Tamper-resistant seal exceeds international standards

JOY ORLEK A LOCALLY manufactured container seal designed to overcome the security challenges of trade into Africa is continuing to make inroads into the local market. And to date the product can boast a tamper-free record, according to Charles Rust, MD of Charles Rust Associates, which manufactures and markets the Lockseal Container Lock. Established 15 years ago, the company initially imported container seals, until Rust came up with an innovative idea to curb the problem of seal tampering, in particular the substitution of the seal number. “The idea came to me when I happened to notice the ripples on an eyedropper. I realised that if the seal number could be stamped onto the substrate rather than a flat surface, major damage would have to be done in order to change the number.” He patented the idea eight years ago and it was incorporated into the design of a highly durable seal with a 10 mm diameter pin, called the Mafutha Lockseal and developed specifically for the African market. With its tamper free record, Rust took it one step further and had the seal tested against the International Standards Organisation criteria, which are a prerequisite in American markets. The product came up tops, not only meeting the criteria but exceeding them. “The US standard requires 1000kg tensile strength. Our Mafutha lock is capable of 3 200kg, more than three times the US requirement,” said Rust. “We are also able to manufacture the product very cost-effectively which makes it competitive against imports from the likes of China and Malaysia.” Rust is already exporting the seal to the Americas, and will be looking to expand export markets in future. “With more than 45 years of combined technical experience, our staff is arguably the most experienced in the country,” he added.