Operations & Application Guides
How to Inspect a Security Seal?
Seal inspection procedure.
Direct answer
Inspecting a security seal means more than checking whether it is broken. A proper inspection verifies the serial-number match, locking body, strap/wire/pin integrity, closure point and any signs of interference together. If something is suspicious, the seal should not simply be removed and discarded; photos and an exception record should be created according to procedure.
What you will learn
First match the serial number to the recorded number.
Then inspect the entire seal body and connecting element end to end.
The closure point itself should also be checked for bending, cutting or removal signs.
An intact-looking seal with the wrong serial number is also an exception.
In suspicious events, preserve evidence and invoke the authorized decision process.
Two-part inspection: identity + integrity
The first part of inspection is identity verification. The number on the physical seal should match the shipment, vehicle, meter or asset record. If it does not, the chain of custody requires explanation even when the seal looks physically perfect.
The second part is integrity. Instead of checking only the body, inspect the locking zone, strap/wire/pin, connection ends and the sealed hardware itself. Heat marks, adhesive, crushing, frayed strands, cuts, re-crimping or abnormal looseness require attention.
Security-seal inspection points
| Check | Normal condition | Suspicious condition |
|---|---|---|
| Serial number | Fully matches the record and is readable | Different, erased, scratched or unreadable |
| Locking body | Intact, closed and undeformed | Crack, adhesive, heat mark or opening sign |
| Strap / wire / pin | Continuous and normal geometry | Cut, splice, crushing, fraying or cutting mark |
| Closure point | Sound and in normal position | Bent, cut, removed or loose |
| Application slack | Consistent with procedure | Clearly different from normal or excessive loop |
Good practices during inspection
- Read the expected number from the record and independently compare it with the physical seal
- Use a light or closer view where necessary to inspect the locking area
- Inspect cable strands along the full length on cable seals
- On containers, inspect the door handle and locking bars as well as the bolt seal
- Photograph a suspicious seal and create an incident reference before removal
Seal inspection SOP at handover
- 1
Retrieve the expected serial number
Use the document/system to identify which serial should be present at which point.
- 2
Match the physical number
Verify digit by digit or compare through barcode/QR scanning.
- 3
Inspect seal integrity
Look for tamper signs on the body, connecting element and locking zone.
- 4
Inspect closure hardware
Check the door, valve, hatch or meter closure point for manipulation.
- 5
Record the result
Close the handover if satisfactory; if suspicious, open an exception event and await authorized disposition.
Frequently asked questions
What if the seal is intact but the number is different?
This is an exception. Unless there is a documented explanation such as authorized resealing, the chain of custody should be investigated.
Should a broken seal be removed immediately?
Usually the condition should first be photographed and serial/handover details recorded before an authorized decision is made according to procedure.
Does barcode scanning replace physical inspection?
No. Scanning verifies identity; physical integrity must still be inspected.
Is a scratch on a seal proof of tampering?
Not by itself. Normal transport damage and tamper signs should be evaluated in context together with the locking area, serial number and closure point.
Should inspection results be photographed?
It may not be necessary for every event, but photographs are valuable supporting records for high-risk shipments, suspicious events or handover disputes.
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