Overview of ISO 17712: 2013(E)

The International Standards Organization (ISO) establishes testing standards on a wide variety of products.

ISO 17712 pertains to mechanical security seals, which are classified into 3 groups:

  • High Security Seals
  • Security Seals
  • Indicative Seals

The standard is a copyrighted product of the International Standards Organization (ISO). To purchase a copy of the complete standard, contact ISO at: www.iso.org

The information presented below is intended to provide seal consumers with a general understanding of the ISO 17712 standard. The information is a paraphrased summary of the key sections of the standard with a focus on the MINIMUM requirements for high security seals such as bolt seals, cable seals and barrier seals.

High Security Seals

These seals are designed to provide the most security. The most common high security seals are bolt seals (typically 7mm diameter or more), cable seals (typically 3.5mm diameter minimum) and barrier seals. These seals also serve as barriers since they require special tools (heavy duty bolt cutters, cable cutters or cutting wheels) to remove the seals.

Typical applications include placing a bolt seal or cable seal in the hasp of the door latch. Other common practices are to wrap the keeper bars of a shipping container (or truck trailer) with a long cable seal or use a barrier seal (also known as a “keeper bar lock”).

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is a joint effort between the United States government and businesses involved in importing goods into the United States. One of the CTPAT guidelines is to use seals rated High Security for international shipments which cross borders.

ISO 17712 Requirements for High Security Seals

Section 4.2.1 – All high security seals must be permanently marked with the manufacturer name (or logo) and uniquely numbered

Section 4.2.2 – All high security seals must be marked with an “H” to designate the high security classification.

Section 4.4.1 – All high security seals shall be designed to mitigate tampering and leave evidence if tampered. The seal manufacturer will also certify in writing that they conduct periodic tamper evident testing on their seals in conjunction with an accredited process review organization.

Section 5.1.2 – All high security seals must be tested by an independent testing lab to successfully pass minimum levels for tensile, shear, bending, and impact. Seals are tested as sold. The independent lab testing must be completed AT LEAST every 24 months to verify seals are still in compliance, or sooner if there is a significant design change in the seal.

All of NovaVision’s high security seals meet the requirements for ISO 17712. The links to our certifications can be found on the respective product pages.

Security Seals

These are mid-level security devices which are lower cost than High Security Seals, but offer a higher break strength than Indicative Seals. The higher break strength assures the seals are durable for the application and not prone to breaking unintentionally. These seals typically include lower diameter cable seals (3mm diameter and less) and the high-strength plastic seals. These seals are typically removed with cable/wire cutters or other light weight tools.

Indicative Seals

These devices offer the lowest level of security. They are intended to show tampering, but are not intended to be a barrier for access. This category typically includes metal, plastic, or wire seals which can be pulled apart by hand or cut with a tin snips or scissors.

If you need more information regarding ISO 17712, please contact us.

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