Two ISO 17712:2013 'H' class options, different operational characteristics
ISO 17712:2013 'H' (high-security) certification is achievable with either a bolt seal (a hardened-steel bolt with a precision-machined locking sleeve) or a cable seal (a braided steel cable through a locking head). Both pass the same tensile, shear, bending, and impact tests. The choice between them is operational, not regulatory.
Where bolt seals excel
- ISO container doors. The bolt diameter matches the staple geometry of every standard 20/40-foot container; no flexibility needed.
- Trailer roller-shutter doors with a standard locking bar.
- Inspection workflows that rely on visual confirmation of an intact bolt — the geometry makes tampering attempts very visible.
- Cost at high volume: a SECURE Bolt Seal typically wins on unit cost above ~5,000 unit annual volumes.
Where cable seals excel
- Tankers and rail wagons where the closure geometry isn't a clean staple — cable flexibility lets you secure manhole covers, valve handles, and irregular fixtures.
- RFID-enabled variants. The cable itself doubles as part of the RFID antenna — see the SECURE UHF RFID Cable Seal Tag.
- Larger closures where a fixed-length bolt geometry won't bridge.
- Workflows that benefit from tug-test verification — cable resistance is easier to feel than bolt resistance.
The decision framework
- What's the closure geometry? Standard container door → bolt. Tanker, rail, irregular → cable.
- Do you need RFID? Cable seals offer cleaner UHF integration.
- What's your annual volume? Above 5,000 units/year, bolt seals usually win on TCO; below that, the difference is marginal.
- What's the operational inspection process? Bolt seals catch tampering more visibly; cable seals catch it more tactilely.
Most large operations standardise on bolt seals for the bulk of container freight, with cable seals reserved for tankers, rail, and specialist closures. Request samples of both to compare in your operational environment.