Bolt Security Seals

Security Considerations

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) recommends HIGH security bolt seals for cross border shipments. To achieve the HIGH security rating, bolt seals must be independently tested to pass the structural requirements and tampering tests as noted in the testing standard ISO 17712:2013.

Bolt seals which meet the requirements of ISO 17712:2013 offer more security and are suitable for shipments which cross international borders.

Another requirement for ISO 17712:2013 is that bolt seals must be independently tested at least every 24 months. Ask the supplier of your bolt seals to provide the manufacturer's written verification the seal was independently tested to comply with ISO 17712:2013 as a HIGH security seal. To meet the ISO standard, the testing and certificate must be dated within 24 months of your purchase. Our certificates are listed in the "ISO 17712 Certificates" section below.

Authentic NovaVision bolt seals have our brand name (NovaVision™) molded into the top of the bolt and bottom of the bushing.

Bolt seals with some form of anti-spin protection offer more security.

Comparing Our Bolt Seals

Usable Length - The usable length is the dimensional clearance between the bottom of the bolt seal head and top of lock mechanism (also called the bushing). For a truck trailer or shipping container, the typical desired dimension is a minimum 1.5 inches, which allows sufficient room for removal with a bolt cutter. Longer lengths may be required for railcars:

• MS-B7: 2.0 inches
• MS-B8: 2.1 inches
• MS-B9: 2.1 inches
• MS-B10: 1.6 inches
• MS-B15: 1.6 inches
• MS-B49: 1.9 inches

Security

MS-B8: Our premium bolt seals have the best security of any bolt seal on the market. Our Premium Bolt Seal (MS-B8 series) has a unique anti-tampering feature to prevent tampering -- an interlocking metal connection between the bolt and locking mechanism. This metal-on-metal interlocking connection PREVENTS any spinning of the bolt seal (also known as a "no-spin" feature). Also, the MS-B8 seals meets the ISO 17712:2013 standard for High Security, as required by CTPAT and is suitable for shipments which cross international borders or for high value shipments (domestic or international).

MS-B7: Our Standard Bolt Seal is the MS-B7 series bolt seals has an 'anti-spin' feature and meets the ISO 17712:2013 standard for High Security, as required by CTPAT. Like most competitive bolt seals, the anti-spin feature is a molded plastic feature intended to minimize spinning. This bolt seal is suitable for shipments which cross international borders.

MS-B49:Our MS-B49 bolt seals are comparable to most competitive bolt seals and feature an "anti-spin" security feature. This bolt seal includes a Large flag with barcoded number to allow for laser printed information that is easy to read with a White background for good contrast on darker colors. These seals are rated HIGH security by ISO17712:2013 and CTPAT for cross border shipments. The seals have a longer usable length (1.9 inches) for added clearance and convenience for bolt cutter access to the bolt for removal for typical truck trailers, shipping containers and rail cars. The MS-B49 is available is small order quantities (10 seals) and in multiple colors for color coding. Please call for higher quantities, custom etching or colors.

MS-B10: Our Economy bolt seal is the MS-B10 bolt seals has the same security level as our MS-B7 seal -- it has an "anti-spin" feature, complies with the current ISO standard as a High Security Seal, and is suitable for shipments which cross international borders. The major differences compared to our standard B7 bolt seals are:

• The usable length is shorter. The reduced clearance is adequate for truck trailers and shipping containers, but may not be enough clearance for some rail cars.
• Limited color selection - currently only YELLOW.

MS-B15: The B15 is our only bolt seal which is GSA-compliant. The B15 has an "anti-spin" feature and meets the ISO 17712:2013 standard for High Security (as required by CTPAT) and is suitable for shipments which cross international borders. The major differences compared to our standard B7 bolt seals are:

• The usable length is shorter. The reduced clearance is adequate for truck trailers and shipping containers, but may not be enough clearance for some rail cars.
• Limited color selection - currently only YELLOW.

Documentation & Accountability

All of the seals have unique serial numbers. Record the serial number for added security and accountability. Our bolt seals are also offered in multiple colors, which allows for color coding.

Ease of Removal

All of our bolt seals have a usable length which provides enough clearance (and convenience) for bolt cutter access to cut the bolt for removal on a truck trailer or shipping container. The MS-B7 and MS-B8 are recommended for rail cars.

For Added Security

Customized bolt seals provide added security. The stock bolt seals (with pre-aassigned serial numbers) can be customized by imprinting your custom text on the bolt only. Or we have a select number of blank bolt seals which can be customized on the bolt and lock to include your serial numbers.

For added security on trailer doors, other options include:

1. DualGuard™ MS-C5B9 (shown on this page): A combination cable seal and bolt seal which secures both doors. The cable provides added security by wrapping around the keeper bars on the doors. The bolt secures one of the door latches. Both cable and bolt are rated to ISO17712:2013. This seal requires two cuts to fully remove, which provides added security.
2. Cable Seals: We offer a variety of longer cables (36 inch, 54 inch and 76 inch), which provides more security by wrapping the cable around the keeper bars on the doors. The longer cable seals are sometimes used in addition to, or as a substitute for a bolt seal. Cables diameters of 3.5mm (1/8 inch) or 5.0 mm (3/16 inch) are rated to ISO17712:2013 and CTPAT compliant.
3. Cargo Door Labels: Tamper evident labels which are affixed to the doors to span the door seams. Usually used in addition to the door locking mechanism.
4. Barrier Seals: Heavy-duty metal brackets which latch the two doors together. This is the most secure door locking mechanism and is typically used for high value shipments. Unlike most competitive barrier seals, our most popular barrier seals (MS-BAR10, MS-BAR11, & MS-BAR-12) are rated to ISO 17712:2013.

Bolt security seals are very durable and intended for high security applications, such as:

• Shipping containers
• Trucks and trailers
• Railcars
• Other heavy-duty sealing applications

Both the bolt and lock have matching serial numbers, which are laser etched into the plastic covering.

The bolt is inserted into the locking mechanism, where the metal bolt snaps into place within the metal locking cylinder. The metal bolt and metal locking cylinder are encased in plastic, which is designed to show signs of tampering. If attacked with a heat source, the plastic will discolor and/or melt.

Our premium bolt seal (MS-B8) design includes a NO-spin feature to minimize tampering. The metal bolt has a hexagonal shape which interlocks with the metal locking mechanism, which also has the hexagonal shape. This design PREVENTS spinning.

If attempts are made to spin the bolt seal, the plastic coating on the bolt will crack.

1. Insert the bolt in the latch hole.
   
2. Before locking:
   1. Rotate the locking mechanism and bolt until the matching serial numbers are visible and aligned on the same side.
   2. Align the square (or hexagonal) end of the bolt to fit into the square (hexagonal) hole in the lock. Loosely insert the bolt into the lock to assure proper alignment. Any misalignment will make it more difficult to lock.
3. Push the bolt into the locking mechanism until it snaps.
4. Pull on the bolt & lock to confirm the locking mechanism is fully engaged.
5. A bolt cutter is required to remove the bolt seal. Wear safety glasses when removing.

The maximum latch hole size is shown in the specifications. For larger hole openings, add heavy duty metallic washers (with minimum .4 inch diameter hole) on one or both ends of the bolt seal. The outside diameter of the washer should be at least .25 inch larger than the latch opening.

Before engaging the locking mechanism, confirm there will be ample room to remove the bolt with a bolt cutter.

• ISO 17712:2013 (MS-B7)
• ISO 17712:2013 (MS-B8)
• ISO 17712:2013 (MS-B10)

• Cargo Containers and Truck Trailers