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Seal Certification InformationC-TPAT is a voluntary program for companies importing shipping containers into the US. The government audits the companies supply chain security practices in return for reduced container inspection and faster cargo flow. The program requires that containers are sealed at the point of stuffing with a seal that has been tested to ISO 17712 and rates High Security for all tests.
C-TPAT only applies to a company’s cargo movements and security practices, it has nothing to do with the quality of the goods being shipped or of the company’s product.
Since 2003, US Department of Homeland Security through Customs and Border Protection have required that seals used for C-TPAT be rated High Security by testing to procedures outlined in ISO/PAS 17712, the Publically Available Standard that will soon issue as a full International Standard.
Testing to the 17712 standard must be done in a laboratory certified to ISO 17025 for testing labs. Documentation of this testing assures the end user and government auditors that seals meet minimum physical strength requirements. Seals are tested for Tensile strength, Shear strength, resistance to Bending, and Impact blows.
Seal manufacturers certified to Annex A of the 17712 standard must demonstrate various security processes and procedures, as well as ISO 9000:2001 quality documentation. This is done by an independent auditing organization every two years. Certified manufacturers will have an “I”, “S”, or “H” on every seal they make, indicating ratings of Indicative, Security, or High Security per the battery of tests.
Certified seal manufacturers will demonstrate the control of seal numbers and a system for not duplicating seal numbers. These seals will be unique in appearance from other manufacturers and carry the company name or logo.
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Additional Info
Seals that pass the testing for ‘high security’ classification must be marked with an “H” by the manufacturer, who must also be identified. Shippers will need to have test result documentation available in the event of a C-TPAT audit.
Seal testing: high temperature environmental chamber
Seal testing: pull test system. ISO 17712 guidelines stipulate seals must undergo tensile, shear, bending and impact resistance tests using a standard set of procedures developed by government, industry and association technical committees, subcommittees and working groups.
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