The Indian customs sealing regime, in one paragraph
Container sealing for cross-border cargo through Indian ports is governed by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) procedures, processed through the ICEGATE EDI portal. The baseline requirement: every container moving under customs supervision (export, import-under-bond, transit) must carry a tamper-evident seal whose serial is declared on the relevant shipping bill or bill of entry. Failure produces inspection delays, demurrage, and in repeated cases, suspension of trade-facilitation benefits.
Three operational regimes you need to understand
- Self-Sealing (factory stuffing). Exporters approved under self-sealing affix their own seals at the point of stuffing. The seal must be ISO 17712:2013 'H' class. CBIC notification 26/2017-Cus and subsequent circulars set the procedural requirements.
- RFID / e-seal pilots. CBIC has progressively expanded electronic sealing for self-sealed exports and select transit corridors. Where mandated, an e-seal or RFID seal replaces or augments the mechanical seal.
- Customs-supervised sealing. Where self-sealing is not approved, customs officers affix the seal at a CFS or ICD. The serial is recorded on the bill of entry / shipping bill in ICEGATE.
AEO and seal selection
Operators authorised under India's AEO programme get preferential clearance, deferred duty, and reduced inspection rates — but the programme also imposes a documented cargo-security plan. ISO 17712:2013 'H' class seal usage is a standard line item in an AEO audit; carrying current certification from the seal manufacturer is the easiest box to tick.
Practical checklist before your next export move
- Confirm the seal you intend to apply carries current ISO 17712:2013 'H' certification.
- Verify the serial format your customs broker requires on the shipping bill — most accept numeric + prefix; some still require pure numeric.
- Apply the seal on the right-hand door through both staples (WCO recommendation).
- Photograph the sealed door at the point of stuffing; retain for at least 12 months.
- Record the serial in your TMS and on the e-way bill / shipping bill.
SECURE Bolt Seals and Bolt E Seals both ship with traceable certificates of conformance. Request documentation for your customs broker.