THE International Seal Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has published industry best practice guidelines in compliance with ISO 17712:2013 Clause 6, standards relating to container seals.
New industry guidelines emerge on boosting container seal securityTHE International Seal Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has published industry best practice guidelines in compliance with ISO 17712:2013 Clause 6, standards relating to container seals.
The new version of ISO International Standard 17712, Freight containers - Mechanical seals, published in May 2013, contains a significant change in Clause 6, Evidence of tampering.
These new requirements take effect on May 14 and the impact on international commerce could be significant because of the way regulators, major shippers, carriers, and others use ISO 17712, said the ISMA.
Under it, virtually all maritime containers will require high security barrier seals certified by accredited third parties to conform to the new requirements, according to the ISMA statement..
Said ISMA chairwoman Mette Jordan: "The new Clause 6 requires careful thought and innovation by manufacturers to get it right. The transition window is tight. Security seal users need to be confident their suppliers can implement and be certified to have a timely quality management system in response to 17712:2013's novel requirement. To assure the efficacy and quality of the guideline, ISMA members will test the process themselves for the first Clause 6 certification cycle."
Christian Wenk of American Castings and Manufacturing, said: "At a minimum, this document can facilitate communication between a manufacturer and its ISO 9001 auditors to smooth the inspection and approval process."