There is a lot of confusion in the Global security seal markets surrounding the requirements outlined in ISO/PAS 17712:2006 and C-TPAT (Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism).

Most of the confusion related to ISO/PAS 17712 is genuine and even to be expected. This is an evolving standard that is unlikely to be formally published by ISO before the end of March 2010 but all must be aware that the same confusion is being exploited by a small yet significant group of security seal manufacturers/suppliers and/or distributors who are making incorrect claims relating to both processes and for the simple aim of increased sales potential.

This note aims to clarify and simplify the TRUE position as at October 2009 and if required extracts from it may be copied to others for distribution to prospects/ customers to help them with their understanding.

ISO/PAS 17712

There are two distinct elements of 17712; one, through the Normative Annex A, relates to the Seal manufacturers' security-related practices and the other relates purely to the physical attributes of security seal Products.

Annex A (normative)

To be compliant to this annex the manufacturer must first be certified to ISO 9001:2000 (or equivalent) at all it's manufacturing locations involved in the production of their seals. If production is out-sourced or finished seal products bought in the providers must also be certified to ISO 9001:2000 (or equivalent)

To prove full compliance to Annex A, manufacturers must then be audited by a certification provider specifically accredited to audit for compliance to ISO/PAS 17712; the effect of this is that to prove Annex A compliance TWO certificates are required.

It is also very important to understand that a manufacturer can be compliant to the Normative Annex A and not market compliant products but it is not possible for a manufacturer to be non Normative Annex A compliant and market their products as compliant - regardless of any test results from an independent accredited laboratory.

Product

The manufacturer has to submit all seals for which they wish to claim compliance to an independent testing laboratory. The testing laboratory must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 with an explicit scope that includes ISO/PAS 17712:2006. The laboratory must provide (or show copies) of their accreditation certificates to the manufacturer.

After testing the laboratory will issue the manufacturer with a detailed test report and where appropriate a Certificate confirming the classification of the seal (H, S or I). Each certificate is valid for two years only after which time the product must be sent to the laboratory for re-test.

Product compliance to ISO/PAS 17712:2006 can only be claimed if the manufacturer also has the necessary Certificates supporting Normative Annex A compliance.

C-TPAT

This is a purely voluntary USA "anti terrorism" scheme that within its written procedures makes only a few limited references to ISO/PAS 17712 and high security seals. An example of the textual reference is:

"A high security seal must be affixed to all loaded containers bound for the U.S. All seals used or distributed by the sea carrier must meet or exceed the current PAS ISO 17712 standards for high security seals"

All references to the use of seals within the programme relate to High Security Seals so the use of Security or Indicative seals is not permitted. This means there is no such thing as a
C-TPAT compliant "Plastic Seal" and in fact at no stage does C-TPAT even suggest that there is any such thing as a C-TPAT compliant seal.

C-TPAT is actually a security program run by the USCBP (United States Customs & Border Patrol). Within the C-TPAT procedures Companies in USA must have full knowledge of their supply chains and employ security measures to safeguard their imports. This includes knowing who they are buying from and ensuring they too have procedures in place to help prevent illegal or terrorist goods/property from being added to shipments entering the USA.

The advice to any customer faced with a manufacturer/supplier offering any type of "compliant seals' is to ask to see ALL of the required certificates.

If the manufacturer/supplier cannot do that the customer should show them the door and look for a manufacturer/supplier that can!

Malcolm Carter
20 October 2009