With the recent announcement of ISO 17712’s latest revision to ISO 17712:2013, there are several changes into the ISO standard that are worth mentioning. The most noticeable change is the inclusion of Clause 6, which details the function of security seals and its tamper evident features.

The clause reveals the requirements for seals to be designed features that generate tell-tale evidence of tampering. It also details a general guideline to help end-users of security seals identify signs of tampering.

Users of security seals should conduct regular checks at various points en route. The initial inspections include pulling the seal by hand with a twisting action, in the opposite direction to the locking action. Additionally, physical inspection should also be conducted thoroughly.

Below are some examples of common security checks/evidence of tampering listed in the ISO standard:

Bolt seals:

• Check for clamping marks on any section of the plasticized/plain pin and bush.
• Signs of cutting and re-joining on the shaft of the pin, as well as around the base of the bush.

Cable seals:

• Frayed sections or deformation of the uniform pattern of the cable along the full length
• Evidence of abrasion, drilling, or gluing where cable is permanently fixed to the seal body

The ISO standard also advises that manufacturers and users should not rely exclusively on the mentioned security checks and evidence of tampering alone when designing security seals.