There is a new version of the high security ISO /PAS 17712 standard, which will impact the type of bolt seals used in accordance with the C-TPAT program.  This new standard will replace the 2006 version starting March 1st, 2012.

The C-TPAT program requires the use of bolt seals that are considered to have a “high security” rating.  The new 2010 standard provides new requirements on how to qualify bolt seals (or cable seals) with this “high security” rating in order to be compliant with C-TPAT.

Some key ISO /PAS 17712:2010 requirements include:

• Bolt seals will be required to have a minimum 18mm diameter pin head and locking body.  In the other words, the minimum diameter for both metal components (male and female) have to be no less than 18mm in diameter.  This does not include the plastic cover that is sometimes added to the locking body (female).
• In addition to the tests in the 2006 standard, the new 2010 standard will require that high security seals undergo a new ‘tamper test’ that will test a seals ability to indicate evidence of tampering.  Testing must be conducted by an independent accredited test lab.  The tamper evidence test certification also goes into effect March 1st, 2012.