V.4.3.9.3. Characteristics of the seals

All seals used as a means of identification must meet certain technical characteristics and conditions.

Article 38 of Appendix I to the Convention
Article 301 of the AE

Essentially, the seals must:

• remain intact and securely attached under normal conditions of use;
• be easily verifiable and recognizable;
• be manufactured in such a way that any breakage, attempted breakage or replacement leaves clearly visible marks; • be designed for a single use or, in the case of multiple-use seals, be designed so that each use is clearly identified by a unique indication;
• bear individual, easily legible and permanent, uniquely numbered identification marks.

Likewise, the seals must meet the following technical conditions:

• The shape and dimensions of the seals may vary depending on the type of sealing used, although their dimensions must allow easy reading of their identification marks;
• The identification marks on the seal must be unforgeable and difficult to reproduce;
• The material used must be resistant to accidental breakage and undetectable falsification or reuse.

Seals shall be deemed to comply with the above requirements when they have been certified by the competent body in accordance with international standard ISO 17712:2013 "Cargo containers — mechanical seals".

For transport in containers, seals with high-security devices should be used as much as possible.

The customs seal must bear the following indication:

• the term "Customs" in one of the official languages of the Union or of the common transit country, or a corresponding abbreviation;
• a country code, which will take the form of ISO-alpha 2, identifying the country in which the seal is affixed.

Furthermore, the Contracting Parties may agree to use common security and technology elements.

Each country shall notify the Commission of the types of customs seals in force. The Commission will provide this information to all countries.