How to Make your Packaging Tamper-Evident

There are malicious actors who tamper with packages to steal, counterfeit, or otherwise compromise customer deliveries. Tamper-evident packaging helps protect product integrity and customer trust by making unauthorized access obvious.

Seals and tape

Tamper-evident seals are a common first line of defense. Void or destructible seals, adhesive tear strips, and water-activated paper tape all reveal visible evidence if someone has opened a package. Security tape and paper-based adhesives display a jagged or “VOID” pattern when peeled, and seals that physically destroy themselves when removed cannot be reapplied undetectably.

While these materials add cost, they dramatically improve customer confidence and reduce fraud. Choose tamper seals that match your packaging substrate (corrugated, poly film, paperboard) and make sure application is consistent across SKUs.

Shrink wrap and tear strips

Shrink wrap provides puncture and seal evidence: once heat-shrunk around a tray or box, it cannot be replaced without obvious signs of removal. Tear strips are simple mechanical indicators that a package has been opened — ideal for single-use shipments and consumer products. For food or freshness-sensitive goods, shrink film can provide both tamper evidence and a freshness barrier.

Decide between shrink wrap or tear-strip solutions based on product size, palletization, and whether you need barrier properties in addition to tamper evidence.

Legal and industry requirements

Certain industries require tamper-evident packaging by law. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and hazardous chemicals often have specific standards for seals, labeling, and child-safety features. When designing tamper-evident packaging, consult relevant industry regulations and standards to ensure compliance — this protects end users and reduces legal risk.

Implementation tips

— Use security tape or destructible labels on outer seals so any opening is obvious.
— Combine solutions (e.g., security tape + shrink film) for higher-risk items.
— Keep a record of seal types and application methods in your packaging SOPs to ensure consistency.
— Include clear customer guidance (e.g., “If seal is broken, do not accept”) on packing slips or order confirmations so recipients know how to report tampering.

Well-designed tamper-evident packaging protects products and builds trust. By selecting the right seals, films, and procedures — and by following applicable regulations — you can make tampering obvious, deter theft, and reassure customers that their orders arrive intact.