CBP Provides Details on its Policy for Using High-Security Bolt-Seals on Containerized Cargo After CBP Inspection

CBP states that its policy is applicable to containerized cargo¹ arriving, departing, or transiting the U.S. via sea or land² that is opened by a CBP officer pursuant to a CBP inspection. This policy also applies to U.S. bound containers that are opened at a Container Security Initiative (CSI) port pursuant to a CBP inspection if permitted by the host nation.

This policy does not apply to empty containers, or to examinations that are conducted under the auspices of other agencies.

According to CBP, this policy:

Establishes uniformity in the sealing of containerized cargo at the conclusion of a CBP inspection;

Preserves the integrity of containerized cargo leaving CBP possession;

Eliminates any confusion within the trade community that might result in the refusal of delivery and unnecessary delay in legitimate cargo entering the U.S. commerce; and

Standardizes the type of seal CBP officers are authorized to affix.

Seal to be ISO-compliant, have unique serial number, etc.. CBP states that its officers, including Agricultural Specialists and Border Patrol Agents, will affix an International Organization for Standardization/Publicly Available Specification 17712 (ISO/PAS 17712) compliant high-security bolt seal immediately upon the conclusion of a CBP inspection.

According to CBP, the seal will be marked with the letters "CBP" and have a unique alphanumeric serial number.

CBP also states that prior to resealing an examined container, the removed seal(s) shall be placed inside the examined container or trailer at the conclusion of the inspection. In the event a carrier chooses to fasten an additional seal, the CBP-installed, high-security bolt seal must not be removed, replaced, or manipulated in any way.

(CBP sources note that although this policy took effect almost six months ago, CBP's Office of Trade Relations recently decided to post information on it to CBP's Web site after receiving several inquiries from the trade community.)

CBP to notify appropriate parties of seal number, etc. CBP officers shall notify the appropriate parties of the number of the container that has been examined and the serial number of the newly installed high-security bolt seal before the arrival of the container at the receiving facility. Such parties might include the carrier, broker, or importer. Depending on the circumstances, notification can be made by facsimile, telephone, annotating the shipping/bill of lading or other transportation document, or via another mutually agreed upon method.

CBP states that questions regarding this policy may be directed to CBP officers at the local port of entry.

¹ Cargo that arrives by land includes trailers, containers, and rail cars.

² Containerized cargo covers merchandise shipped in an enclosed container or trailer that is capable of having a seal affixed.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 05/11/05 and 06/10/05 news, 05051110 and 05061005, for previous BP summaries mentioning CBP's plans to issue this policy.)

CBP notice (dated 01/27/06) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/container_sealing.xml.

BP Note

Subscribers should note that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking requiring that loaded containers being transported to the U.S. be secured with an ISO-compliant high security mechanical seal at the last point where the container is loaded (i.e., the last point of stuffing) and before entering the Maritime Domain. (See ITT's Online Archives or 11/09/05 news, 05110905, for BP summary.)