| Tamper Evidence | A security seal is designed to show visible evidence of removal, replacement, cutting, or unauthorized opening. | Cargo may pass through several facilities and handling points before loading. Visible evidence helps identify possible interference. | Inspect the seal and its attachment point at every custody transfer and record any irregularity before acceptance. |
| Unique Identification | Each seal should carry a unique serial number, barcode, or comparable identifier that can be linked to the shipment record. | A unique identifier supports traceability and helps detect substitution or duplicate use. | Record the seal identifier, shipment reference, date, time, location, and responsible operator. |
| Chain of Custody | A documented chain of custody shows who accepted, stored, inspected, and transferred the consignment. | Air cargo commonly involves shippers, freight forwarders, screening facilities, warehouses, and carriers. | Require a documented handover record for each custody change and investigate unexplained gaps. |
| Security Screening | Seals do not replace regulated cargo screening. Screening requirements depend on the shipment, route, jurisdiction, and applicable aviation-security program. | A seal protects the shipment after inspection but does not prove that screening has occurred. | Keep seal records separate from screening records and verify both before loading or acceptance. |
| Seal Application | The seal should be attached to a closure point that cannot be opened without damaging the seal or clearly altering its condition. | A poorly positioned seal may provide little protection even when its serial number is correct. | Check that the seal secures the actual access point and cannot be bypassed through an adjacent opening. |
| Packaging Compatibility | Seal selection should match the package, pallet, container, ULD cover, or truck closure being protected. | Different cargo units require different attachment methods and inspection procedures. | Use a seal that remains visible, securely attached, and readable throughout normal handling. |
| Inspection Frequency | Seal condition should be checked at dispatch, after screening, at storage release, at handover, and before loading when those stages apply. | Repeated verification reduces the time window in which unauthorized access can remain undetected. | Use a standardized checklist covering seal number, condition, attachment, and shipment identity. |
| Discrepancy Response | A broken, missing, unreadable, or mismatched seal should be treated as a security discrepancy until assessed. | A discrepancy may indicate tampering, handling damage, documentation error, or unauthorized access. | Hold or isolate the shipment when required, notify the responsible security authority, document findings, and apply a replacement seal only under an approved procedure. |
| Record Retention | Seal and custody records should be retained according to applicable aviation-security, customs, transport, and organizational requirements. | Accurate records support investigations, audits, claims handling, and regulatory cooperation. | Store records in a controlled system with access protection, change history, and shipment-level search capability. |
| Personnel Awareness | Personnel responsible for cargo acceptance and transfer need training on seal application, inspection, identification, and escalation procedures. | A seal program is only effective when staff can recognize abnormal conditions and act consistently. | Provide documented training, periodic refreshers, and competency checks for relevant staff. |
| Regulatory Alignment | International aviation-security frameworks, including ICAO security standards, require secure air-cargo processes; exact seal requirements vary by country, cargo program, and transport stage. | Using seals without checking local requirements may create compliance gaps or unnecessary handling delays. | Confirm requirements with the applicable civil aviation authority, customs authority, regulated cargo program, and transportation partners. |