A container may arrive with its seal apparently intact while the cargo inside is short, wet, shifted or damaged. In a dispute, the key issue is often the cargo condition at each handover point and who controlled the container at that time. Photos and videos do not replace EIRs, tally sheets, delivery records, loss notices or an independent survey; they are useful only when they identify the correct container, seal, shipment and time, and when the originals are preserved. This article explains which shipments need enhanced recording, the shots to capture during stuffing and first opening, how to handle exceptions and how to preserve evidence for quality control, insurance and claims.

QUICK FACTS

There is no universal duty to film every container

Recording levels should follow risk, contract terms, customer requirements, carrier and insurer instructions, and internal SOPs.

Record before, during and after

A closed-door photo alone cannot show container condition, package count, load distribution or securing.

A seal is a control point, not conclusive proof

Record the seal number before cutting, its condition, the container number and witnesses; an intact seal does not prove quantity or damage-free cargo.

Claims require a consistent evidence chain

Photos and video should reconcile with the EIR, packing list, tally/CLR, POD, temperature records and loss notice.

Record only where permitted and safe

Do not film in restricted areas, obstruct operations, or cut a customs or official seal without authority.

Illustration for When should businesses photograph or video container stuffing and opening? — Illustration of the logistics topic, document or operation discussed in the article.

SCOPE

This guidance mainly applies to FCL cargo at the stuffing and opening locations and may also be adapted for LCL at a CFS, reefers, dangerous goods, project cargo, high-value cargo and shipments attended by a surveyor. It is an evidence-management guide, not a rule requiring every shipment to be filmed. Recording must comply with facility ownership rights, port/terminal/warehouse security rules, customs controls, occupational safety, customer confidentiality and the governing contracts.

IMPORTANT LIMIT: The camera must never place personnel in the danger zone when opening doors, approaching shifted cargo, fumigated units or a potentially hazardous atmosphere. Customs seals, government seals and supervised openings must be handled only by authorized persons under the applicable procedure.

KEY TERMS

Term	Meaning	Operational role
Stuffing evidence	Records created while loading cargo into the container	Shows container condition, packaging, quantity, load distribution, securing and final configuration at origin.
Unstuffing evidence	Records created during first opening and unloading	Shows the seal, first door opening, cargo face, water, odour, shifting, shortage or damage.
Chain of custody	The sequence of control and handovers	Identifies who had custody of the container or cargo at each point.
Exception record	A factual record of an abnormal condition	Documents the issue and the decision to stop or escalate rather than continuing normally.
Original/master file	The original image or video file	Preserves an unedited source against which report copies can be checked.
Evidence index	A register linking files to shipment data	Connects each file to the container, seal, time, operator and related documents.
Surveyor	An independent cargo survey professional	Assesses cause, extent and evidence when specialist input or a dispute is involved.

HOW THE EVIDENCE WORKS

Photos and videos are strongest when they establish four links: correct identification of the container, seal and cargo; contemporaneous timing; continuity at critical moments; and integrity of the original files. They are supporting evidence and do not, by themselves, prove causation or legal liability.

The IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code covers inspection, packing, securing, sealing, receipt and unpacking across the intermodal chain. UNECE receiving guidance calls for checking the CTU identification, inspecting the seal, comparing the seal number with the transport documents and recording discrepancies. Recording should therefore be embedded in the inspection and handover process, not performed merely to collect a few pictures.

SOURCE STATUS: As of 21 July 2026, UNECE continues to publish the 2014 CTU Code in its official standards collection. A “2025 revision” is available as a 2026 working document and should not yet be treated as a final replacement until the adoption process is completed.

WHEN RECORDING IS NEEDED

Scenario	Recommended level	Why	What to capture
High-value goods, electronics, components or pharmaceuticals	Make mandatory under the SOP or contract	High shortage, substitution and value-dispute exposure	Serial/lot numbers, package count, packaging, seal, wide and close views.
Machinery, project cargo or fragile goods	Make mandatory under the SOP	Securing, supports and contact points may determine the loss analysis	Bases, lashings, anchor points, dunnage, clearances and centre of gravity indicators.
Moisture-sensitive paper, timber or dry food	Enhanced recording recommended	It can be difficult to distinguish pre-existing moisture, condensation and water ingress	Roof, walls, floor, door gaskets, holes, dryness, desiccants and packaging.
Reefer or temperature-sensitive cargo	Make mandatory under SOP, booking or insurance requirements	Claims often depend on setpoint, PTI, door-open time and temperature data	Setpoint, display, seal, logger, cargo temperature and stuffing/opening time.
Dangerous goods, chemicals, batteries or special cargo	Follow specialist SOP and site rules	Packaging, marks, segregation, securing and safety are critical	Marks, UN packaging, segregation and securing; do not film where prohibited or unsafe.
The contract, customer, L/C or quality plan requires evidence	Follow the agreed requirement	Evidence may be a condition for acceptance or payment	Shot list, witnesses, format and submission deadline.
Transloading, cross-docking, seal replacement, inspection or multiple custody changes	Record each custody change	The chain of custody can break and the point of loss becomes difficult to determine	Old/new seal, reason for opening, records, witnesses and cargo condition.
Ordinary low-value cargo with a stable supplier	Use a minimum photo set	Balances storage cost with traceability	Container, pre-stuffing cargo, final cargo face, seal number and closed doors.
Abnormal container/seal or suspected loss	Stop and fully record the condition	Tampering, loss or damage may have occurred before opening	Continuous overview, container/seal number, locks, EIR, marks and witnesses.

REQUIRED SHOTS BY STAGE

Stage	Minimum photos/video	Visible data	Output
Empty container receipt	All four external sides, container number, doors/locks, CSC safety approval plate where relevant, interior, roof/walls/floor and door gaskets	Container number, structural condition, holes, odour, moisture, contamination or foreign material	Accept, record an exception or request a replacement.
Before stuffing	Packaging, pallets, labels, cargo awaiting loading and visible condition	Lot/serial, package count, packaging condition, securing materials and measuring devices if used	Baseline condition before cargo enters the container.
During stuffing	Cargo layers, load distribution, blocking/bracing, lashing, gaps and edge protection	Loading sequence, dunnage, anchor points and cargo positions	Evidence of loading configuration and load control.
Stuffing completion	Final cargo face, remaining clearance, door protection and container number while doors remain open	Visible package count, final layer and door barrier/cargo net if used	Final configuration before doors close.
Door closing and sealing	Both doors, seal application and close-up of the seal number	Seal number, container number, time, operator and locking condition	Start point of the post-stuffing custody chain.
Before opening at destination	Container overview, doors, locks and seal; for high-risk shipments, continuous video before cutting	Container/seal number, tampering signs, dents, holes, water, time and witnesses	Normal opening, stop-and-escalate decision or attendance by carrier/surveyor/authority.
First door opening	Record seal cutting and first opening from a safe position, outside the door and fall-out path	First cargo face, water, odour, shifting, impact marks, temperature and packaging condition	Condition before cargo is moved.
During and after unloading	Cargo layers, damaged or missing packages, original position, packaging and removed seal	Actual count, loss extent, location and mitigation measures	Tally/exception record and survey/claim evidence.

DOCUMENTS AND DATA TO RECONCILE

Document/data	Prepared or issued by	What must match the recording
Booking, B/L and Shipping Instructions	Shipper, forwarder or carrier	Container, seal, cargo description, package count and special requirements.
Packing List and tally/CLR	Shipper or warehouse	Quantity, pallets/cartons, lot/serial and actual load result.
Origin and destination EIR	Depot, terminal or trucker	Container condition, container number, time and handover location.
Container Load Plan or stuffing record	Warehouse or packer	Loading sequence, load distribution, cargo position and securing materials.
Delivery record/POD	Receiving warehouse or trucker	Arrival time, exceptions, damage remarks and qualified signature where needed.
PTI report, reefer setpoint and temperature log/data logger where applicable	Warehouse, carrier, reefer technician or logger	Setpoint, time, cargo/container temperature and data gaps.
Seal-opening, seal-replacement or inspection record	Participating parties or competent authority	Old/new seal, reason for opening, time and witnesses.
Survey report, notice of loss or claim notice	Surveyor, cargo interest, carrier or insurer	Loss extent, location, discovery time and preservation measures.
Evidence index and original files	File custodian	Filename, device, operator, container/seal and time; a checksum is only an optional added control where required by SOP.
Site filming rules and confidentiality SOP	Port, terminal, warehouse, customer or company	Permitted areas, approval, redaction and storage channel.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Step	Input	Action	Output
1. Risk-rate the shipment and read the terms	Value, cargo nature, Incoterms, insurance, contract, booking and claim history	Set the minimum photo set, continuous-video points and witness requirements	Shipment evidence requirement.
2. Confirm permission and safety conditions	Site rules, customs controls, DG/fumigation and safety SOP	Obtain approval where needed; identify restricted areas, safe positions and seals that may not be opened without authority	A lawful and safe recording plan.
3. Assign roles and a shot list	Stuffing/opening schedule and participants	Name the camera operator, tally person, exception owner and file approver	Clear responsibility.
4. Record in sequence	Container and cargo ready	Capture container/seal identifiers, wide views before close-ups and preserve originals from the device	Ordered, identifiable source files.
5. Handle exceptions	Seal mismatch, container defect, wet/shifted cargo or abnormal temperature	Stop movement where safe, avoid causal conclusions, notify parties and invite a surveyor or authority when needed	Exception record and preserved scene.
6. Reconcile and index	Photos/video, EIR, tally, Packing List, POD and temperature data	Check container, seal, package, lot/serial, time and filenames	Consistent and retrievable evidence set.
7. Store under control	Original files and report copies	Back up, restrict access, version processed copies and never overwrite originals; checksum/edit logs are optional SOP controls	Audit trail and file-integrity support.
8. Activate a claim if needed	Loss and governing contract/policy	Notify carrier and insurer within the applicable time, retain damaged cargo, packaging and seal, and facilitate survey	An unbroken claim file.

COMMON ERRORS AND CONTROLS

Common error	Impact	Control
Only photographing after the doors are closed	Does not show cargo condition or loading method	Record before, during and after.
No visible container, seal or lot/serial identifier	Files cannot be reliably linked to the shipment	Use both identification-wide shots and close-ups.
Cutting the seal before inspection and recording	Destroys the initial seal condition milestone	Reconcile documents and record the seal before cutting when authorized.
Opening a customs or official seal without authority	May breach supervision procedures and break the custody chain	Stop and obtain instructions from the competent party or authority.
Video stops at first opening or when an exception appears	The sequence can be disputed	For high-risk shipments, record continuously from before seal cutting until the first cargo face is visible.
Keeping only chat-compressed or edited files	Reduces quality and undermines integrity checks	Preserve originals, back them up and separate presentation copies.
Relying only on phone timestamp or GPS	Metadata may be wrong or altered	Also show a slate, container/seal, clock or witnessed record.
Filming in restricted areas or exposing trade secrets/personal data	Security, confidentiality and policy exposure	Obtain permission, limit the view, redact sensitive data and control access.
Discarding the seal, packaging or damaged cargo	Physical evidence is lost	Segregate and retain items under insurer/surveyor instructions.
Writing a causal conclusion in the exception record	May weaken the claim position	Describe observed facts and leave causation to qualified experts.

SOURCES AND APPLICATION BASIS

Source	Role	Application note
IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code 2014	Guidance on inspection, packing, securing, sealing, receipt and unpacking across the intermodal chain	A non-mandatory global code; specific duties depend on law, contracts and facility rules.
UNECE CTU Code receiving and unpacking guidance	Calls for CTU identification checks, seal inspection, comparison with documents and discrepancy recording	Missing, mismatched or tampered seals should be escalated to the carrier/shipper and handled under national law.
IMO Cargo Securing and Packing	Explains risks from poor packing, load distribution and securing	A safety foundation for SOPs, not a rule on the legal weight of video.
Maersk Terms for Carriage and seal guidance	An example of carrier terms placing container inspection, packing/sealing and seal-number recording duties on the merchant	Only an example; the actual carrier terms and B/L for the shipment govern.
Chubb Vietnam marine cargo claims guidance	Recommends prompt notice, retention of cargo and packing, survey where needed, and supporting records/photos	The actual policy wording and insurer/broker instructions govern.
UNECE working document for the 2025 CTU Code revision	Shows that revision work was under consideration in 2026	Do not treat a working document as the final replacement before formal adoption.
Transport contract, insurance policy and site rules	Govern notice, claim documents, filming permission, confidentiality, seals and opening authority	Always prioritize documents directly applicable to the shipment.

IMO CTU Code UNECE seal & receipt guidance Maersk Terms for Carriage Chubb Vietnam cargo claims

FAQ

Must every container be filmed?

No universal rule applies to every shipment. The level should follow risk, contract terms, customer, carrier, insurer and customs requirements, and internal SOPs.

Are smartphone photos sufficient?

They can be useful supporting evidence if clear, shipment-specific, preserved as originals and consistent with documents. Significant loss may still require records, notice and an independent survey.

Does an intact seal prove full quantity and damage-free cargo?

No. It supports the custody history, but shortage or damage may have arisen before sealing, from packing, or from causes that do not break the seal.

What should be done if the seal number does not match?

Do not cut it immediately. Record the condition, reconcile documents and notify the carrier/forwarder. A customs or official seal must be handled under the competent authority’s instructions.

May businesses film in a port, terminal or customs area?

Only where site security rules permit. Obtain approval where required and avoid restricted areas, sensitive data and unrelated persons.

Should first opening be recorded continuously?

Yes for high-value cargo, abnormal seals, suspected loss or a contractual requirement. Start before seal cutting and capture the first door opening from a safe position.

May video be edited, and how long should evidence be retained?

A minimally processed presentation copy may be created, but the original must remain intact. Retention follows the contract, policy, limitation periods and internal records schedule; do not delete while the matter remains open.

APPLICATION NOTE: Photos and videos are only one part of the file. When an exception is found, prioritize safety, do not open a seal controlled by an authority or another party without permission, issue records and notices within the applicable time, and preserve cargo, packaging, seal and original files.

TGIMEX IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

TGIMEX helps businesses turn the article into a shipment-ready checklist, covering input-data review, dossier preparation, milestone control, and coordination with the relevant parties.

Convert guidance into checks

Assign an owner and deadline to every operational control point.

Reconcile shipment data

Compare booking, transport, commercial, customs, and delivery evidence.

Manage operational risk

Record discrepancies, actions, and decision evidence to prevent recurrence.

Discuss your shipment dossier

ELECTRICAL – ELECTRONICS – IT EQUIPMENT

F&B

MACHINERY

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

COSMETICS – PERSONAL CARE