Ferrotec - A strong partner for special locks

The Union shipping procedure offers you, as an approved shipper, the opportunity to save time and money in a simplified procedure. A permit to use special locks is required for the simplified procedure. Special locks that were used before May 1, 2016 were re-evaluated and could still be used until April 30, 2019.

Since May 1st, 2019 - new customs regulations for special locks in the Union transit procedure!

The responsible main customs office prescribes the use of these special locks to ensure the identity of your goods. The special locks are checked by the main customs office and each shipper then receives an individual code, which is also shown on the respective lock in a tamper-proof manner. This is regulated in the Union Customs Code in Article 317 “Formalities for the use of special locks”.

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Which locks meet the requirements of the Union Customs Code?

In the Union Customs Code, the basic properties and technical characteristics, that a customs lock must fulfill, are

clearly regulated in Article 301:

✔ withstand normal use and remain intact

✔ be easy to check and recognize

✔ be designed in such a way that any breakage or any manipulation or removal leaves visible traces with the bare eye

✔ manufactured for one-time use or designed for reusable lock in such a way that each new application can be identified by a single, unique symbol

✔ have individual lock identifiers that are permanent, easy to read and with a unique number

The shapes and dimensions of the respective customs locks can vary depending on the type of lock, but they must be such that

✔ the markings are easy to read

✔ the lock markings are tamper-proof and difficult to copy

✔the material is designed in such a way that the locks cannot be accidentally broken, tampered or reused without being noticed.

Locks that are certified in accordance with the currently applicable international standard ISO 17712: 2013 “Freight containers – mechanical seals” are classed as locks that meet the required requirements.

Caution: These certifications are only valid if an ISO 17025-accredited test institute has tested the locks. Furthermore, it must be taken into account that the product certificates must be updated every 2 years, otherwise they will immediately lose their approval and may no longer be used.

When transporting containers, it should also be noted that locks with high security features must be used. Ferrotec GmbH offers ISO 17712: 2013 certified locks as high-security seals and indicative seals.

Ferrotec offers a variety of approved special locks that meet the requirements set out in Art. 301 (1) UZK-IA: