
The type of seal required depends on the transport route, the carrier, customs regulations, and the agreed-upon security requirements.
No. A container seal is primarily a means of inspection. Its purpose is to make any opening or tampering evident.
Even a high-security seal can be removed with the right tools. Furthermore, a container could be damaged or opened at a different point.
Additional measures are recommended for theft protection. These include a suitable container lock, a lockbox, a secure storage location, and regular inspections.
A seal makes an opening or tampering visible. Its primary purpose is inspection and documentation.
A container lock is designed to make opening the door more difficult. It therefore offers greater mechanical resistance and can be reused.
For transport, a seal may be mandatory or contractually required. For stationary storage, however, the focus is usually on burglary protection using a suitable lock.
A damaged, missing, or incorrect seal may indicate that the container has been opened or that there is a flaw in the transport chain.
The discrepancy should be documented before opening. This includes photos, the seal number, the container number, the location, the time, and any visible damage.
Subsequently, the relevant parties must be informed. This may include the shipper, the recipient, the freight forwarder, the shipping company, the insurer, or customs authorities. The container should only be opened or unloaded after clarification and authorization.
No. Mechanical container seals are generally single-use devices. They are destroyed upon removal and must not be reused.
After an authorized opening, a new seal with a new number must be applied. The change must be fully documented.
That depends on the transport, the destination country, and the requirements of the companies or authorities involved. Numbered security seals are standard for international maritime transport.
Typically, the shipper or the party responsible for loading applies the seal once loading is complete.
The number is located directly on the seal. It is also recorded in the transport or customs documents.
A bolt seal must be cut using appropriate tools. Removal should only be performed by an authorized person in compliance with safety protocols.
The discrepancy must be documented and clarified before opening. An incorrect number may indicate a seal replacement, a documentation error, or tampering.
No. A seal primarily serves as evidence of tampering. For better protection against break-ins, a suitable container lock is required.