There are two types of tamper security seals namely tamper-resistant security seals and indicative security seals or tamper evident security seals. It is important to understand the difference between these terms.
Firstly, tamper-resistant security seals are barrier seals. Examples of this type of seals are bolt seals and cable seals. Specialised tools are needed in order to breach these seal, acting both as an obstacle and a deterrent. These formidable bolts and cable seals need extra security measures in place to provide the ultimate defence against would-be thieves and maintain the integrity of your freight. Frequent inspections, proper application, tracking and tracing and validation at the final destination will help protect your goods. It is important that the correct seal be chosen to prevent fines and delays when the containers passes through customs. Truseal offers a range of protective measures that indicates whether of not there has been evidence of cargo tampering. Security seals need to meet certain standards in order to qualify as high security seals.
Tamper-evident seals act as a deterrent. These seals can be broken with a strong hand or tool. While these seals do not prevent access, perpetrator are discouraged because, unlike locks, indicative security seals are single use, once they have been destroyed, they need to be replaced. Indicative Security Seals are laser-printed with a bar code and/or are serial numbered and with careful inventory management and by creating a “paper trail”, it does allow you to begin the investigation process and track the perpetrator. Thieves and vandals may use various methods to hide evidence of tamper. Security seals could have parts replace, modified markings and numbers, concealing the breakpoint or substitution of the entire seal when it has been cloned, and so this highlights why frequent inspections are vitally important. Early detection is key to tracking down the perpetrator. Systematically narrowing down the time and place of the violation can lead to early arrests and the prosecution of those responsible. Best practice requires the use of separate log-books to record the barcode or numbers of inbound and outbound seals. In order to minimise the opportunity for tamper, security seal log-books should contain the date and time the seal was applied. It is important to make sure that if the applicator of the seal or the driver is not in your employ, that application of the seal is monitored by one of your representatives and all participants, have their names and identity numbers recorded. The trailer or container number needs to be noted as well as the shipment destination.
TruSeal recommends a holistic approach to ensure that adequate security measures are in place to secure your cargo. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice should you feel that you need guidance in regarding this matter or information regarding the requirements of customs. We take pride in the quality of our products and service and will be happy to answer your questions.