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 BorderProtection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only throughclose cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chainsuch as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure theintegrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the securityguidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

The use of mechanical seals to secure containers is a key component in the chainof security measures required of C-TPAT members. Container integrity must bemaintained to protect against the introduction of unauthorized material and/orpersons. At point of stuffing, procedures must be in place to properly seal andmaintain the integrity of the shipping containers. All seals must meet or exceedthe current ISO/PAS 17712 standards for High Security Seals.

ISO/PAS 17712 Specifications Overview

Indicative Seal – Seal that is constructed and manufactured of material thatcan easily be broken by hand or by using a simple snipping tool or shear.Indicative seals require inspection to indicate whether tampering has occurredor 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 unintentionalattempt to open it and enter the freight container that is sealed with the seal.Security Seals require inspection to indicate whether tampering has occurredor entry has been attempted.

High Security Seals – Security Seal that is constructed and manufactured ofmaterial such as metal or metal cable with the intent to delay intrusion. Highsecurity 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, andImpact Test. The classification requirements for each test are outlined on the back.

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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 meetstrict standards in their business practices in order to comply with the ISO/PAS17712 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 requiredto follow the Security Seal Manufacturers Best Practices. For more information onsecurity seals or the ISO specifications please feel free to contact an ISMA membercompany listed on the following page.

Provided by the members of ISMAInternational Seal Manufacturers Association Inc.

Table 1 - Tensile test seal classification requirements

Load to failure kNa Seal classification

10,0b

2,27

< 2,27

High Security Seal

Security Seal

Indicitive Seal

a 1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf1 N = 0,224 808 9 lbf1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf1 N•m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf

Table 2 - Shear test seal classification requirements

Load to failurekg-f a Seal classification

341

227

< 227

High Security Seal

Security Seal

Indicitive Seal

a 1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf1 N = 0,224 808 9 lbf1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf1N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf

Table 3 - Bending test seal classification requirements

Cycles to failure(flexible seals)

Seal classification

501

251

< 251

Bendingmomemt to failure(rigid seals) N ma

50

22

< 22

High Security Seal

Security Seal

Indicitive Seal

a 1N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf

Table 4 - Impact test seal classification requirements

Low temperatureImpact load Ja

Seal classification

40,68

27,12

< 27.12

High temperatureImpact load Ja

40,68

27,12

< 27,12

High Security Seal

Security Seal

Indicitive Seal

a 1 J = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf1N = 0,224 808 9 lbf1 kg-f = 2,204 585 5 lbf1 N m = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf