Protecting your interests whatever the Brexit forecast! Universeal UK gains Notice 205 HMRC customs acceptance for range of security seals 

Following recent re-testing, we are pleased to announce the certification of three Universeal UK security seals for acceptance by HM Revenue & Customs as suitable Notice 205 customs seals. This means they have been rigorously tested in their design, construction and secure anti-tamper features to ensure that they are resistant to known attempts to defeat security seals and so gain unauthorised access to sealed road, rail and sea freight cargo whilst in transit and during customs handling.

This will enable UK and European traders to use Universeal UK accepted seals in relevant circumstances as specified in HMRC customs guidance. With the continuing uncertainty regarding the status of the border between the UK and EU member states after Brexit, the use of accepted customs seals is one way to mitigate the risks of a hard border. It will also help to ensure that ongoing international trade is as frictionless as possible: our Locktainer 2020SH bolt seal, FlexiGrip 150M cable seal and Metal Globe metal strip seal have now all been added onto the HM Revenue & Customs customs sealing acceptance list as appropriate sealing devices for Customs purposes.

The Security Seal Testing Authority (SSTA) arranges independent testing of seals under criteria laid down in the European Community’s Regulations 2454-93 Article 386 Annex 46a, together with the Security Seal Specification SSIA-98-A.  H M Revenue & Customs categorize security seals into 3 groups:

Group 1: High-Security Barrier Seals

Barrier Security seals that can withstand a tensile test of 1000kgs and which have the unique reference number marked on each component in the case of two piece seals. Our Locktainer 2020 bolt seal is now Group 1 HMRC customs accepted.

Group 2: Security Barrier Seals

Barrier security seals that can withstand a tensile test of 250kgs, together with those two piece seals which, although capable of meeting the physical criteria laid down under Group 1, only have the unique number on one part. Our Flexigrip 150M cable seal is now Group 2 HMRC customs accepted.

Group 3: Indicative Security Seals

Indicative security seals, where strength is not considered a determining factor. Our Globe security seal is now Group 3 HMRC customs accepted.

Summary of Classifications

Group 1                Locktainer 2020SH Bolt Seal (also ISO17712:2013 & USA C-TPAT-approved)

Group 2                FlexiGrip 150M Cable Seal

Group 3                Globe Metal Strip seal

These models are stock items available for despatch from our UK.

In the run up to Brexit and the concerns surrounding no deal scenarios and possible delays at borders, we would recommend all freight entering or leaving the UK to be sealed with accepted trader seals to ensure the minimum amount of disruption during customs handling. The use of approved security seals which reach appropriate quality standards will also help to protect your cargos should delays cause trailers or shipping containers to be held at checkpoints or whilst stationary in queuing traffic.

The current HM Revenue Customs list is available under Notice 205, available on UK government website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-205-official-customs-seals-and-trader-sealing/notice-205-official-customs-seals-and-trader-sealing

Please call for more information or to discuss your security seal requirements with us.