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
10,0b Seal classification High Security Se al

2,27 < 2,27

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 Nm = 0,737 562 1 ft-lbf

Security Seal
Indicitive Se al

Table 2 - Shear test seal classification requirements

Load to failure kg-f a

Seal classification
High Security Seal Security Seal

341 227
< 227 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

Indicitive Seal

Table 3 - Bending test seal classification requirements

Cycles to failure (fle xible seals)
501 Bending momemt to failure (rigid seals) N ma 50 S eal classification High Security Se al

251
< 251
a

22
< 22

Security Seal
Indicitive Se al

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

Table 4 - Impact test seal classification requirements

Low temperature Impact load Ja
40,68 High temperature Impact load Ja 40,68 Seal classification High Security Se al

27,12 < 27.12

a

27,12 < 27,12

Security Sea l
Indicitive Se al

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.