SEAL SEAL

The SEAL fee, also known as the seal charge, pertains to the cost associated with supplying and affixing security seals to shipping containers. This fee arises as a crucial element of international shipping security protocols, designed to ensure the integrity and safety of containerized cargo during transit. Security seals serve as tamper-evident devices, providing a visible indication if a container has been accessed or compromised, thereby deterring theft and unauthorized access.

Typically, the SEAL fee is levied by shipping lines or terminal operators, as they are responsible for providing these security seals. The financial responsibility for this fee generally falls on the shipper or freight forwarder, who must ensure that containers are appropriately sealed prior to departure or at the point of loading. The fee is applicable across various shipping scenarios, including both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments, and is often charged on a per-container basis.

It is important to distinguish the SEAL fee from other related charges, such as the terminal handling charge (THC) or customs clearance fees, which cover different aspects of the shipping process. While the SEAL fee specifically addresses the security measure of sealing a container, the aforementioned fees relate to the movement and processing of containers through ports and customs.

In practice, shippers and logistics professionals must ensure compliance with sealing requirements as stipulated by international shipping regulations and specific carrier policies. Failure to correctly apply seals or discrepancies in seal numbers can lead to delays, fines, or disputes, highlighting the importance of meticulous documentation and verification throughout the shipping process.