How to Fill Out 7-Point Container Inspection

7-Point Container Inspection at a glance

What it is: The 7-Point Container Inspection form must be completed in English for all shipments.

Where and when to file: For the 7-Point Container Inspection, a copy is submitted with the shipping documents and the original is securely affixed to the inside of the container door.

A filled-in 7-Point Container Inspection example: a clean container inspection

7-Point Container Inspection example filled out, example: a clean container inspection
An inspector completes the 7-Point Container Inspection form for one container. All seven areas are acceptable, so every NO box and description box stays empty. The picture shows the completed form and all its values are invented.

How to fill out 7-Point Container Inspection, box by box

Date, time and container

7-Point Container Inspection example filled out, date, time and container

Enter the Date, the Time and the Container #.

Area of inspection

7-Point Container Inspection example filled out, area of inspection

Under AREA OF INSPECTION, mark YES or NO under ACCEPTABLE for the Outside/Undercarriage Condition: support beams should be visible.

Mark YES or NO for the Inside/Outside Door Condition: check locking mechanism to make sure it is reliable.

Front Wall Condition: make sure blocks and vents are visible.

Mark YES or NO for the Right Side Condition, the Left Side Condition, the Ceiling/Roof Condition and the Interior Floor Condition.

DESCRIBE UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION. If there is an unacceptable condition or unmanifested material, stop the inspection and notify a supervisor.

Other comments and container approved for stuffing

7-Point Container Inspection example filled out, other comments and container approved for stuffing

Write OTHER COMMENTS.

Items to look for include: fake walls (use a hammer to tap the walls listening for fake walls or hollow sounds), make sure interior space of the container is the proper length, height and width, bonding material, different color points, bolts instead of rivets. Container approved for stuffing: YES or NO. The condition of the container has been visually verified and found to be structurally sound, weather tight, has no false compartments and contains no unmanifested material.

Inspected by

7-Point Container Inspection example filled out, inspected by

Enter INSPECTED BY and the TIME.

Sources

[1] 7-Point Container Inspection form (7-Point), as served on FormsPal (the Official source link on this page).

7-Point CTPAT Container Inspection Checklist: Key Details and Compliance Guide

The C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program is a voluntary supply chain security initiative administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Companies enrolled in this program must complete a 7-point container inspection before sealing and shipping any cargo. Failure to follow this protocol can result in shipment delays, penalties, or loss of CTPAT certification.

The 7 CTPAT Container Inspection Areas

Each inspection covers a distinct area of the shipping container. The inspector must check all seven points and document findings on the form:

  1. Outside/Undercarriage: Examine the underside of the container for attached packages, foreign objects, or false compartments. Tap the surface to detect hollow areas that differ from the original structure.
  2. Front Wall: Check for false walls, unusual bulges, soft spots, or holes. Use a hammer to tap the front wall and identify any hollow sections that suggest hidden storage.
  3. Left Side: Inspect the exterior left panel for damage, unauthorized repairs, pinholes, or structural modifications that deviate from the original container design.
  4. Right Side: Perform the same thorough examination on the right side as conducted on the left side panel, noting any irregularities.
  5. Ceiling/Roof: Look for soft spots, pinholes, unusual patches, or repairs that may indicate tampering. Unusual discoloration or new welds are also signs of modification.
  6. Inside/Outside Doors: Verify that door seals are intact, hinges are secure, and locking mechanisms function correctly. Look for evidence of forced entry or seal tampering.
  7. Interior Floor: Check the floor for unusual items, uneven surfaces, or signs of a false floor. Look for areas that appear visually or texturally different from the rest of the floor.

How to Complete the CTPAT Inspection Form

The inspector must record the container number, seal number, and inspection date at the top of the form. For each of the seven areas, mark either an acceptable or unacceptable condition. If any area is unacceptable, describe the issue in the comments field. The form must be signed and dated by the person who performed the inspection. All inspection records should be retained for a minimum of one year for audit purposes.

Related Shipping and Inspection Documents

Companies engaged in international freight operations often need additional compliance forms. Use our air cargo manifest to document shipment contents or our shipping manifest form to record cargo details. For fleet and vehicle compliance, see the pre-trip inspection checklist and the 4-point inspection form.

QuestionAnswer
Form Name7-Point CTPAT Container Inspection Checklist Form
Form Length1 pages
Fillable?No
Fillable fields0
Avg. time to fill out15 sec
Other names7-Point Ocean Container Security Inspection Checklist Form, ISO Container Inspection Checklist Form

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