What seal does C-TPAT require?

C-TPAT calls for shipments that can be sealed to be secured immediately after loading with a high-security seal that meets or exceeds the most current ISO 17712 standard. Qualifying bolt and cable seals are both acceptable.

What seal does PIP require?

CBSA requires Partners in Protection members to affix a high-security seal that meets or exceeds the ISO 17712 H level to all loaded containers and trailers crossing the border in either direction, including shipments in transit to a domestic location.

Are plastic seals C-TPAT compliant?

Plastic pull-up seals do not replace a high-security seal on a C-TPAT or PIP load. ISO 17712 describes cinch or pull-up seals as indicative seals.

What is the VVTT seal check?

VVTT stands for View, Verify, Tug, and Twist. View the seal and locking mechanisms, verify the seal number against the shipping documents, tug the seal to confirm it is attached properly, and twist it to confirm its parts do not unscrew or separate.

Cross-Border Guide

Security Seal Requirements: ISO 17712, C-TPAT, Bolt vs. Cable vs. Plastic

A plain-English guide for carriers, dispatchers, drivers, shippers, and security managers on trailer and container seal requirements: who needs a high-security seal, how ISO 17712 classes work, C-TPAT and PIP rules, choosing bolt, cable, or plastic seals, the VVTT check, seal logs, and what to do when a seal is broken.

Last updated 2026-11-09

In short

C-TPAT and PIP members must use seals that meet or exceed the current ISO 17712 high-security (H) standard on loads that can be sealed. Qualifying bolt and cable seals are acceptable. Plastic pull-up seals are indicative seals, so they do not replace a high-security seal. A seal's class comes from accredited lab testing, so keep the test certificate on file and check every seal with VVTT.

Who needs a security seal?

Whether a truck needs a seal depends on the program, cargo, and movement. CBSA requires sealing only in specific circumstances, but C-TPAT and PIP members have standing high-security seal requirements, and shippers or importers can add their own.

Start by working out which rule applies to the load. [CBSA D3-4-2] [CBSA D23-1-1]

Situation	What applies
C-TPAT member cargo	Shipments that can be sealed must be secured immediately after loading with an ISO 17712 high-security seal.
PIP member cargo	A high-security seal on all loaded containers and trailers crossing the border in either direction, including shipments in transit to a domestic location.
FAST lanes into Canada	Carriers and importers must be authorized under PIP, or under both CSA and PIP, so PIP seal requirements come with FAST lane access.
Paper A8B in-transit moves	CBSA requires sealing to the point of final export. See the A8B guide.
Regulated cargo or CBSA examination	CBSA requires sealing for cargo controlled or regulated by an Act of Parliament, for movement to a CBSA examination location, and at an officer's discretion.
In-bond goods under a company seal	The seal number must be transmitted correctly on the ACI/eManifest conveyance transmission.
Empty trailers (PIP, highway)	An empty trailer does not need a high-security seal to enter Canada, but a trailer holding dunnage is not considered empty.

ISO 17712 seal classes: I, S, and H

ISO 17712 classifies mechanical freight seals as indicative (I), security (S), or high security (H). The class comes from tensile, shear, bending, and impact tests at an accredited lab, and the seal's lowest result on any test sets its class.

The table shows the minimum results for each class in ISO 17712:2013. Indicative seals, which can easily be broken by hand or with a simple tool, do not have to go through these strength tests. [ISO 17712:2013]

Test	High security (H)	Security (S)	Indicative (I)
Tensile	≥ 10.0 kN (about 2,250 lbf)	≥ 2.27 kN	< 2.27 kN
Shear	≥ 3.336 kN	≥ 2.224 kN	< 2.224 kN
Bending, flexible seals	≥ 501 cycles	≥ 251 cycles	< 251 cycles
Bending, rigid seals	≥ 50 Nm	≥ 22 Nm	< 22 Nm
Impact, at 18 °C and −27 °C	≥ 40.68 J	≥ 27.12 J	< 27.12 J

What makes a seal a true H seal

It is marked with its class, a unique number, and the manufacturer's name or logo.
An ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent lab has tested it, with testing repeated every two years or after a meaningful design change.
It has tamper-evidence features documented through an accredited process review of the manufacturer.
For bolt seals, the metal components are at least 18 mm in diameter, so the seal cannot simply be pulled through a worn hasp.

Good to know A seal labelled “high security” in a catalog is not proof of an H rating. Check the mark on the seal and compare the test certificate against the table above, especially for cable seals.

Bolt vs. cable vs. plastic seals

Bolt seals are the usual choice for standard trailer and container doors. Cable seals fit irregular hardware but must be certified H to count as high security. Plastic pull-up seals show that entry may have occurred, but they do not provide a physical barrier.

ISO 17712 advises choosing the seal class first, then the type, make, and model. It also notes that correct fitting matters at least as much as choosing the right seal. [ISO 17712:2013]

Aspect	Bolt seal	Cable seal	Plastic pull-up seal
Construction	Metal rod with a formed head and a separate locking mechanism	Cable and a locking mechanism, in one or two pieces	Thin strip, generally nylon or plastic, pulled through a lock
Class to expect	H, when certified	S or H, depending on the certificate	Indicative
C-TPAT or PIP primary seal	Yes, if it qualifies	Yes, if it qualifies	No
Removal	Bolt cutters	Cable cutters	By hand or with a simple tool
Best fit	Standard trailer and container door hardware	Irregular hardware, or across door-locking bars	Secondary points and lower-risk uses where only indication of entry is needed
What to check	H mark, certificate, 18 mm minimum diameter	H mark, certificate, cable taut with no slippage	Unique number and intact locking mechanism

BorderPrint Compare bolt seals, cable seals, and plastic seals, or read how to match a seal to the load.

C-TPAT and PIP seal requirements

C-TPAT (U.S. CBP) and PIP (CBSA) are voluntary programs, but members must follow their seal rules. Both require high-security seals, written procedures, trained staff, controlled inventory, audits, and documented responses to discrepancies.

CBP now writes the program name as CTPAT. Both names refer to the same program. [CTPAT Job Aid] [CBSA D23-1-1]

Requirement	C-TPAT	PIP
Seal standard	Meets or exceeds the most current ISO 17712 high-security standard; qualifying cable or bolt seals	Meets or exceeds the current ISO 17712 standard at the H level
When to seal	Immediately after loading, for shipments that can be sealed	Immediately after loading, for shipments that can be sealed
Proof of compliance	Laboratory test certificate on file	Manufacturer's test report kept for verification
Written procedures	Issue and control at the facility and in transit; reviewed at least annually	Written seal policy covering access, inventory, distribution, tracking, discrepancies, and disposal of used seals
Who applies seals	A designated, trained person, witnessed by another person	An authorized, appropriately trained individual
Inventory and audits	Seal log, restricted secure storage, documented audits reconciled to shipping documents	Periodic inventory reconciled against logs and shipping documents; audits documented
Verification	VVTT process	Receiving party verifies seal integrity at each transfer of custody

Highway carriers If a PIP-approved carrier takes possession of an unsealed container or trailer, the carrier must seal it and record the seal number on the bill of lading. Non-compliance can lead to an action plan, suspension, or cancellation of PIP membership.

How to apply a security seal

Inspect the locking hardware first, then have a trained person apply the seal in the secure cam position if available, with a witness. Verify it with VVTT and record the number on the shipping documents immediately.

These steps follow CBP's C-TPAT guidance for seal placement and verification. [CTPAT Job Aid]

Inspect the locking hardware. Check the door, handles, rods, hasps, rivets, and brackets for tampering or inconsistencies before attaching a seal.
Issue the seal from the log. An authorized person takes a seal from secure storage and records its use.
Seal immediately after loading. A trained, designated person applies the seal, witnessed by another person.
Use the right position. Use the secure cam position if available, instead of the right door handle. The seal goes at the bottom of the center-most vertical bar of the right door.
Fit it for the seal type. CBP recommends positioning a bolt seal with the barrel on top. Wrap a cable seal around the rectangular metal base of the vertical bars and remove all slack.
Run VVTT. Confirm the seal is correct, uncompromised, and properly attached.
Record the number. Put the seal number on the bill of lading or shipping documents, ideally printed electronically, and send it to the consignee before departure.

The VVTT seal check

VVTT stands for View, Verify, Tug, Twist. C-TPAT uses it to confirm that high-security seals are properly attached and working as designed, when applying a seal and again before cutting it on inbound shipments.

Step	What to do
View	Look at the seal and the container or trailer locking mechanisms, and confirm they are in good condition.
Verify	Compare the seal number with the cargo documents.
Tug	Pull the seal to make sure it is attached correctly. On a cable seal, check for slippage in the locking body.
Twist	Twist and turn a bolt seal to confirm its parts do not unscrew or separate.

When drivers should check

C-TPAT guidance has drivers confirm the seal is intact and the number matches the documents when picking up a sealed trailer and after stopping. After a stop, the inspection must be documented. In high-risk areas, members should also run a “last chance” check immediately before the border.

Seal control and seal logs

Unused seals need restricted, secure storage and a seal log that tracks them from receipt through use. Management must periodically reconcile the inventory against logs and shipping documents and keep a record of each audit.

Log seals when they arrive, update the log when they are issued, and limit access to designated employees. Used or broken seals should be disposed of securely so they cannot be misused or duplicated. [CBSA seals]

A practical log records:

Seal number, type, and date received
Who issued the seal and who applied it
Trailer or container number and shipment reference
Date, time, and location applied
Inspection results at each transfer of custody
Replacement numbers, reasons, and who authorized them

For a full audit workflow, see Security Seal Audits Explained.

Free fillable forms for sealed shipments

A seal number only helps if it matches the shipping paperwork. These free BorderPrint fillable PDFs help organize the bill of lading, pre-dispatch checks, delivery confirmation, and related records for a sealed load.

Free fillable PDF

Bill of Lading

Prepare the carrier document where shippers and carriers record the shipment details and seal number for the load.

Get the free Bill of Lading Free fillable PDF

Cross-Border Checklist

Use a one-page pre-dispatch checklist to confirm driver documents, shipment readiness, and border details before the truck leaves.

Get the free Cross-Border Checklist Free fillable PDF

Delivery Receipt

Document shipment receipt at the end of the trip, so the delivery record sits alongside the seal inspection.

Get the free Delivery Receipt Free forms hub

All Free Fillable Forms

Browse BorderPrint’s complete collection of free customs, shipping, delivery, claims, and cross-border document templates.

Browse all free forms

Important: These templates help organize shipment information, but they do not replace a written seal policy, seal log, test certificate, or any record required by C-TPAT, PIP, CBP, CBSA, or the parties to the shipment.

Broken, missing, or mismatched seals

If a seal is missing, shows tampering, or has the wrong number, document it and report it. Drivers must immediately tell dispatch who broke a seal and give the new seal number, and that number must be recorded on the cargo documents.

If government officials remove a seal en route to Canada, the carrier replaces it and records the new number. After a CBSA examination, the carrier does not have to re-seal if an officer applies a CBSA high-security seal. If that seal won't fit, the carrier may apply its own compliant seal. [CBSA D23-1-1]

Notify right away: under C-TPAT guidance, the carrier also tells the shipper, manufacturer, customs broker, and importer about the change and the replacement number.
Keep the evidence: hold any altered or tampered seal to help the investigation, and record the findings and corrective actions.
Report it: PIP members report to a border services officer at the point of entry or to law enforcement. C-TPAT members notify their security specialist, the closest port of entry, and law enforcement as appropriate. CBSA's Border Watch line is 1-888-502-9060.
Replacing a seal quietly and leaving the old number on the paperwork.

LTL and non-sealable loads

LTL carriers may use a high-security padlock during multi-stop local pickups, but the load must get an ISO 17712 seal at the last pickup before the border. Equipment that cannot be effectively sealed needs documented cargo-integrity procedures instead.

Situation	What to do
LTL pickups with multiple stops	Use at least a high-security padlock or similar locking device, and strictly control keys and combinations. CBSA says padlocks cannot be used for cross-border shipments.
Last pickup before the border	Seal the load with an ISO 17712 compliant high-security seal.
Consolidated freight (PIP)	If a consolidation hub is used, seal numbers may be recorded on the consolidated lead sheet rather than individual bills of lading.
Flatbeds, tankers, open-top, step decks, dump and livestock trailers	PIP members must have documented procedures to ensure cargo integrity, such as tamper-evident tape or more thorough and frequent documented inspections. Tank openings that can be sealed must be sealed under C-TPAT guidance.

Common mistakes

Common seal errors include using an indicative seal on a C-TPAT or PIP load, relying on a “high security” label without a certificate, applying seals without a witness or VVTT, and failing to update documents when a seal is replaced.

Mistake	Why it hurts
Plastic seal as the primary seal on a program load	C-TPAT and PIP call for high-security seals, and pull-up seals are indicative.
No test certificate on file	Lab documentation is how a member shows that its seals meet the standard.
Assuming every cable seal is H	Cable seals vary, and the seal's lowest test result sets its class.
Sealing the wrong spot	C-TPAT guidance calls for the secure cam position when available.
Slack left in a cable seal	The cable should be taut, with no slippage in the locking body.
Unsecured seal stock	Open access weakens the chain of custody and invites misuse.
Discarding used seals carelessly	Used seals must be disposed of properly to reduce the risk of counterfeits.
Using a padlock across the border	CBSA says padlocks can only be used for multiple domestic pickups.
Not recording a replacement seal	The new number must appear on all relevant cargo documents.

Printable checklist

This checklist is print-friendly — use your browser's print option to put it on paper. No download required.

Seal requirement for this load confirmed: program, cargo, movement, and customer.
H mark on the seal and laboratory test certificate on file.
Seal stock locked, logged, and limited to designated employees.
Door hardware inspected before sealing.
Seal applied immediately after loading by a trained person, with a witness.
Secure cam position used, if available.
VVTT completed and seal number matched to the documents.
Seal number on the bill of lading and sent to the consignee.
Driver briefed on checks after stops and what to do if a seal is broken.
Seal inventory reconciled against logs and shipping documents, and the audit documented.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ISO 17712 high-security seal?: It is a mechanical freight seal that has passed the high-security (H) level of the ISO 17712 tensile, shear, bending, and impact tests at an accredited independent laboratory. To carry the H mark, the seal must also have documented tamper-evidence features, and the manufacturer must meet the standard's security-related practices.
What seal does C-TPAT require?: C-TPAT calls for shipments that can be sealed to be secured immediately after loading with a high-security seal that meets or exceeds the most current ISO 17712 standard. Qualifying bolt and cable seals are both acceptable.
What seal does PIP require?: CBSA requires Partners in Protection members to affix a high-security seal that meets or exceeds the ISO 17712 H level to all loaded containers and trailers crossing the border in either direction, including shipments in transit to a domestic location.
Are plastic seals C-TPAT compliant?: Plastic pull-up seals do not replace a high-security seal on a C-TPAT or PIP load. ISO 17712 describes cinch or pull-up seals as indicative seals, which can easily be broken by hand or with a simple tool. They suit secondary or lower-risk uses where only an indication of entry is needed.
Are cable seals as good as bolt seals?: A cable seal is acceptable for C-TPAT and PIP only if it qualifies as high security. Not every cable seal does, so check the H mark and the laboratory test certificate. To reach H, a seal must withstand at least 10 kN in the tensile test and meet the shear, bending, and impact levels.
How can I prove a seal meets ISO 17712?: Keep a copy of the laboratory test certificate showing the seal meets the ISO high-security standard. C-TPAT accepts this as proof of compliance, and CBSA tells PIP members to obtain the manufacturer's test report from an independent laboratory and keep it for future reference.
What is the VVTT seal check?: VVTT stands for View, Verify, Tug, and Twist. View the seal and locking mechanisms, verify the seal number against the shipping documents, tug the seal to confirm it is attached properly, and twist it to confirm its parts do not unscrew or separate.
Do all trucks crossing the border need a security seal?: No. CBSA requires sealing only in specific circumstances, such as trusted trader program requirements, regulated cargo, domestic in-transit moves on form A8B, movement to a CBSA examination location, or at an officer's discretion. Shippers, importers, and contracts can add their own requirements.
What should a driver do if a seal is broken in transit?: Follow the carrier's written procedure. Under C-TPAT guidance, the driver must immediately tell dispatch that the seal was broken, who broke it, and the new seal number. Altered or tampered seals should be kept for the investigation, and discrepancies reported to the appropriate authorities.
Do flatbeds need a seal?: Some loads and equipment cannot be effectively sealed, including flatbeds, tank trailers, open-top loads, and step decks. CBSA requires PIP members using this equipment to have documented procedures to ensure cargo integrity, such as tamper-evident tape or more frequent documented inspections.

Sources

ISO 17712:2013 — Freight containers: Mechanical seals Seal definitions, classes, marking, test values, the bolt seal diameter requirement, and tamper evidence.
CBSA — Memorandum D23-1-1 (Partners in Protection) PIP seal requirements by line of business, FAST lane access, exceptions, replacements, and non-compliance.
CBSA — How to use cargo seals Seal types, authentication, control, inspection, reporting, and padlock limits.
CBSA — Memorandum D3-4-2 (Highway pre-arrival and reporting requirements) The circumstances in which CBSA requires sealing of conveyances and containers.
CBP — CTPAT Job Aid: Seal Security Procedures (Pub. 1614-1121) Seal policy, placement, logs, audits, transportation checks, and notifications.
CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria — Seal Security training Criteria 6.1 to 6.7, including proof of compliance, LTL rules, VVTT, and fitting guidance.
CBP — CTPAT program Program overview.

Disclaimer. This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Program criteria, standards, and procedures can change. Always confirm current requirements with CBP, CBSA, your program security specialist, and your customers before you ship; their instructions control.