Container Seals
Once sealed, the seal cannot be opened without cutting it. Since it can only be removed once, this ensures that the container remains unopened until it has been delivered to the recipient.
As such, the main function of the seal is to deter the theft of goods, as any broken seal typically indicates that it has been tampered with.
It also minimizes the risk of an unauthorized person accessing the container to transport illegal cargo (such as contraband or drugs).
TYPES OF CONTAINER SEAL
Container seals can come in many shapes, sizes and materials.
Depending on the shipping line, exporter or the level of security required, containers can be secured with any kind of seal. The two most commonly used types are:
- Bullet or Bolt container seal
- Cable container seal
TYPES OF CONTAINER SEAL
Container seals come in a variety of colours. Typically, each shipping line has their own seal colour.
The colour of the seal is not representative of the type of cargo that the container holds.
FEATURES
- Uniquely numbered to prevent against fraud and manipulation. This number is applied to both pin and barrel.
- When closed the seal is completely encapsulated in ABS plastic so any attempt at tampering will result in obvious destruction.
- Anti-spin construction to ensure the locked bolt seal cannot be rotated out.
- The number on the high security seal is always clearly visible
SERIAL # ON A CONTAINER SEAL
Each seal should be identifiable by a series of numbers and/or letters.
In a typical export process, the prime mover driver will collect an empty container from the depot, together with a seal. The haulier/shipper will need this seal number for documents related to the container, such as permit declaration, the electronic shipping note (ESN) and on the Bill of Lading (BL or BoL).
CONTAINER SEAL ARE BROKEN
If the container seals are broken, it can mean that someone has been tampering with the goods or there has been a theft. However, it can also mean that there the container has been selected for Customs inspection (refer to next point). In such cases, the new seals will be clearly marked so that you will know that it has been broken by Customs.
REMOVE CONTAINER SEAL
Seals should not be removed by prime mover/truck drivers. They should only be removed by the recipient at the destination's end. As seals are made to be tough to break, the best way to remove them is with a bolt cutter.
