Introduction
In the world of aviation security, ensuring the safe transport of goods is critical. One of the most vital innovations in this area has been the development of ICAO-certified STEBs (Security Tamper-Evident Bags). These bags play an essential role in the transportation of duty-free goods and high-value items, ensuring that they are secure and tamper-proof throughout their journey. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of ICAO-certified STEBs and why they are the gold standard in aviation security.
What is an ICAO-Certified STEB?
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) sets the global standard for aviation security, and a STEB is a specially designed bag that complies with ICAO’s requirements for secure transport. These bags are tamper-evident, meaning any attempt to open or alter the contents will be immediately noticeable. ICAO certification ensures that the bags meet stringent safety and security standards, which makes them ideal for use in airports, duty-free shops, and by law enforcement agencies around the world.
The Advantages of ICAO-Certified STEBs
Tamper-Evident Security: The bags are designed to clearly show if any tampering has occurred, providing an additional layer of security for both goods and passengers.
Compliance with ICAO Standards: ICAO-certified bags are rigorously tested to ensure they meet international security standards. This provides peace of mind to airports, security agencies, and businesses alike.
Global Recognition: As ICAO sets the standards for aviation security worldwide, using ICAO-certified STEBs ensures that the products comply with the highest level of safety and security recognized across international borders.
Protection for Duty-Free Goods: ICAO STEBs are commonly used to secure duty-free items that are transported internationally. These bags ensure that goods are not tampered with during transit, preventing potential theft or loss.
Why ICAO-Certified STEBs Matter
Unlike some other products that may not have the required certifications, ICAO-certified STEBs provide verifiable compliance, ensuring that your products or goods are transported safely and securely across borders. Choosing ICAO-certified STEBs over non-certified alternatives is crucial, especially when dealing with high-value or regulated goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and currency.
The Benefits of Adsure’s ICAO-Certified STEBs
Pioneers in the Market: Adsure Packaging is one of the first companies in Asia to offer ICAO-certified STEBs, and we have been a leader in both online and offline sales of these security bags. This experience ensures that our products are not only compliant but also of the highest quality.
Innovative Solutions: Our ICAO-certified STEBs come with advanced security features, such as clear evidence of tampering, which gives users confidence in the safety of their items.
Trusted by the Industry: As a company that specializes in tamper-evident security packaging, we offer products that meet and exceed the requirements of industries worldwide, from airports to law enforcement and beyond.
Conclusion
In today’s globalized world, the need for secure transport of goods has never been more important. ICAO-certified STEBs are the ultimate solution for ensuring that duty-free and other high-value items are protected throughout their journey. At Adsure Packaging, we are proud to be pioneers in this field, providing the highest quality, ICAO-certified tamper-evident bags. Trust in our expertise and choose the bags that meet the gold standard in aviation security.
https://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/duty-free-bag.jpg10241024administratorhttps://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/adsure-logo-4.pngadministrator2025-11-25 06:57:302025-11-25 07:01:03The Importance of ICAO-Certified STEBs in Aviation Security
“Chain of custody” and “chain of evidence” are both crucial in forensic investigations, but they refer to different concepts. Chain of custody tracks the movement and handling of evidence from collection to court presentation. It ensures evidence remains untampered and authentic throughout the process. On the other hand, chain of evidence refers to the sequence of evidence used in a case, showing how different pieces of evidence link together to prove the facts. Simply put, chain of evidence demonstrates what happened, while chain of custody preserves the integrity of the evidence.
The two terms are often confused, but it is essential to distinguish them. A solid chain of custody guarantees that each piece of evidence is genuine, which is critical for a valid chain of evidence to build the case. Without a secure chain of custody, even strong evidence may not hold up in court.
The Purpose of Chain of Custody and the Role of Documentation
The main goal of maintaining an unbroken chain of custody is to safeguard evidence integrity and its admissibility in court. Each person handling the evidence must be documented, creating a clear record from the crime scene to the courtroom. This prevents allegations of tampering or contamination, ensuring the evidence’s credibility. If the chain is broken—due to unaccounted-for evidence or unauthorized access—the evidence may be contested or deemed inadmissible.
Chain-of-custody forms play a vital role in ensuring this process. These forms typically record key details like the collection date, location, item description, collector’s name, and case number. They also provide space to document each transfer of custody. Every time the evidence changes hands, the form should note the date, time, the person receiving it, and the signature of the person handing it over. Many evidence bags now come pre-printed with a large chain-of-custody form area, allowing investigators to document each transfer directly on the bag. This ensures the record travels with the evidence, reducing the risk of missing or incomplete documentation.
Evidence is often opened and re-sealed at various stages of an investigation. This is why evidence bags with multiple tamper-evident seals are essential. For example, after the initial seal at the crime scene, forensic labs might need to open and re-seal the bag, and later the evidence may be opened again in court. Using a bag with multiple VOID strips allows for secure resealing at each stage, preventing the need to switch containers and keeping the custody record intact. Each strip shows a clear “VOID” message when peeled, ensuring the evidence is always properly sealed.
Improper resealing or packaging can break the chain of custody. For example, a critical piece of evidence was once stored in a flimsy bag that needed to be opened multiple times without proper resealing. The defense questioned its integrity, and the charges were dropped after the court deemed the evidence handling unreliable. Multi-seal bags provide a solution by ensuring that every time the evidence is accessed, it is re-secured with a tamper-evident seal.
Common Questions on Chain of Custody
Q: What breaks the chain of custody? A chain of custody is broken when there is a gap or irregularity in the documentation of evidence handling. This could be due to mishandling, improper sealing, or failure to record the transfer. Even the slightest lapse can lead to the evidence being deemed inadmissible in court.
Q: What information must be included on a chain of custody form? A chain of custody form should include essential details such as the collection date and time, location, evidence description, the collector’s name, case number, and the reason for collecting the evidence. It should also track each transfer of custody, noting the date, time, person receiving the evidence, and signatures of both parties involved.
Conclusion
Choosing the right evidence bag is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring the integrity of the entire evidence handling process. Multi-seal evidence bags, like those with VOID tamper-evident strips, help maintain a secure chain of custody throughout the investigation. These bags ensure that evidence remains intact and admissible, protecting the chain of evidence from beginning to end. A simple choice, like using a well-designed evidence bag, can make all the difference in ensuring that the truth is supported by unassailable evidence.
https://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/截图1763539586.png613447administratorhttps://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/adsure-logo-4.pngadministrator2025-11-20 03:42:392025-11-20 03:47:11Chain of Custody vs. Chain of Evidence: Why It Matters—and How the Right Evidence Bag Makes the Difference
In the pharmaceutical industry, packaging is not only meant to protect the contents but also plays a critical role in ensuring drug safety and maintaining consumer trust. Tamper-evident packaging is designed to ensure that any unauthorized opening or alteration of the packaging will leave visible evidence, allowing users to quickly identify whether the product has been compromised. This type of packaging is crucial for drug safety compliance, regulatory requirements, and brand reputation.
Definition: What is Tamper-Evident Packaging?
Tamper-evident packaging refers to packaging that incorporates features or mechanisms that make it apparent when the packaging has been tampered with. In other words, once the package is opened or altered, it will show irreversible signs of damage or modification, such as broken seals, opened closures, or exposed contents. The purpose of such packaging is not to prevent opening but to ensure that any tampering is obvious to consumers and regulators alike.
Importance: Why is Tamper-Evident Packaging Critical in the Pharmaceutical Industry?
Ensuring Drug Safety:
Tamper-evident packaging is essential in protecting consumers from contaminated or counterfeit drugs. It provides a clear indication if the drug package has been opened or altered during production, distribution, or retail. The 1982 Tylenol cyanide poisonings underscore the importance of tamper-evident packaging in preventing drug contamination. In response to this tragedy, the FDA implemented regulations requiring over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to have tamper-evident packaging. This legislation aimed to ensure that any attempts to alter or replace the contents of a drug would be visible, reducing the risk of consumer harm.
Enhancing Consumer Trust:
Consumers are increasingly aware of the risks associated with counterfeit and adulterated medications. Tamper-evident packaging provides visible proof that the drug is sealed and untouched, offering reassurance that the product has not been tampered with. This transparency is vital for maintaining consumer confidence, as people are more likely to trust a product with packaging that provides clear tampering evidence. Additionally, this packaging feature can improve brand loyalty by reinforcing the company’s commitment to consumer safety.
Regulatory Compliance:
Tamper-evident packaging is often a legal requirement for pharmaceuticals. In the United States, the FDA mandates that most OTC drug products must feature tamper-evident packaging to be sold legally. The FDA’s 21 CFR 211.132 outlines the requirements for tamper-evident packaging, stipulating that these products must include features like breakable seals or shrink bands that indicate when the product has been opened. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines, recalls, or legal action. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) further enforces child-resistant packaging for certain drugs to prevent accidental poisoning. In addition, Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) in Europe also mandates tamper-evident features for prescription drugs to prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching the market.
Preventing Counterfeit Drugs and Illegal Channels:
Counterfeit drugs are a significant global issue, and tamper-evident packaging is an effective deterrent against counterfeiting. The visibility of tampering signs makes it difficult for counterfeiters to replace or alter drugs without detection. By making tampering evident, pharmaceutical companies can ensure that their products are not manipulated before they reach the consumer, reducing the prevalence of fake drugs in the market. This feature also helps prevent theft during shipping and distribution.
Regulatory Requirements: Compliance with Tamper-Evident Packaging Standards
Various global regulations dictate the use of tamper-evident packaging in pharmaceuticals. These regulations ensure that drugs are properly sealed and protected throughout the supply chain. Here are key regulatory requirements:
FDA 21 CFR 211.132: The FDA’s 21 CFR 211.132 requires that most OTC drugs must feature tamper-evident packaging to be legally sold in the U.S. This can include a shrink seal, a foil seal, or any mechanism that shows evidence of tampering once the package is opened. The tamper-evident feature must be clear and visible to the consumer so that any signs of tampering are immediately noticeable.
Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA): This law requires certain prescription drugs and household products to be sold in child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by children. Tamper-evident features are often integrated with child-resistant designs, enhancing the overall safety of the product.
Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) – Europe: This directive mandates that all prescription drugs in the EU must feature tamper-evident packaging as a measure to fight counterfeit drugs. It requires visible tampering evidence and includes safety features such as holograms, unique identifiers, and serialization to track the product throughout the supply chain.
Other Global Standards: Many countries follow similar regulations or adopt guidelines based on international standards like ISO 8317, which dictates the use of tamper-evident packaging for pharmaceuticals to ensure product integrity across markets.
Common Types: Key Forms of Tamper-Evident Packaging
Pharmaceutical companies use several types of tamper-evident packaging to comply with regulations and ensure product safety. Here are four common types:
Shrink Bands: Shrink bands or shrink sleeves are often used around bottle caps or product openings. These bands shrink tightly when heat is applied, providing a visible indicator of tampering. Once the band is broken, it cannot be resealed, making it easy to spot if someone has opened the product.
Induction Seal Foils: This involves placing an induction sealing foil under the cap of a bottle. The foil is melted onto the bottle neck using electromagnetic induction, and when opened, the foil is permanently damaged, leaving visible tampering marks.
Tear Tabs: These are small, breakable tabs that are attached to the packaging and can be torn off when the package is opened. The tear tab will often be the first to break, serving as a clear indication that the package has been opened. This design is often used on medication bottles and blister packs.
Void Seals: Void seals are special labels or tapes that leave behind a “VOID” message or a broken design when removed. These are commonly used on packaging that needs to be opened for the first time by the consumer.
Applications and Examples: Practical Uses of Tamper-Evident Packaging
Tamper-evident packaging is widely used in the pharmaceutical and medical fields to ensure drug safety. Below are a few examples:
1. Pharmaceutical Bottles:
For pill bottles, over-the-counter medications often use shrink bands and foil seals around the bottle cap. These seals must be broken by the consumer before they can open the bottle. If the shrink band or foil seal is damaged, it indicates that the bottle has been tampered with. Examples include vitamin bottles, cough syrup bottles, and over-the-counter pain medications.
2. Single-Dose Drug Packaging:
Vaccines and diagnostic reagents often use single-dose packaging, such as vials with breakable seals or blister packs. For example, an ampoule has a pre-scored neck that must be broken before the contents can be accessed. Once the ampoule is opened, the seal is permanently broken, indicating that it has been tampered with. Blister packs also offer tamper-evident features, as each individual dose is sealed and cannot be accessed without breaking the seal.
3. Lab and Medical Sample Transport:
Medical laboratories and healthcare providers often require tamper-evident bags for transporting biohazard samples (such as blood or urine samples). These bags usually feature strong adhesive seals and unique serial numbers for easy identification and tracking. The packaging cannot be resealed after it is opened, providing a clear indication of tampering.
4. Drug Combination Packs:
Some pharmaceutical products come in combination packs, such as vaccines that include both the vial and the syringe. These combination packs are often sealed with tamper-evident labels or shrink wrap to ensure that none of the components have been altered or replaced before use.
Design Considerations for Tamper-Evident Packaging
When designing tamper-evident packaging, pharmaceutical companies need to consider factors such as material strength, ease of use, regulatory standards, and consumer experience. Here are some key design considerations:
Material Strength and Durability: The packaging material must be robust enough to withstand normal handling and shipping but also be easily damaged if tampered with. Materials like induction seals, foil seals, and shrink bands are commonly used for their durability and tamper-evident qualities.
Clear Tamper Indicators: The design should make it easy for consumers to spot any signs of tampering. Labels, seals, or tapes should leave permanent evidence once removed, such as a “VOID” message, broken seal, or torn packaging.
Regulatory Compliance: The packaging design must comply with the relevant local and international regulations. This includes ensuring that tamper-evident seals are applied to appropriate products (OTC drugs, prescription medications, etc.) and are properly labeled for consumer visibility.
Ease of Use: While security is paramount, the packaging should not be so complex that it becomes difficult for legitimate users to open. The design should balance tamper resistance with user-friendliness, ensuring that elderly or disabled users can open the packaging without difficulty.
Conclusion: Compliance and Competitive Edge – The Strategic Importance of Tamper-Evident Packaging
Tamper-evident packaging is not only a necessary compliance measure but also a strategic tool for enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust. Pharmaceutical companies must adopt tamper-evident packaging to meet regulatory standards and ensure the safety of their products. As regulations become more stringent and consumers demand higher levels of safety, tamper-evident packaging will continue to play an essential role in maintaining product integrity.
For pharmaceutical companies, investing in tamper-evident packaging design is both a regulatory necessity and a competitive advantage. It ensures compliance, reduces risks, protects consumers, and promotes brand loyalty. In an industry where safety is the top priority, tamper-evident packaging is a crucial part of ensuring that medications reach consumers in their original, unaltered state. As tamper-evident technology continues to evolve, it will further solidify its role in maintaining public health and ensuring product authenticity.
https://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Technician-sealing-water-or-soil-samples-in-tamper-evident-lab-specimen-bag-for-secure-transport.webp10241024administratorhttps://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/adsure-logo-4.pngadministrator2025-11-14 08:14:222025-11-14 09:09:10Tamper-Evident Packaging: A Key to Safe Pharmaceutical Products
Police evidence bags are vital tools for law enforcement. They keep crime scene items safe from tampering, contamination, and loss. Each bag is designed to maintain the chain of custody, which records who handled the evidence and when. A single mistake — like a broken seal or missing label — can make evidence inadmissible in court.
Tamper-evident materials and secure seals protect the evidence’s integrity from the scene to the courtroom. Using the right bag also helps investigators trust that every item remains in its original condition. Police departments use different types and sizes of bags to protect various evidence, ensuring safety and traceability throughout the investigation.
Types of Evidence Bags
Plastic Evidence Bags Plastic evidence bags are strong, waterproof, and transparent. Officers can see what’s inside without opening them. These bags are ideal for dry items such as documents, weapons, or narcotics. Many have built-in seals that show a clear “VOID” message if tampered with. They also include serial numbers or barcodes for tracking and auditing.
Paper Evidence Bags Paper bags are best for biological or wet evidence. Because they breathe, moisture can escape, preventing mold or DNA damage. Officers usually seal them with tamper-evident tape and sign across the seal. While paper isn’t waterproof, it keeps biological samples stable.
Choosing the Right Type Plastic and paper bags both safeguard evidence, but each serves a specific need. Police often use one bag per item to prevent contamination. Selecting the correct material is key to preserving forensic value.
Key Features of Tamper-Evident Bags
Modern evidence bags are designed for security and traceability. Main features include:
Tamper-evident seal: Displays “VOID” or color change if opened.
Unique serial number: Ensures traceability in custody logs.
Writable label area: Records case ID, item, collector, and time.
Durable film or kraft paper: Prevents tearing and leaks.
Optional pouch or receipt: Keeps forms attached and trackable.
These features make evidence bags reliable tools for protecting truth and transparency.
Proper Use and Chain of Custody
Label Before Use: Record case details before inserting evidence.
Seal Immediately: Use adhesive or tape and sign across the seal.
One Bag per Item: Avoid mixing evidence to prevent confusion.
Handle Biological Samples Carefully: Let them dry before sealing.
Record Every Transfer: Maintain custody logs and serial numbers.
Each action proves that the evidence remained safe and unchanged.
Conclusion
Police evidence bags are more than simple containers — they are proof of integrity. Proper use ensures evidence remains authentic, traceable, and admissible in court.
Manufacturers like Adsure Packaging provide tamper-evident security bags that meet global law enforcement standards. Their products help investigators keep the chain of custody secure from start to finish — protecting truth, justice, and public trust.
https://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Investigator-sealing-evidence-in-a-PE–Tyvek-tamper-evident-bag.webp10241024administratorhttps://adsurepackaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/adsure-logo-4.pngadministrator2025-11-08 09:18:392025-11-14 09:13:47How Police Evidence Bags Protect Crime Scene Integrity
Adsure Packaging Limited has taken part in the Security Document Summit (SDS) Seminar on October 17th-18th in Beijing National Conference Center.
On October 18th,our colleague Olina have represent Adsure for the presentation .Our topic is to talked about how to identify the authenticity of food, cash and many aspects that may exist risk. Our presentation has caught many audiences’s attention.
Case 1–Food Delivery Security
For the food delivery security, there are news shows that the driver has eaten customer’s food because he is very hungry. And after that, they cover the lunch box and return the food to the customer.
It seems it is very horrible. How to make sure your food is not opened by others? Adsure have provided the solution for the online food ordering. That is, using the food delivering tamper evident bags. It will be waterproof .And also protect the food from opening by others. More importantly, it can reduce risk if others put unknown item inside. it will also improve the reputation of online food ordering platform.
Case 2—Cash-In-Transit Security
Another point Adsure have mentioned will be cash delivery security. There are news shown that one side door of Armored Cars opened and 3 cash box drop on the road when driving. And the deposit from the cash box fly away.At present, not all the money have fully collected .They have lost 62,000,000 Taiwan dollars.
It is really amazing case. According this situation, Adsure put forward a solution that uses the tamper evident bags for the deposit. It will also secure the cash delivery.
Since tamper evident bags is not well known for China Market. Adsure have also introduced the tamper evident bags more clearly. It may create a good way to promote and to improve people’s security awareness and to reduce more lost.
Adsure have also put forward a new solution. It is about how does RFID technology applied in the security packaging. And it may increase people’s confidence for the safety packaging.
Tamper Evident Bags are used for different applications such as Banks,CIT Companies,Retail Chain Stores,Law Enforcement Departments,Casinos and so on.
Tamper Evident Bags are ideal for multiple applications.They need to secure deposit, personal property, confidential documents, forensic evidence, duty free shopping and so on.
Banks, CIT Companies, Finance Industry, Retail Chain Stores , will use this tamper evident bag to secure their deposit during cash in transit.
They also call these tamper evident bag bank deposit bag, security money bags, and safe bags.
Law Enforcement Agencies like Ministry, Police, Customs, and Prison will use these tamper evident bags for forensic evidence or some sensitive documents.
Casinos will use these tamper evident bags for Casino chips.
Election will use these tamper proof bags for voting booths, polling location and poll workers.
With convenient and secure solutions for protecting election ballot, cards, data and supplies during storage and transport.
Education departments will use it to secure the sample papers, test papers and question papers during storage and transport for National Examination.
Each bag is tamper evident. When someone tries to take out the item inside by improper way, it will show tamper evidence.
No one can take out the item without any evidence.
Normally, every tamper evident bags will have barcode and serial number for track and trace.
It can also customized with white write-on Information Panel, multiple tear-off receipt, tamper evident level, multiple compartments.
It also can print with your brand name and your design.
For tamper evident level, it all depends on your item value and your budget.
If your item value is very high and you need high tamper evident level.
Introduction
