CBP Delays C-TPAT Implementation of New ISO Seal Standard
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's C-TPAT administrators have issued a message to all C-TPAT partners to clarify a February 2012 notice that announced that a new ISO mechanical seal standard would apply on March 1, 2012. CBP explains that as no accredited independent laboratories have been willing to test a certain element of the ISO seal standard requirements, the new standard cannot be met. CBP is therefore delaying implementation of the new standard until this issue is resolved. However, C-TPAT partners are encouraged to buy seals that comply with another part of the standard that is attainable.
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(See ITT's Online Archives 12020902 for summary of the February 7, 2012 notice advising Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) partners that effective March 1, the current International Organization for Standardization (ISO) high security mechanical seal standard ISO/PAS 17712 would be replaced with new ISO 17712:2010.)
March Deadline Not Viable as No Labs Willing to Test/Certify for Tamper Evidence
Since the issuance of the February notice, CBP has learned that the tamper evidence element of the new ISO seal standard requirements (Clause 6) cannot be met. To date, no accredited independent laboratories have been willing to test and certify seals as complying with the tamper evidence requirement. Consequently, CBP has determined that implementation of the new standard is not viable by the March 01, 2012 deadline.
Implementation Delayed as ISO Works to Amend the Standard
CBP is aware that the ISO is working to amend ISO 17712:2010 to address the issue with this standard. Therefore, implementation of the new ISO standard for mechanical seals will be delayed until CBP receives definitive information that ISO has resolved this issue. C-TPAT partners will be advised when the ISO has resolved the tamper evidence issue with the ISO 17712:2010 standard.
C-TPAT Encourages Partners to Buy Seals that Meet Other Part of the Standard
Since the ISO 17712: 2010 (18 mm) certification for high security seals is attainable without the Clause 6 testing portion of the standard, CBP encourages partners to buy seals that meet this part of the standard. If C-TPAT companies decide to transition to seals that meet this portion of the new ISO standard, they should request documentation to confirm that the purchased seals comply with the current testing requirements for ISO 17712: 2010 (18 mm) certification.
(ISO states that the new ISO 17712:2010 establishes uniform procedures for the classification, acceptance and withdrawal of acceptance of mechanical freight container seals. The new standard provides a single source of information on mechanical seals which are acceptable for securing freight containers in international commerce. ISO 17712:2010 is available here.)
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