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Security seals are single-use or controlled-reuse locking devices that show visible evidence of tampering and protect goods, equipment, and sensitive materials from unauthorized access in transit or storage. Unlike locks, which can often be opened and re-closed without obvious signs, security seals are intended for single-use or controlled re-use, leaving clear visual evidence when broken or removed.
These products are widely used in logistics, transportation, energy, retail, healthcare, and government sectors to ensure cargo integrity and compliance with regulations. Modern secure seals are available in multiple materials, including plastic, metal, and hybrid designs, and can incorporate advanced features such as serial numbers, barcodes, RFID chips, or even GPS tracking.
If you’d like to explore one of the most common categories in greater depth, check out our detailed guide on what a plastic security seal — including how it works, its advantages, and the industries that rely on it.
Security seals do more than “lock” something. They are a critical layer in physical security systems that combine deterrence, evidence, and traceability.
Tamper-evident security seals provide an instant visual indicator if someone has attempted unauthorized access. Whether it’s a broken cable seal on a shipping container or a cut plastic pull-tight seal on a storage bin, the breach is immediately visible, reducing investigation time and liability.
In global trade, secure seals protect cargo from theft, contamination, and substitution. For example, a bolt seal compliant with ISO 17712 ensures containers remain sealed during ocean freight, reducing the risk of cargo tampering and helping comply with C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) requirements.
In industries like pharmaceuticals, aviation, and food processing, the use of security seal tags is a legal requirement. Tamper-evident protection not only prevents unauthorized access but also serves as proof of compliance during inspections and audits.
Many secure seals now include unique serial numbers, barcodes, or QR codes. This allows easy verification, logging, and tracking in supply chain software — critical for just-in-time logistics and chain-of-custody documentation.
By preventing theft and contamination, companies save on loss prevention, insurance claims, and regulatory fines. Additionally, using security tags reduces manual inspections, improving operational efficiency.
Modern security seals come in various designs tailored for different applications, strength requirements, and compliance standards.
BOESE Plastic Security Seal
Fixed-length plastic security seals have a pre-set locking length and are ideal for applications where consistent seal length ensures predictable security — such as sealing truck doors, airline carts, or cash-in-transit bags.
Advantages: Simple to apply, cost-effective, tamper-evident.
Common Uses: Postal services, retail delivery, fuel tankers.
Also known as adjustable plastic seals, these can be pulled to varying tightness for different closure sizes.
Advantages: Versatile, suitable for irregular shapes, available with tear-off options for tool-free removal.
Common Uses: Airline catering, medical waste bags, warehouse totes.
For a practical step-by-step guide on safely removing these seals without damaging equipment, check out our detailed article on how to open plastic security seals — it covers different seal designs, tools, and best practices.
Cable seals are high-security devices. They protect cargo and equipment in tough environments. These seals are made with a multi-strand metal cable, usually galvanized steel, and a strong locking body. They offer great strength and resist forced entry. Many quality cable seals meet the ISO 17712 standard, making them ideal for international shipping and customs.
The locking mechanism works by threading the cable through the locking body and pulling it tight. Once locked, the only way to remove it is by cutting the cable. This leaves clear evidence of tampering. The cable diameter can vary from light-duty 1.5 mm versions to heavy-duty 5 mm+ types for container doors.
Adjustable cable seals let you change the loop size. This makes them flexible for sealing different-sized closures. They are especially useful for things like bulk tanker trucks and intermodal containers, where latch distances vary.
Fixed-length cable seals have a preset locking length. This ensures consistent sealing every time. They are ideal for applications with standardized security rules. While they offer the same high security as adjustable seals, they are faster to apply when you need the same length repeatedly.
Bolt seals use a steel bolt and locking mechanism and are designed for maximum strength. They are typically ISO 17712 compliant and widely used for securing ocean freight containers and truck trailers.
Advantages: Very high tamper resistance, withstands cutting tools.
Common Uses: Maritime shipping, cross-border trucking.
Wire seals use galvanized or stainless-steel wire with a locking body, offering flexibility and strength. They are often used for utility meters, valves, and aviation security.
Advantages: Adjustable, durable, suitable for tight spaces.
Common Uses: Customs applications, securing drums and valves.
Metal strap or strip seals are flat metal bands with a locking mechanism. They provide higher security than plastic seals and are resistant to heat and impact.
Common Uses: Truck doors, containerized goods, rail freight.
Electronic seals, often referred to as e-seals, represent the next generation of secure seals by integrating digital tracking technology, real-time tamper alerts, and GPS location monitoring. Unlike traditional mechanical seals, e-seals can transmit data to centralized monitoring systems, enabling 24/7 visibility over cargo status.
These seals are generally reusable, constructed from durable polymer or metal housings with embedded electronics, and often meet international supply chain security standards. Some models support RFID identification, while others connect to IoT platforms for automated event logging.
Advantages:
Instant breach notification through GSM, SMS, or cloud-based alerts.
Remote monitoring from anywhere in the world, ideal for high-risk shipments.
Data logs for compliance audits and chain-of-custody documentation.
Common Uses: Our solutions are designed for critical shipments. These include high-value cargo, defense logistics, and pharmaceutical shipments. We also handle customs-supervised and sensitive government consignments, where real-time tracking and physical security are essential.
Padlock seals combine the familiar design of a padlock with the tamper-evident features of security seal tags. They are available in both plastic-bodied and metal-bodied variants, depending on the application’s security requirements. Some versions are single-use disposable seals, while others are reusable models fitted with unique serial numbers or barcodes for tracking.
The locking mechanism is typically simple to apply by hand, without tools, and is designed so that any unauthorized opening attempt leaves clear visual evidence. Plastic padlock seals are lightweight and suitable for low-to-medium security tasks, whereas metal padlock seals offer greater resistance to cutting tools.
Advantages:
Easy to apply and remove, saving operational time.
Compatible with a variety of hasp or latch types.
Available in color-coded versions for quick identification in large facilities.
Common Uses: Securing cash boxes, retail display cabinets, vending machines, lockers, utility panels, and equipment cases in transit.
Twist and tail seals are simple, low-cost wire-based security seals consisting of a flexible wire tail that is manually twisted into the locking head. They are often used where space is limited, but tamper evidence is still required. The wire can be made from galvanized steel, stainless steel, or copper, while the locking body may be metal or high-impact plastic.
Twist & tail seals are simple but adaptable. They fit in small spaces like meter box eyelets or airline trolley latches. Once you twist and lock them, they can’t be removed without breaking. This damage shows you that someone tried to tamper with the seal.
Advantages:
Lightweight and compact, ideal for tight spaces.
Economical choice for large-scale sealing operations.
Quick application without specialized tools.
Common Uses: Utility meter boxes, airline catering trolleys, cargo cart doors, warehouse cage locks, and ballot boxes in election security.
Reusable security seals are made for repeated, long-term use. They still provide strong evidence of tampering. These seals are built with durable materials like hardened steel, reinforced polymer, or anodized aluminum. They combine mechanical strength with clear tamper-evident features, keeping things secure through many uses.
Unlike single-use seals, reusable seals have a resettable locking mechanism. You can lock and unlock them using a special key or tool. This design makes them perfect for applications where items are sealed and unsealed often, helping to reduce waste and lower long-term costs.
Indicative seals are light-duty security seals. They are mainly used to show if something has been opened since it was last secured. Their function is to give a visual indicator of access, not to act as a strong physical barrier. These seals are a great way to maintain basic supply chain control in low-risk environments. They are also effective and economical.
These seals are typically made from lightweight plastic or thin metal. Many models also have unique serial numbers, barcodes, or color-coding for quick identification. They are easy to use—often requiring no special tools. You can remove them easily by hand or with minimal cutting tools.
Security seals are essential in a wide range of industries:
Transportation & Logistics – Sealing cargo containers, truck trailers, and rail cars.
Maritime Shipping – Compliance with IMO & ISO 17712 standards for container seals.
Aviation – Securing airline catering carts, duty-free trolleys, cockpit doors.
Utilities & Energy – Meter seals, valve seals, substation equipment.
Retail & Banking – ATM cassettes, cash bags, point-of-sale systems.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals – Protecting medical kits, biohazard waste, and drug shipments.
Government & Law Enforcement – Evidence bags, ballot boxes, customs seals.
Security seals are more than simple closures — they are integral to modern supply chain security, regulatory compliance, and asset protection. From plastic security seals for everyday logistics to ISO-certified bolt and cable seals for international freight, the right choice depends on your risk level, industry standards, and operational needs.
By understanding the different types and applications of security seals, procurement managers, engineers, and technical buyers can make informed decisions, ensuring both physical protection and legal compliance. As supply chains grow more complex, secure seals will remain a critical safeguard in protecting global trade and sensitive assets.
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