ISO 18185-1:2007

Overview - ISO 18185-1:2007 (Electronic seals, Communication protocol)

ISO 18185-1:2007 defines the communication protocol for read-only, non-reusable electronic seals (eSeals) used on freight containers. The standard specifies a system for unique and unambiguous seal identification, status reporting (sealed/open), battery indication and time-stamping (date/time sealed and opened). Information is presented via a radio-communications interface and a short-range link to determine whether a container seal has been opened. ISO 18185-1 is the communication-layer part of the ISO 18185 series and is intended for containers covered by ISO 668, ISO 1496-1 to -5 and ISO 8323.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Unique Seal ID: Combination of a 32-bit Tag ID (serial) and a 16-bit manufacturer ID (seal ID is permanent and programmed at manufacture).
• Mandatory data fields: seal ID, date/time sealed, date/time opened, seal status (2 bits: open & unsealed, closed & sealed, opened), low battery status (1 bit), protocol ID/version, optional model/product version, LF transmitter ID.
• Physical layers and air interfaces:
  • Type A: 433 MHz long-range link (LRL) with a low-frequency (LF) short-range link (SRL).
  • Type B: 2.4 GHz long-range link (LRL) with an FSK short-range link.
• Data link protocol: Packet formats, field synchronization and packet options are defined (e.g., protocol ID 0x80 for 433 MHz LRL). Supports point-to-point and broadcast commands, alert messaging and power-saving behaviors (Min/Max Command Duration).
• Read-only, non-reusable: eSeals conform to high-security seal concept and are not writable or reprogrammable in the field.
• Interoperability: Defines interrogator ID, LF transmitter ID and requirements for associating an eSeal with a container (localization).

Applications and practical use

• Securing and electronically monitoring container integrity across transport chains (ports, terminals, intermodal yards).
• Automated inspection and tamper-evidence for customs, carriers, freight forwarders and logistics service providers.
• Integration with RFID/RF systems for remote seal interrogation, alarm generation and audit trails.
• Power-conserving operation for battery-powered tags to support multi-leg shipments.

Who benefits / uses this standard

• Seal manufacturers and RFID component vendors
• Container owners, carriers, shipping lines and terminal operators
• Customs authorities, security integrators and logistics platforms
• Systems integrators implementing container tracking and tamper-evidence solutions

Related standards

• ISO 18185 series (Parts 2–5), ISO 17712 (mechanical seals), ISO/TS 14816, ISO/IEC 18000-7, ISO/IEC 24730-2, ISO 668, ISO 1496, ISO 8323.