Why your cargo needs to be shipped under seal:
The importance of security seals in maritime shipping Shipments in transit is often a reason for apprehension and anxiety. This is particularly so for container-bound cargo on the high seas whose progress is relatively slow. Sure, real-time tracking will tell you exactly where your shipment is at, but it won’t exactly provide a security update on your consignment. However, Cargo security seals will provide proof that your consignment was securely transited – or that it was breached, because it actually can, just not without breaking the seal. Now while they are not the only option out there, metallic bolt seals and cable barrier seals are a particular
favorite on containers given their high break-apart strength which would allow the seal to stand firm against a bulge.

Why Cargo Security is Important

security seals in maritime shipping A container can undergo a customs inspection, a standards enforcement check etc… at any time during transit, impromptu or otherwise. However, this is usually legit, even routine, and would be duly documented. Plus, the customs officials would not only re-seal it, the previous seal would also be returned. However, there can be less friendly breaches, like theft. Cargo could also be removed and swapped with inferior/counterfeit alternatives leaving the quantity intact but NOT the integrity of the shipment or its brand. A Contraband could also be inserted, possibly causing the entire container – not to mention the entire ship to be impounded. Being tamper-proof, shipping seals eliminate such risks.

Locks vs Security Seals – why not simply apply a lock?

Ok. Why even bother to apply a security seal when you could use a lock? You’d keep your key
or copy thereof, and it should all be OK. Well, swell idea, but is it?
1. Locks restrict access, no contest there. But they also grant easy entry to multiple users, multiple times without leaving behind proof of access. A key granting access to a standards enforcement officer will be the same key that grants access to a fraud. If shipments were shipped under lock, enforcement of standards would be a myth.

2. Locks will have multiple key copies. Typically containers will carry cargo for one or several shippers. Each one would need to have a copy. Naturally. However, being keys, everyone could run additional copies, so there’d be no limit to the number of copies out there. Unlimited copies mean a higher risk of a copy landing in the wrong hands. To the insurer, this would be very good news. Not quite so the manufacturer, shipper or the final consumer onto whom the additional cost of risk would be passed.

3. Locks would also pose a challenge to shippers at the end of every shipment. What would become of the locks whose keys have been used by the consignees whose shipments have just (safely?) arrived? They’d obviously be required to surrender their key copies. However, there would be no way to ensure that every copy (and counter-copy) has been surrendered, would there?

The container would then require a lock change and a new set of keys. But this would in turn require a system of lock and key validation before the container turned around…every time? Maybe every shipper could simply buy their own container, just to be double-safe..? Not a very pragmatic prospect, I am sure. By contrast, security seals actually make life very simple. A single bolt seal will secure the entire container and will show proof of tampering once breached. Locks (and keys) provide a secure, locking solution, but this is not quite what shipping needs. Seals provide a secure, affordable and effective sealing solution – precisely what maritime shipping needs.

 

Well, so your container seal shows signs of tampering – what should you do next?

Do not open it – not without an official witness at least!

security seals in maritime shipping To begin with, it is important to gather photographic evidence to illustrate the condition in which you found the seal.
▶ Take clear images of the condition of the seal, you’ll need them to prove the validity of your claim – or the lack of it.
▶ Contact your shipper immediately as well as your insurance provider. Both of these parties will need to be present to witness and validate your claim. Opening or accessing the inside of the container in their presence or their authorized agents would be imperative.
▶ Once open, validate the contents against your shipping documentation, just in case something is missing. Compile photographic evidence of the contents and document them against the original shipping documentation prior to tampering, especially if you intend to file a claim against your shipper. But to truly appreciate the role played by security seals, I do hope this question comes to mind: How would you prove a breach claim committed with one genuine key-copy, discovered only with the use of another – your own?

FAQ

Q1: Why is it important to use cargo security seals in maritime shipping?

A1: Cargo security seals are important in maritime shipping because they provide proof that the consignment was securely transited, and they eliminate the risk of tampering with the cargo, such as theft or inserting contraband.

Q2: What are the differences between locks and security seals in shipping?

A2: Locks provide a secure, locking solution, but they grant easy entry to multiple users without leaving behind proof of access, and there is no way to ensure that every copy of the key has been surrendered. Security seals, on the other hand, provide a tamper-proof solution that shows proof of tampering once breached and eliminates the risk of unauthorized access.

Q3: What should you do if your container seal shows signs of tampering?

A3: If your container seal shows signs of tampering, do not open it without an official witness at least. Take clear images of the condition of the seal and contact your shipper and insurance provider immediately. Both parties need to be present to witness and validate your claim, and opening the container in their presence or their authorized agents would be imperative.

Q4: What evidence do you need to prove the validity of your claim of tampering?

A4: To prove the validity of your claim of tampering, you need to gather photographic evidence to illustrate the condition in which you found the seal. Take clear images of the condition of the seal and the contents of the container, and document them against the original shipping documentation prior to tampering.

Q5: How would you prove a breach claim committed with one genuine key-copy discovered only with the use of another?

A5: It would be difficult to prove a breach claim committed with one genuine key copy discovered only with the use of another, as there would be no way to determine who accessed the container using the genuine key copy. This is why security seals are a better solution for shipping, as they provide a tamper-proof solution that shows proof of tampering once breached.

Conclusion

If you’re in the business of shipping goods, you know how important it is to keep your cargo safe and secure. And one of the best ways to do that is by using container security seals.

At Sichern LLC, we specialize in providing high-quality container security seals that are designed to keep your cargo safe from tampering and theft. Our seals are made from durable materials and are easy to use, making them an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

Using container security seals can also help you comply with various regulations and industry standards. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything possible to protect your cargo and stay in compliance with the law.

So if you’re looking to enhance your cargo security, consider investing in container security seals from Sichern LLC. With our high-quality products and expert support, you can be confident that your cargo is in good hands.