How to Choose the Right Security Seal
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Aggiornato:
26 ago 2025
< 5 min read
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Introduction
Security seals are tamper-evident devices used to secure goods during transport, storage, and handling. They play a crucial role in maintaining product integrity, preventing unauthorized access, and providing clear evidence of tampering. Today, businesses across industries such as logistics, shipping, pharmaceuticals, food production, and retail rely on security seals to safeguard their supply chains and build trust with customers. Choosing the right seal is essential to ensuring both security and compliance while avoiding unnecessary costs.
In this security seal guide, we outline the key factors to consider when selecting the best seal for your needs, including expert insights from the Relyon company Royal Pack.
Determine Your Level of Risk & Security Requirements
Different transportation scenarios require different levels of security. Before selecting a security seal, assess the risk of tampering or theft and consider industry regulations. For high-risk shipments, ISO 17712-certified high-security seals, such as bolt seals or cable seals, are often mandatory for international freight. For lower-risk domestic shipments, plastic pull-tight seals or indicative seals may suffice. Matching the seal’s security strength level to your risk profile ensures optimal protection without unnecessary expense.
Types of Security Seals
Security seals vary by material and application, each offering distinct benefits:
Plastic seals: Lightweight, cost-effective, available as fixed-length or adjustable pull-tight seals, suitable for general cargo and tote boxes.
Metal seals: Stronger than plastic, offering higher tamper resistance for trailers and containers.
Cable seals: Flexible and durable, ideal for securing shipping containers and trucks, available in various diameters and ISO 17712-certified options.
Bolt seals: High-security, heavy-duty seals used for international container shipping, offering high breaking strength and compliance with global standards.
Within these materials, different seal designs serve specific applications:
Pull-tight seals: Adjustable length for versatile use.
Fixed-length seals: Consistent locking length, ensuring easy visual checks.
Padlock seals: Compact solution for meters, drums, and cabinets.
Wire seals: Simple, tamper-evident solutions for aviation and utility industries.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Security Seals
Many businesses unknowingly compromise shipment security due to common errors:
Using non-certified seals for international shipping, leading to customs delays or rejected shipments.
Overlooking environmental factors, causing seals to break under extreme temperatures or humidity.
Selecting low-strength seals for high-value cargo, making them easy to tamper with.
Neglecting traceability, choosing seals without serial numbers or barcodes that enable auditing. Avoiding these mistakes ensures compliance, reduces risk, and prevents costly losses.
Fit, Locking Mechanism & Usability
The right fit and mechanism are essential for efficiency and security. Consider:
Fixed-length vs. adjustable: Fixed seals are quick to inspect, while adjustable seals fit varied locking points.
Locking strength: Some seals are designed for easy removal, others require cutters for maximum security.
Ease of application: In fast-paced logistics operations, a user-friendly seal saves time and reduces errors.
Traceability & Customisation
Modern supply chains demand traceability and accountability. Features such as:
Unique serial numbers for tracking and audit trails.
Custom branding for clear identification of ownership.
Barcode or RFID technology for automated tracking. These features help deter tampering, improve inventory control, and streamline logistics processes.
Environmental and Regulatory Criteria
Certain industries or geographies require seals to withstand extreme weather conditions, UV exposure, or chemical environments. High-quality seals offer environmental resistance to maintain performance in challenging conditions. Compliance with CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and other regulatory frameworks is essential for international shipping to avoid delays and fines.
Security Seal Comparison
This table helps visualize the key differences between seals, guiding you to the most cost-effective and secure solution.
Type of Seal | Material | Security Level | ISO 17712 Certified | Ideal Use Cases | Cost Level |
Plastic | Low to Medium | Optional | Tote boxes, pallet freight, retail goods | Low | |
Metal Cable | Medium to High | Available | Truck doors, shipping containers | Medium | |
Steel | High | Yes | International container shipping | Medium-High | |
Tin/Steel | Medium | Optional | Trailer doors, drums | Medium |
Cost vs. Security Level
While high-security bolt seals provide maximum protection, they may not be necessary for every shipment. Evaluate:
Cost-effective security solutions for low-risk goods.
Balancing price with security level to avoid overspending without compromising safety.
Relyon offers a full range of seals to meet varying needs, from low-cost indicative seals to ISO 17712-certified high-security options.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Choosing the right security seal is critical for supply chain integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost management. With a wide selection of ISO-certified bolt seals, customisable plastic seals, and high-quality cable seals, Royal Pack, part of Relyon, provides trusted solutions tailored to every industry and application.
Visit Royal Pack to explore our full product range and find the ideal security seal for your business needs.
For more guidance or to speak directly with one of our experts, contact us and we’ll help you find the most secure and cost-effective sealing solution for your operations.
