A container seal check is an on-site inspection of whether the seal on the container doors matches the documents, is fitted in the right place and shows any sign of tampering. Because a container is normally not opened in transit, an intact seal with the correct number is the most basic evidence that nobody has interfered with the contents since it was packed.
Why does the container seal matter so much?
Once packed and closed by the shipper, a container usually stays shut until it reaches the consignee's premises. On the way it passes through many hands: haulier, terminal, ship and terminal again. The seal is the common reference at every link in that chain showing whether the contents have been accessed.
In any shortage or theft claim, the first record checked is which seal the container carried at each handover. Recording the seal number and condition every time the box changes hands helps pin down where a problem arose.
What types of container seal are there?
Seals differ in strength and purpose. Which one is used usually depends on the line, cargo value and customs requirements.
- Bolt seal: a steel bolt and locking body that can only be removed with cutting tools; widely used where higher security is needed.
- Cable seal: a steel cable with a locking body, adaptable to different locking arrangements.
- Plastic or indicative seal: low strength, intended mainly to make tampering evident.
- Electronic seal: records or reports an opening event; used on certain shipments.
How is a seal check carried out step by step?
The check is not limited to reading the number. The surveyor looks at the seal itself and the locking gear it is fitted to.
- Read the seal number and compare it with the loading or discharge list
- Confirm the seal is on the locking bar arrangement, not just the door handle
- Look for scratches, dents, cuts, glue or signs of reassembly on the seal body
- Pull gently on the bolt or cable to confirm it is locked
- Check locking bar brackets and rivets for tampering
- Photograph the seal with its number legible
How can you tell whether the seal is correctly positioned?
A seal should be fitted where it cannot be removed without opening the door. In practice it is usually applied to one of the locking bars on the right-hand door, through the handle retainer. A seal on the door handle alone is considered poor practice, since the handle can be unbolted and the seal bypassed.
Rivets and bolts holding the locking bar brackets also deserve attention. Even with an intact seal, brackets that have been removed and refitted can allow the door to be opened, so rivets of a different colour or shape are noted as a warning sign.
What happens when the seal number does not match the list?
A discrepancy does not always mean tampering: the number may have been mistyped, the shipper may have used a different seal, or a new seal may have been applied after a customs inspection. Even so, the situation should be photographed and reported to the parties concerned during the operation.
If customs or the line opened and resealed the container, a record of that event and the new seal number would normally be expected. Decisions to open or reseal a box are taken by the authorised parties, not by the surveyor.
What is the difference between shipper, carrier and customs seals?
A container may carry more than one seal. The shipper's seal is applied by the party packing the container; the carrier's seal is issued by the line and is often fitted by the shipper; a customs seal is applied as part of customs procedures.
Every seal on the container should be recorded separately. Where the documents show only one, noting the presence of the others prevents confusion later.
Where does the seal check fit in container supervision?
The seal check is a core element of container loading and discharge supervision and is normally done together with the number and external damage checks. Comparing the seal at discharge with the load port record helps show whether a problem arose during the sea passage or before it.
Karan Gözetim carries out seal checks as part of its container loading and discharge supervision from Gemlik; the scope is agreed at the quotation stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is a photo of the seal number enough on its own?
A photo is an important record but not enough by itself. The seal position, the condition of the locking gear and the time of the check should also be recorded, along with a note that the number was compared with the list.
Will a container with a broken seal be loaded?
That depends on the procedures of the line, the terminal and the parties involved. Typically the condition is recorded and reported, and the authorised parties decide whether the box is resealed or held for inspection.
Are indicative seals insecure?
Indicative seals are not built to resist forced opening; their purpose is to make interference visible. For high-value shipments, stronger seals such as bolt seals are generally preferred.
Topics
- container seal check
- container seal types
- bolt seal
- seal number discrepancy
- container seal tampering
- how to inspect a container seal