Security Seal Standards for C-TPAT
What is Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)?
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative
relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain
and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border
Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through
close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain
such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and
manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the
integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security
guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.
The use of mechanical seals to secure containers is a key component in the chain
of security measures required of C-TPAT members. Container integrity must be
maintained to protect against the introduction of unauthorized material and/or
persons. At point of stuffing, procedures must be in place to properly seal and
maintain the integrity of the shipping containers. All seals must meet or exceed
the current ISO/PAS 17712 standards for High Security Seals.
ISO/PAS 17712 Specifications Overview
Indicative Seal – Seal that is constructed and manufactured of material that
can easily be broken by hand or by using a simple snipping tool or shear.
Indicative seals require inspection to indicate whether tampering has occurred
or entry has been attempted.
Security Seal – Passive, one time locking device that is used to provide a
reliable indicator of tampering (unauthorized removal or attempted removal)
or entry. The security seal provides limited resistance or unintentional
attempt to open it and enter the freight container that is sealed with the seal.
Security Seals require inspection to indicate whether tampering has occurred
or entry has been attempted.
High Security Seals – Security Seal that is constructed and manufactured of
material such as metal or metal cable with the intent to delay intrusion. High
security seals generally must be removed with quality bolt cutters or cable
cutters. They require inspection to indicate whether tampering has occurred
or entry has been attempted.
The physical strength of the seal is determined by a Tensile, Shear, Bending, and
Impact Test. The classification requirements for each test are outlined on the back.
ISO/PAS 17712 Security Seal Manufacturers Best Practices
In addition to designing and categorizing seal products in accordance with the
specifications outlined on the previous page manufacturers are required to meet
strict standards in their business practices in order to comply with the ISO/PAS
17712 specification. Outlined below are a few of the requirements.
• Manufacturers will comply with any additional ISO standards that address gaps
in PAS 17712. In the meantime, manufacturers will endeavor in their design
process to ‘design in’ effectiveness and security for all their security seal products.
• Manufacturers will maintain ISO 9001:2000 certification on all company owned
manufacturing facilities. Contract production services will only be purchased
from ISO 9001:2000 certified plants.
• Manufacturers agree to random and unannounced inspections of production
facilities.
• Manufacturers are required to do an initial risk assessment of its facilities.
• Manufacturers agree to cooperate with relevant law enforcement officials.
• Manufacturers will develop and maintain a crisis management strategy to prepare
for and respond to tampering and other malicious, criminal, or terrorist actions.
• Manufacturer will produce seals with unique identifiers, such as a combination of
company marks, numbers, and letters. Manufacturer will not re-use or duplicate
seal numbers unless authorized by a shipper for a specific seal application.
• Manufacturer utilizes an automated database that tracks seal identifiers of all seals
it produces or has produced for it, and which identifies any potential duplication
of identifiers. Upon request from a government agency, the manufacturer agrees to
present proof that records such as date of production, date seals were shipped, and
names of consignees are available. Retains information for a period of five (5) years.
• Manufacturers will help educate distributors and resellers on the importance of an
effective seal security program.
• Manufacturers will help educate the users when possible on the importance of
record keeping and in the correct way to use the seals.
Members of the International Seal Manufacturers Association (ISMA) are required
to follow the Security Seal Manufacturers Best Practices. For more information on
security seals or the ISO specifications please feel free to contact an ISMA member
company listed on the following page.
Table 1 - Tensile test seal classification requirements
Load to failure kNa
Seal classification
10,0b
High Security Se al
2,27
< 2,27
Indicitive Se al
Security Seal
a 1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
1 N = 0,224 808 9 lbf
1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf
1 N•m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
Table 2 - Shear test seal classification requirements
a
Load to failure
kg-f a
Seal classification
341
High Security Seal
227
Security Seal
< 227
Indicitive Seal
1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
1 N = 0,224 808 9 lbf
1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf
1 N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
Table 3 - Bending test seal classification requirements
Cycles to failure
(fle xible seals)
a
Bending momemt to failure
(rigid seals) N ma
S eal classification
High Security Se al
501
50
251
22
Security Seal
< 251
< 22
Indicitive Se al
1 N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
Table 4 - Impact test seal classification requirements
Low temperature
Impact load Ja
High temperature
Impact load Ja
Seal classification
40,68
40,68
High Security Se al
27,12
< 27.12
27,12
< 27,12
Indicitive Se al
a
Security Sea l
1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
1 N = 0,224 808 9 lbf
1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf
1 N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf
Provided by the members of ISMA
International Seal Manufacturers Association Inc.