Securing your goods should be one of your top responsibilities while shipping a container. All shipping containers handled by ocean freight, whether FCL or LCL, must be secured using appropriate shipping container seals to ensure that the container has been properly closed and sealed.
WHAT IS THE CONTAINER SEAL?
Container seals are a type of ‘one-time door lock’ that is used to keep goods containers safe. Only one seal-lock can be utilized at a time. Heavy-duty container seals are built to survive the elements and last the duration of the container’s journey till it is delivered to the consumer.
Why is it important?
While shipping a container, securing your goods should be one of your top responsibilities.
All shipping containers handled by ocean freight, whether FCL or LCL, must be secured using appropriate shipping container seals to ensure that the container has been properly closed and sealed.
Your container has been correctly closed at origin after you place the container seal. It assures that your container remains unopened during its nautical journey prior to delivery to buyer because it can only be removed once.
This not only prevents theft, but it also reduces the chance of an unauthorized individual gaining entry to your container and transporting unlawful commodities like contraband and/or drugs.
WHERE SHOULD THE CONTAINER SEAL BE PLACED?
It’s necessary to have a container seal which should be attached correctly.
Every container features two outward-opening doors. There are two lock rods on each door. When closing the container, close the left door first, followed by the right door. Because it is the door that will be opened first, the optimum spot to put the container seal is on the right door
The seal can be applied to one or both of the right door’s lock rods. You might want to add a second seal to the left door for extra security. However, unless your goods are packed tiny enough to fit through one open door, this usually provides little further security.
What documentation is needed to seal a container?
Each container seal has its own unique identifying number. Make sure the number on your container seal identification number matches the number on your Bill of Lading. The container seal identifying number will be compared to the Bill of Lading before the container is opened.
Keep in mind that the seal number may be the same for different types of seals. For example, a metal strip seal and a padlock seal, may both have the seal identification number 112233. To minimize confusion, we recommend taking images of the container door with the seal after it has been properly closed to ensure maximum accuracy.
Certain customs authorities go to great lengths to ensure that the seal numbers on the cargo match to ensure that the cargo has not been tampered with, which could signal an unapproved load within the container. If the seal numbers on your cargo do not match, your goods may not only be delayed in being released, but you may also be fined heavily.
Keep in mind that it is your responsibility as the shipper to provide the container seal. Although truckers may occasionally supply a seal, the shipper is responsible for ensuring that the correct seal number is noted on the Bill of Lading.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR CONTAINER SEAL HAS BEEN BROKEN
A damaged or tampered with container seal does not always indicate that a theft has occurred. It could simply indicate that a customs inspection has taken place. If this occurs in the United States, US customs will normally apply a new seal and mark it to indicate that it has been opened by US customs. They’ll also return the original seal to you.
If unauthorized entry is suspected and there is no evidence of a broken seal due to customs examination, you should document everything. Take pictures of the seal (if there is one) as well as the container. Make quick contact with your carrier, freight forwarder, and insurance company. However, do not open your container until a shipping line official is present. After the container has been opened, continue taking shots of the contents. This is crucial if you ever need to file a claim against the carrier.
What requirements must container seals abide by?
Shippers can choose from a variety of container seals, including padlock seals, wire seals, and bolt seals. The type of seal you select will be determined by a number of circumstances, including the country to which you’re sending. After you’ve chosen your seal, double-check that it meets the ISO PAS 17712 charter’s standards.
Different shipping lines may have their own criteria for various types of container seals, but they do not differ significantly. Keep in mind that some nations’ customs officials may have their own container seal standards as part of their national security.
When exporting to or from the United States, pay special attention to US Customs and Border Protection’s CTPAT requirements. All US-bound containers must be sealed with ISO-classified ‘high security’ seals, according to CTPAT requirements. These seals are the most difficult to break apart, requiring specialized and industrial-strength tools in many cases.
Based on World Courier’s experience, we recommend employing high security seals for nations like India and Venezuela.
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