ISO/PAS 17712 And How It Affects Buyers
As a buyer of security seals that you need to be ISO/PAS 17712 compliant, you cannot simply accept "Yes, we comply" as an answer from your supplier.. You must be able to ensure that you have bought a product that does comply fully.
What Is ISO/PAS 17712?
ISO/PAS 17712 (Publicly Available Specification) establishes “uniform procedures for the classification, acceptance, and withdrawal of acceptance of mechanical freight container seals”.
ISO/PAS 17712 defines the various types of security seals available and describes in detail the general performance requirements for each product type as well as details of testing specifications.
Seals are defined as either I Indicative, S Security or H High Security and general basic requirements stipulate that seals must be:
- Strong and durable against weather, chemical action and undetectable tampering.
- Easy to apply and seal.
- Be permanently and uniquely marked.
- The manufacturer's logo should be easily identifiable.
If your requirement is for high security seals H, and you have purchased seals which cannot be proven to be ISO/PAS 17712 compliant, you will under C-TPAT procedures risk delays with your shipping.
In order to define whether a seal meets the H classification for C-TPAT compliance, seals must be subject to ISO approved performance tests.
ISO/PAS 17712 defines tests and suggested apparatus for security seals, including a tensile (pull) test, a shear (cutting) test, bend and an impact test.
Equally as important and in addition to the physical requirements of the ISO/PAS 17712, procedural guidelines are set down in Annex A (Normative) which govern compliance of the seal manufacturer themselves.
What is Annexe A (Normative)?
In November 2004, ISMA and ISO decided to further clarify the conditions of ISO/PAS 11712. As a result of the meeting, changes were made to the initial document and Annexe A (Normative) was significantly amended.
The aim of these amendments was to further introduce, develop and implement a program which will enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines. These guidelines focus on security measures which span the lifetime of a security seal and describe six stages in a “chain of custody”. This “chain of custody” spans from the intial design of the seal, the start of its lifetime through to the seal’s effective “afterlife”.
Chain of Custody – Design process to after life
The guidelines describe enhanced measures which must be in place in order to secure C-TPAT compliance. It describes the six life stages of a security seal from design process, a seal manufacturer best practices, product certification, distributor & reseller practices, user knowledge & discipline, in transit management, post shipment chain of custody.