Seal Number

Seal Number is a unique number used in international freight to identify one-time locking devices on transport equipment such as containers, trucks, and air boxes. It is applied by the carrier, customs, or shipper to ensure that goods are not opened without authorization during transit. The seal number usually appears on documents such as bills of lading, packing lists, and customs declarations, and is an important basis for cargo handover and customs inspection. Use cases include: export customs declaration, carrier receipt, destination customs clearance, and consignee pickup. Precautions: The seal number must be accurately recorded and consistent with the actual seal; otherwise, it may lead to customs clearance delays or cargo detention; if the seal is damaged or the number does not match, the relevant parties should be notified immediately and photos should be taken as evidence. Differences from other terms: The seal number is different from the Container Number, which identifies the container itself, while the seal number identifies the locking device; it is also different from the Lead Seal Number, which is a type of seal. Foreign trade practitioners should ensure that the seal number is consistent across all documents and pay attention to the type of seal (such as high-security seals and plastic seals) and the party applying it.