When shipping goods internationally, containers are required to be secured using a seal. This is a physical tag with a specific number that is attached onto the shipping container’s lock in a way that prevents the container from being opened unless the tag is cut.
The seal number is made up of numbers and letters, and it is used to determine whether or not the shipment has been tampered with during transit. Once the container reaches its destination the importer is required to verify the seal number to ensure that it is the same as the one written on the Bill of Lading. If the seal number is the same as the one on the Bill of Lading then the importer can be sure that the seal has not been tampered with and therefore that the container has not been opened while being transported.
Container seals are not only vital for security purposes for the importer, but they also play an important role in customs as they provide customs authorities with certainty that the shipment has not been tampered with throughout the journey.
In this article we will explain how container seals work, their role in international shipping, and what you can do in the event that a container seal seems to be tampered with or broken when the container arrives.
Container Seal Types
There are four common types of container seals. Each of them has a slightly different purpose:
Seal Type | Purpose |
Bolt Seal | These are commonly used for shipping internationally and are made with a metal bolt that locks securely into place. It is difficult to break these without using the correct tools. Because of this they are generally used as a tamperproof, high security option when shipping. |
Cable Seal | These are made with a flexible steel wire that is adjustable to be able to fit through door handles and locks. They offer a more flexible option over the bolt seal when needed. When cut they tend to fray or break, which gives evidence of tampering. |
Plastic Seal | These are a more lightweight option with less security than the other options. Any tampering on these is very evident. They tend to be used for shipments that are less sensitive, domestic, or for empty containers. |
Wire Seal | These are generally thin metal wires that don’t require any specialised tools to open. They are often used rather as a secondary seal, or for shorter journeys. They are generally used when several entry points need to be sealed because the wire can thread through lock points. |
Container Seal Numbers: What They Are And Why They’re Important
The shipping container seal number will correspond to the container seal and is unique. It is used to identify the container with the seal. Once a container is loaded and ready to be shipped, it is closed, locked and the seal with the container seal number is secured externally. The number on the seal will be recorded before leaving, and then it will be checked again by the importer and customs officials when the shipment arrives at its destination. If the numbers match against the recorded numbers and the seal doesn’t appear to be tampered with then the shipment will be approved to go through.
Container seals are important because they ensure that a shipment remains locked and none of the cargo has been interfered with throughout the shipping process. If there is any unauthorised access to the container then it will be evident on the seal. If the seal has been broken at any stage of the journey and an identical one put on as a replacement, then the number on the seal will be different to what is recorded by Customs or on the Bill of Lading. The difference in seal numbers is then evidence that someone has tampered with the container at a point in the journey.
Container seal numbers help to keep the privacy of the shipment, prevent theft, prevent contamination, or any illegal access into the shipment. They also help to pinpoint when a shipment may have been tampered with because the change in numbers at a certain point will reflect at what point the container may have been opened.
ISO 17712 International Standards
Global standards for high security seals in international shipping are set by the ISO 17712. It lays out procedures to classify, approve and withdraw freight container seals.
These standards require seal to show evidence of any tampering if an unauthorised attempt to open a container has occurred. They are required to meet certain criteria around durability and security, and they are required to have proper strength testing, marking, identification and certification in order to be approved for use.
Responsibility For Container Seals
Who is responsible for container seals and managing the shipment depends on what the shipment type is:
- For FCL (Full Container Load) shipments, the shipper is the one who is responsible for ensuring the seal is properly placed and secured after the cargo is loaded.
- For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments there are several different loads in the same container. Because of this the freight forwarder is usually the one who is responsible for making sure the seal is properly secured once the container is ready to be shipped.
What To Do When A Seal Is Broken
A broken seal doesn’t always indicate that a container has been tampered with illegally, but it is always important to take proper steps when it is noticed that the seal has been broken or changed. Some of these steps can include:
- Notifying the relevant authorities such as customs or local authorities. They may need to investigate whether the container has been tampered with illegally and if there has been any theft. Your freight forwarded also needs to have the issue brought to their attention.
- Record relevant information regarding the damaged or changed seal using photos and documentation
- Doing an inspection of the container to determine if the cargo inside has been tampered with
- Making notes in documentation to reflect changes in seal numbers where necessary
It is important to note that sometimes Customs authorities may be responsible for breaking the seal in order to inspect the container and the cargo. This is common during the shipment process. So a broken seal may be due to inspections.
Tracking A Container Seal Number
It is possible to track a container seal number through your shipping company’s tracking system. You ought to be able to find the seal number in the key shipping documents of the container which will take note of evidence of tampering.
Using the container seal number is not a way to track the movement of the shipment, but it does help to verify the security of the container at different points in the journey. A more effective way to track the movement of a container through the shipping process is via the container number or the Bill of Lading which should be available to you for your freight forwarder or shipping line.
Container Number Vs Container Seal Number: What’s The Difference?
In short, the container number is a number that identifies the container, and the seal number is a number that identifies the security seal protecting the cargo inside. Below is a table laying out the main differences between them:
Aspect | Container Number | Container Seal Number |
What It Is | This is a unique identification number assigned to a specific shipping container | This is a unique identification number assigned to a physical seal used for securing the container doors |
Purpose | Its main purpose is to identify and track the container throughout the shipping process from start to finish | It helps to verify the security of the container by showing whether the container seal has been interfered with or broken |
What does it identify? | The container | The seal securing the container |
Lifespan | Generally remains for the entire lifespan of the container | Changes with each new shipment |
Format | Follows the ISO/BIC container identification system: 3-letter owner/operator code + 1 equipment category letter + 6-digit serial number + 1 check digit Example: ABCU 123456 7 | Depends on the seal type and issuer. It may be a combination of letters and numbers. Example: ABC123456 |
Where Is It? | It is marked externally on the container | It is physically marked on the seal on the container door lock |
Who issues it? | The container owner or registered operator | The party responsible for sealing the container |
Electronic Seals
There are constant innovations that are being developed in many areas of many industries. Container seals are being changed to improve on security and efficiency by shifting from traditional physical seals toward e-seals (electronic container seals) which can have tracking and real-time monitoring abilities. These new innovations are allowing shippers to have greater control and security of the shipment throughout its journey, and allows for quick detection of any unauthorised access into a container. These e-seals are being designed to greatly reduce the risk of tampering and improve management of the security of a shipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, container shipping seals play a vital role in the process of shipping from start to finish because they provide all the relevant parties with security knowing that any tampering can be quickly recognised either by seeing visible damage to the seals or recording a different seal number at a part in the container’s journey. They are small and seemingly insignificant in the complex process of shipping, but they are necessary for all parties involved to prevent theft and interference with the goods in a container. There are some different options for container seals that are available depending on preference and need ranging from high-security, tamper-proof options to less secure options. But what they all have in common is a unique identifier number on each seal that can help you to have peace knowing whether your shipment has gone from A to B without being meddled with.
