Export Seal Verification Procedures at SCT

In advance of the proposed legislation by TRANSEC concerning the authentication of container deliveries at UK ports, it has been necessary to revise the seal verification procedures at SCT.  The changes to SCT’s procedures took effect as of Sunday 1 October 2006. 

The following section of this article provides information on how the changes will affect users of the terminal:

• At the time of booking a VBS time slot at SCT it will now be necessary to input the seal number of the laden export container.
• Upon arrival at the Pre-Gate area of SCT, the seal number on the container will be checked and verified against the information supplied at the time of booking.
• In the event that the seal number on the container does not match the information supplied at the time of booking, your vehicle will be turned away, but you will have the opportunity to amend the seal details and re-apply provided you are still within the hour time slot of your original booking. Please note that if your hour time slot expires, a ‘no-show’ charge will be levied.

Please note that there will be a six week integration period for the new procedures.  This will mean that during the six week period, vehicles will not be turned away if the seal numbers do not match.

Julian Walker, Head of Operations, SCT, said:

“It has been necessary to introduce these additional checks to ensure that SCT remains in step with UK legislation issued by TRANSEC.  For a number of months we have been communicating with the industry, both shipping lines and hauliers, to make sure we reach a method that works for everyone involved.”

For further information on the new procedures, please contact the VBS Help Desk on 023 8070 6300.