C-TPAT Compliant Seals

C-TPAT is the acronym for “Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism”.

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/ctpat

The C-TPAT program uses the International Standard ISO 17712:2013 to set the criteria for security seals that are C-TPAT Compliant. Only HIGH Security Seals can be C-TPAT Compliant.

The use of High Security Seals is recommended for the following areas:

• High value shipments.
• Truck, rail, ocean, intermodal- and air freight shipments.
• Border crossing and international shipments.
• Shipments of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverages.

In order to verify that a High Security Seal is C-TPAT Compliant, the manufacturer must be able to provide the following documentation:

• Manufacturer’s ISO 9001 certification.
• Manufacturer’s ISO 17712:2013 Annex ‘A’ Certification (Best Practices).
• ISO 17712:2013 Test Report, documenting compliance as an ”H” graded seal (High Security).
• ISO 17712:2013 Clause 6 Tamper Evidence Compliance Letter.
• The independent test lab that does the physical testing of the seal has to be accredited to perform all 5 mechanical tests according to ISO 17712:2013 # 5.

Only seal manufacturers that are certified according to ISO 17712:2013, are allowed to put “grade marks” on security seals. High Security Seals should be marked with the letter “H” to indicate that the seal is a High Security Seal. Furthermore the seal manufacturer’s name or insignia should be clearly marked on the High Security Seal itself.