ISO 17712 is an international standard that sets forth specifications and requirements for mechanical seals intended to be used on containers and conveyances for international shipping. These seals play a crucial role in maintaining the security and integrity of goods during transportation, preventing unauthorized access, tampering, and theft. The standard establishes various levels and categories of certification to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of these security seals.
1. Levels of Certification:
ISO 17712 defines three levels of certification, each indicating a different level of security and tamper-evidence. These levels help users choose the appropriate seal based on the specific security requirements of their shipment.
a. High Security Seal (HSS): This is the highest level of certification within ISO 17712. High-security seals are designed to deter and prevent tampering attempts by requiring specialized tools and techniques for removal. These seals provide the highest level of security and are suitable for high-value goods, sensitive cargo, and shipments that need to meet the most stringent security standards.
b. Indicative Seal (IS): Indicative seals are designed to provide visual evidence of tampering or unauthorized access. They offer a basic level of security and deterrence but may not provide the same level of resistance as high-security seals. Indicative seals are commonly used for shipments that require some level of tamper-evidence, but where the security risk is lower compared to high-value cargo.
c. Barrier Seal (BS): Barrier seals are designed to prevent unauthorized access to cargo and containers. While they might not offer the same level of tamper-evidence as indicative or high-security seals, they still provide a deterrent against unauthorized entry. Barrier seals are often used for securing less valuable shipments or where tamper-evidence is less critical.
2. Categories of Certification:
Within each level of certification, ISO 17712 further categorizes security seals based on specific characteristics, design features, and testing criteria. These categories help users select the most appropriate seal for their specific security needs.
a. Category I: This category includes security seals with the highest level of tamper evidence and resistance to tampering attempts. These seals often incorporate advanced locking mechanisms and materials that make them extremely difficult to remove without leaving clear evidence of tampering.
b. Category II: Seals in this category offer a moderate level of tamper evidence and resistance. While they may not be as robust as Category I seals, they still provide a significant deterrent against unauthorized access and tampering.
c. Category III: This category includes seals with basic tamper-evident features. They provide a visual indication of tampering attempts, but they might be easier to compromise compared to Category I and II seals.
In Summary:
ISO 17712 certification establishes different levels and categories of security seals to cater to a wide range of security requirements in international shipping and transportation. High-security seals offer the highest level of protection, followed by indicative and barrier seals. Within each level, categories further define the level of tamper evidence and resistance provided by the seals. The choice of seal depends on factors such as the value of the cargo, the level of security required, and the specific regulations governing the shipment.
When selecting security seals, it’s crucial to consider the ISO 17712 certification level and category that aligns with the security needs of the shipment. This ensures that the chosen seals provide the appropriate level of protection against tampering and unauthorized access, contributing to the overall security and integrity of the supply chain.
