What Is a Tamper Evident Plastic Seal?

A tamper-evident plastic seal is a security device designed to show clear and visible signs when an item has been opened, accessed, or interfered with without authorization. These seals play a crucial role in protecting goods, equipment, documents, and sensitive assets across multiple industries including logistics, aviation, retail, healthcare, banking, and industrial operations. Their primary purpose is not to physically prevent entry, but to provide strong visual evidence of tampering , ensuring accountability and safer handling of goods.

Tamper-evident plastic seals are typically made from high-strength polypropylene (PP) or nylon and feature a built-in locking mechanism. Once the seal is fastened, it cannot be reopened without breaking the locking chamber or damaging the strap. This irreversible damage is what makes the seal “tamper evident.” If someone tries to cut, twist, pull, or manipulate the seal, the alteration will be immediately noticeable.

These security seals come in various designs, including pull-tight adjustable seals, fixed-length seals, padlock-style seals, and indicator seals. Adjustable seals can tighten securely around items of different sizes, making them suitable for courier bags, utility meters, and storage containers. Fixed-length seals provide consistent locking strength and are often used in aviation trolleys, cash boxes, and transport bags. Padlock-style seals are widely used for cabinets, lockers, and retail supply chains where quick application and inspection are important.

Tamper-evident plastic seals offer additional security features that enhance traceability. Many seals include unique serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, and company logos , which help prevent substitution or unauthorized replacement. If a seal number does not match shipping records or inspection logs, the discrepancy can be identified immediately. This traceability is essential for regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, customs control, and financial services.

In logistics and transportation, tamper-evident plastic seals help safeguard shipments as they move through warehouses, trucks, shipping lines, and distribution centers. If a seal arrives broken, the receiving team can quickly identify potential theft or unauthorized access and report the issue. This improves supply-chain transparency and reduces losses.

Healthcare providers use tamper-evident seals to protect medical kits, narcotic medication boxes, biohazard containers, and sterilized equipment. Ensuring a “sealed until use” status helps maintain hygiene, compliance, and patient safety. Similarly, banks and cash-handling operations rely on these seals for ATM boxes, money bags, and secure document pouches.

Overall, tamper-evident plastic seals provide a cost-effective and highly reliable way to detect unauthorized access, protect valuable assets, and maintain accountability throughout the supply chain. Their versatility, ease of use, and strong visual tamper indicators make them an essential tool for any business requiring secure, traceable sealing solutions.