Security Seal Solutions for Tamper-Evident Protection

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Security seal solutions offer a range of options for tamper-evident protection.

These solutions can be customized to fit specific needs, from simple labels to complex systems.

For example, security tape can be used to seal packages and containers, providing a clear indication if the seal has been broken.

This is especially useful for shipping valuable or sensitive items.

Security seal solutions can also be used to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas or equipment.

They can be easily applied and removed, making them a convenient option for frequent use.

In some cases, security seals can be designed to be virtually impossible to remove without leaving evidence of tampering.

This level of security is often required for high-risk applications, such as in the pharmaceutical or financial industries.

A fresh viewpoint: Hot Glue Wax Seal

What is a Security Seal?

A security seal is a tamper-proof sticker mechanism used to protect items during transportation. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure the integrity of your products.

Close-up view of a metal doorknob and keyhole on a wooden gate, emphasizing security and design.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up view of a metal doorknob and keyhole on a wooden gate, emphasizing security and design.

Security seals serve as a way to protect items and detect tampering attempts, highlighting any unauthorized access or manipulation. They're a crucial tool for businesses worldwide.

Security seals are used in various contexts, from detecting contamination to preventing the theft of products while in transit. They're a versatile solution for companies looking to safeguard their goods.

The primary function of a tamper-proof seal tape is content restriction, making it an essential component in secure packaging.

Types of Security Seals

There are several types of security seals, each serving a specific purpose. Fixed-length plastic seals are a popular choice for their affordability and effectiveness in keeping track of shipments' cargo safely.

Plastic seals come in two styles: adjustable and fixed-length. Adjustable-length seals can fit various applications, while fixed-length seals are more tamper-resistant and often used for single-use security measures.

Security labels, such as tamper-evident labels, provide evidence of container or package integrity. They are applied across the openings of containers or packages and will result in visible damage if attempted to be removed or altered.

For more insights, see: Tamper Evident Security Labels

Yellow Plastic Seal on the Ground
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Here are some common types of security seals:

  • Container Seals: Designed for securing shipping containers, trucks, and large containers.
  • Meter Seals: Specifically created to secure gas, water, and utility meters.
  • Security Labels: Tamper-evident labels used to provide evidence of container or package integrity.
  • Barcode Seals: Featuring unique barcodes for easy verification of authenticity.
  • RFID Seals: Equipped with embedded RFID chips for authenticity verification and tracking.

Padlock seals are a great option for stopping the forceful opening of doors. They are simple to use and frequently employed in various applications, including securing zipper bags, first aid kits, and meters.

Types of Products Manufactured

Security seals come in a variety of types, each with its own unique advantages. Fixed-length plastic seals, for example, are a popular choice for many applications.

Plastic pull-tight seals are another option, offering a secure and tamper-evident solution for packages and containers. Cable seals, on the other hand, are designed for high-security applications and provide a robust barrier against unauthorized access.

Bolt seals and wire seals are also available, offering a secure and reliable way to seal containers and packages. Metal strap seals are another option, providing a high level of security and tamper-evidence.

Padlock seals are a great option for securing doors and containers, and can be used to prevent forced opening. They come in two types: plastic padlock seals and wire padlock seals.

Crop anonymous young male packer in casual clothes using tape gun dispenser for sealing cardboard boxes
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Here are the main types of security seals:

  • Container Seals: Designed for securing shipping containers, trucks, and large containers.
  • Meter Seals: Specifically created to secure gas, water, and utility meters.
  • Security Labels: Tamper-evident labels used to provide evidence of container or package integrity.
  • Barcode Seals: Feature unique barcodes for easy verification of authenticity.
  • RFID Seals: Equipped with embedded RFID chips for authenticity verification and tracking.

Some security seals, like twist & tail seals, are designed to leave clear and indelible visual evidence of unauthorized entry. This makes them an ideal choice for applications where tamper-evidence is crucial.

Types of

Types of Security Seals can be broadly classified into five types: plastic seals, metal seals, cable seals, bolt seals (container seal) and metric seals. These seals serve different purposes and provide varying levels of security.

Plastic seals are commonly used for transportation and short-term damage prevention measures. They are cost-efficient and can be used for sealing containers, mail sacks, and other applications.

Metal seals, on the other hand, are more secure and are often used for high-security applications. They can be made from a combination of metal and plastic or fully from metal.

Cable seals are designed to be used with cables and are often made from a combination of metal and plastic with a permanently attached metal security wire. They are commonly used for damage prevention measures.

A close-up image of an illuminated security keypad mounted on a wall.
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Bolt seals, also known as container seals, are robust and provide high-level security during transportation and storage. They are designed for securing shipping containers, trucks, and large containers.

Metric seals are specifically created to secure gas, water, and utility meters. They ensure the integrity of meter readings and prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

Here are some common types of security seals:

There are also special types of security seals, such as padlock seals, which are plastic seals shaped like a standard padlock and are often used for airline duty-free trolleys. Meter seals, on the other hand, are used with electric or gas or water meters and are designed to withstand exposure to sunlight and extreme weather.

Tamper-Evident Tape

Tamper-evident tape is a popular type of security seal that features one or more signs or entrance barriers that, if broken or absent, can reasonably be expected to provide tangible proof to customers that tampering has occurred.

Close up of a Face with a Tape over the Mouth
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These signs or entrance barriers can be of three types: non-transferable, fully transferable, and partial transferable.

The transferable tapes protected the products by leaving a visible trail of apparent tampering.

Destructible PVC tamper-evident tape is another type that cannot be removed without ripping it into tiny fragments once it has been peeled off and stuck to the object’s surface.

Any attempt to remove the label is clearly visible, making it a reliable security measure.

A high-quality stock total transfer void tape cannot be easily removed until it is cut, providing an added layer of security.

This type of security seal is often used to prevent unwanted access to containers or items, and can be used in various industries, including the airline industry.

Airport security seals are used to place these seals on items or locations that passengers shouldn’t access, ensuring the safety of everyone on the plane.

Non-Residue Void Labels

Non-Residue Void Labels are perfect for industries that need clean surfaces to apply multiple seals. They're also great for detecting tampering on sensitive equipment like cars, computers, laptops, and voting machines.

Security Logo
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These labels don't leave any residue on the product because the statement is printed directly on the sticker. This makes them ideal for use in situations where a residue-free surface is required.

Non-transfer tamper stickers are the type of security label used in these situations. They're designed to leave no sign of tampering on the surface, making it necessary to remove the seal to detect it.

Avoid Unauthorized Access

Avoiding unauthorized access is crucial when transporting valuable assets or sensitive information. Containers secured with security seals prevent unwanted access, and if not sealed, anyone can open them and put prohibited items inside.

Placing a high-quality stock total transfer void tape on a container makes it difficult to remove until it's cut. This is similar to using pouches for carrying private documents and money pouches, which are also used to transport assets.

The airline industry uses airport security seals to restrict access to certain areas or cupboards on planes. This helps ensure everyone's safety by preventing passengers from entering restricted spaces.

Padlock seals are a great option for securing doors, and they're often used to prevent the forceful opening of doors. Users can check if the seal is properly locked and if the seal cover will fracture if someone tries to open it, providing proof of attempted interference.

Explore further: How to Open Blister Pack

Fixed Length

Close Up Photo of a Sticker
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Fixed Length security seals are a popular choice for many applications. They are tamper-resistant and can be branded and numbered for extra security.

One of the advantages of fixed-length seals is that they are easier to fit than variable-length seals, as they simply "click" into place to lock. They are often used for single-use security seals for transport applications.

Fixed-length seals can withstand a break strength of up to 135 lbs, making them suitable for securing shipments' cargo safely. This makes them an excellent choice when cost is an issue.

Here are some common uses for fixed-length plastic seals:

  • Securing the neck of a bag or mail sack
  • Sealing chemical drums, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers
  • Transport applications

Materials Used in Security Seals

Metal strap seals are a solid option for trucking cargo, and they can have personalized numbering, printing, and barcoding added to boost their security level.

Metal strap seals are more resilient than plastic strap seals because of their material.

Metal strap seals are a great choice for applications that require extra durability.

Metal Strap

Brass Padlock on Rusty Metal Wire
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Metal strap seals are more resilient than plastic strap seals because of their material. They can withstand rough handling and harsh environments.

Metal strap seals are a solid option for trucking cargo. They provide a high level of security and can be personalized with numbering, printing, and barcoding to boost their security level.

Bolt seals, a type of metal seal, are used to secure shipping containers, trucks, and trailers. They must conform to the ISO 17712 high security seal to be accepted by customs worldwide in ocean shipping.

Metal strap seals can be used in conjunction with bolt seals for added security.

Additional reading: Lock for Shipping Container

Numbered Plastic: Safe Assets

Numbered plastic security seals are a popular choice for businesses that want to keep their assets safe. They provide a clear audit trail and can be branded with a company name and logo.

Adjustable-length plastic security seals can fit a variety of applications, from securing bags to sealing chemical drums. They have an adjustable length and offer a higher security level due to sequential numbering.

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Fixed-length seals are more tamper-resistant than variable-length seals. They simply "click" into place to lock, making them easier to fit than variable-length seals.

Padlock seals are a type of fixed-length seal and are often used for airline duty-free trolleys. They can be placed over a locking part to secure, but don't require keys to open.

Meter seals are used with electric or gas or water meters and are molded in polycarbonate. They have a transparent body that provides clear indication of tampering.

Numbered plastic security seals can be hot-stamped with numbers to help with tracking and organization. This makes it easier to keep track of your assets.

The pinch locks are a popular option due to their ease of use. They have numbers hot-stamped onto them and can be used to secure packages.

Pull locks are a more durable option and require more breaking strength. They come in 8” and 5.5” lengths and can be used with hot-stamped numbers or barcodes.

Ladder locks, secure-a-ties, and solid bar locks are also available and are best suited for when you need tamper-resistant locking while being able to modify the length of the seals.

A different take: Cargo Trailer Door Lock

Wire

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Wire seals are strong seals that cover small openings in valves, lockable doors, and other objects.

Some wire seals can be utilized in high-security circumstances, such as international freight shipping because they meet ISO ratings for high security.

The wire's length depends on the size of the task, but the extra cable can be cut.

Wire seals are available in various cable sizes, which commonly range from 1.5mm to 5mm.

Destructible PVC Tape

Destructible PVC tamper-evident tape is a type that cannot be removed without ripping it into tiny fragments once it has been peeled off and stuck to the object's surface. This makes it clear that any attempt to remove the label has been made.

Any attempt to remove this type of tape is clearly visible, making it a reliable choice for security seals.

Security Seal Technologies

Security seal technologies have come a long way in ensuring the integrity of packages and products.

Two white doors against a red wall featuring security signs and logos.
Credit: pexels.com, Two white doors against a red wall featuring security signs and logos.

You can mark seals with various technologies to fit your needs, including logos, special texts, and bar codes.

Some marking technologies used are hot stamping, inkjet printing, laser engraving, and thermal printing.

These technologies can help prevent package pilferage, as they make it difficult for unauthorized individuals to open or tamper with the seal.

Here are some common marking technologies used for security seals:

  • Hot stamping
  • Inkjet printing
  • Laser engraving
  • Thermal printing

Bolt

Bolt seals are a high-security option that's surprisingly easy to use. They have a self-locking mechanism, making installation tool-free.

These seals are made by attaching a steel bolt and a tamper-evident portion, which can be customized for added security.

Bolt seals are perfect for securing trailer door locks, cross-border shipments, and containers. They're a great choice for high-risk applications.

To remove bolt seals, you'll need to use bolt cutters, which can be a challenge due to the seal's heavy-duty design.

Technologies for Marking

Seals can be individualized to fit the needs of the user through various marking technologies.

Wax Seal on a Textured Paper
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Hot stamping is one of the methods used to mark seals, allowing for the application of logos and special texts.

Inkjet printing is another technology used for marking, enabling the addition of consecutive numbering and 1D and 2D bar codes.

Laser engraving and thermal printing are also in use, offering flexibility in marking designs and information.

The use of these marking technologies helps prevent package pilferage by making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to remove or alter the seal.

The following marking technologies are commonly used:

  • Hot stamping
  • Inkjet printing
  • Laser engraving
  • Thermal printing

Various Applications

Security seals are widely used in various industries to prevent theft and tampering. They are extensively used in warehouses and cash boxes to protect valuable items.

Their pull strength makes them ideal for use in cash-in-transit and postal services. You can also find them in airline cargo and rail transportation to ensure the safe transportation of goods.

Security seals are also used in law enforcement and logistics services to protect evidence and sensitive documents. They are often used in tote boxes and other containers to prevent theft and contamination.

These seals are designed to resist any attempt to break or remove them, providing complete protection and peace of mind.

Related reading: Package Theft

Advantages of Security Seals

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Security seals offer numerous advantages to businesses and consumers alike. One of the primary benefits is customer protection, as security seal stickers provide assurance that a product hasn't been tampered with.

Customers appreciate this added layer of security, which can boost their trust in a brand. Businesses also employ security seals to reduce theft, especially models with alarms that prevent people from stealing goods.

Security seals act as a formidable barrier against unauthorized access, making it challenging or even impossible for thieves to access containers or packages without damaging the seal. This deterrent effect significantly reduces the risk of theft and protects valuable assets during transit or storage.

Here are some key reasons why security seals are indispensable:

  • Theft Prevention: Security seals reduce the risk of theft and protect valuable assets.
  • Tamper Evidence: Security seals provide visible evidence of attempted tampering.
  • Product Integrity: Security seals ensure the integrity of products by indicating if a container or package has been opened or tampered with.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Security seals are mandatory in many regulated industries, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

By utilizing security seals, businesses can maintain product quality and customer satisfaction, particularly in industries where product quality is paramount, such as pharmaceuticals or food and beverage.

Choosing the Right Security Seal

Choosing the right security seal requires careful consideration of several factors. Selecting the wrong seal can compromise the security of your goods.

Credit: youtube.com, Opening ISO 17712 2013 certified High Security Container Seals by Picking

To determine the specific container or package that needs to be secured, you should consider factors such as size, material, and the level of security required. Different seals are designed to suit different applications.

Assess the level of protection needed based on the value, sensitivity, or criticality of the goods being secured. High-value or sensitive items may require more robust seals that offer enhanced tamper resistance.

Setting a budget for security seals is essential, as compromising on quality and reliability can have significant consequences. Choose a reputable supplier or manufacturer that offers quality seals within the allocated budget.

Selecting a reputable security seal provider with industry experience and positive customer reviews is crucial. Look for manufacturers or suppliers with a track record of delivering reliable products.

Here are the essential considerations to keep in mind when choosing a security seal:

  1. Container or Package Type: Determine the specific container or package that needs to be secured.
  2. Desired Level of Security: Assess the level of protection needed based on the value, sensitivity, or criticality of the goods being secured.
  3. Budget: Set a budget for security seals and choose a reputable supplier or manufacturer that offers quality seals within the allocated budget.
  4. Reputation and Expertise: Select a reputable security seal provider with a track record of delivering reliable products.

Lab Testing

Lab testing is where safety seals really shine. They ensure that test samples are secure and tamper-proof.

In labs and testing facilities, safety seals are used to verify the status of samples. This helps lab technicians recognize them and link them to the right person and method.

These stickers are especially useful for keeping vials secure.

Operation and Functionality

Crop man sealing carton box with tape
Credit: pexels.com, Crop man sealing carton box with tape

Security seals can be split into two main groups: single-use and reusable.

Single-use seals are typically made of plastic or metal, and the used material and production technology is the key to their security level.

Reusable seals are usually electronic or mechanical rather than just made from plastic, and if purely plastic, only one part is reusable.

Electronic and mechanical seals are generally used for the transportation industry, with seal fixed to the back of trucks, trailers, and shipping containers.

A reusable mechanical or electronic seal can be fitted to the rear or loading doors, extending a cable from itself through fixing points on the doors, and when sealed generating a unique number which is logged.

When the door is next opened this number changes, so it provides tamper evidence for the load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a high security seal?

A high security seal is a tamper-evident seal made from materials like metal or metal cables, designed to prevent unauthorized access and meet international security standards. It's a reliable way to ensure the integrity of packages, containers, and equipment.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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