Security seals not only ensure product safety; they are also a legal requirement in many sectors. In Turkey, various regulations and laws regulate the use of security seals and make them mandatory in certain areas. In this article, we detail the six main sectors where security seals are mandatory in Turkey and the reasons for their use.
1. Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADR Regulation)
ADR (the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) is a transport regulation also applicable in Turkey.
Under ADR, the hoods and valves of vehicles carrying hazardous goods must be sealed with a steel wire seal or a plate-type security seal.
Legal Basis: Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure / ADR Code of Practice
Purpose: To eliminate the risk of unauthorized access and leakage
2. Customs-Bound Transport and Container Security
Vehicle, containers, and packaged goods passing through customs must be sealed with serially numbered seals. This practice is critical for trade traceability and the fight against smuggling.
Legal basis: Ministry of Customs and Foreign Trade Instructions
Seal type used: Customs seal, steel wire seal, plastic container seal
Purpose: Sealed cargo security in domestic and international transportation
3. Energy and Water Meters (EPDK – TEDAŞ)
Meters used in electricity, natural gas, and water distribution must be sealed by authorized services to prevent tampering. Otherwise, consumption data may be considered invalid.
Legal basis: Electricity Market Consumer Services Regulation
Seal type used: Tamper-evident plastic meter seals
Purpose: Preventing unauthorized use and meter tampering
4. Healthcare and Medical Transportation
Sterile medical sets, blood bags, and medical waste containers must be sealed with single-use seals. This practice is important for both patient safety and environmental hygiene.
Legal basis: Ministry of Health Medical Waste Regulation
Areas of use: Ambulance equipment boxes, surgical sets, waste collection boxes
Purpose: To prevent infection risk and waste mixing
5. Banking and Cash Transfer Systems
Banks, money transfer companies, and ATM bags must be protected with security seals bearing serial numbers or logos. Any tampering can be easily detected by the seal.
Legal basis: BRSA general application principles and internal audit guidelines
Seal type used: Cash bag seal, thermal seal, RFID seals
Purpose: To ensure cash security and support internal control systems
6. Food and Drug Production/Distribution (TİTCK – Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)
Food suppliers, catering companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, especially those engaged in mass distribution, are required to use sealed boxes or packaging. Unsealed packaging compromises the authenticity of the product.
Legal basis: Turkish Food Codex and Pharmaceutical Tracking System (ITS)
Areas of use: Pharmaceutical boxes, catering food boxes, baby food
Purpose: Protecting consumer health, preventing counterfeit products
Security seals are no longer just a precaution; they are a legal requirement in many industries. With proper sealing, you can both fulfill your legal responsibilities and increase your brand credibility.
At Lima Seals, we offer sealing solutions that are 100% compliant with legal regulations. Contact us for your industry-specific sealing needs.