Tamper evident tape
Standard Tamper Evident Tape
Permanent tamper evident tape for boxes, cartons and pallets, protecting packages through shipping and handling.
A stock range of overt and covert security tapes for everyday sealing, available on next day dispatch subject to availability. Frequently specified as VOID tape: lifting the seal leaves a VOID or OPENED message on the tape and on the carton, so the evidence stays with the pack rather than leaving with the tape.
Tamper behaviour
What happens when the tape is removed
Tamper evidence is built into the tape construction. Once applied, any attempt to remove or manipulate the tape leaves a visible message such as VOID or OPENED, on both the tape and the carton, and it cannot be realigned or resealed.
01
Applied and sealed
The tape is applied to a clean, dry carton and bonds immediately.
02
Removal attempted
Lifting or peeling the tape separates the layers of the construction.
03
Evidence revealed
A permanent VOID or OPENED message appears on the tape and transfers to the carton, staying there once the tape is taken away. The seal cannot be realigned or reused.
▶VideoStandard tamper evident tape in action
Shows standard tamper evident tape being run from a tape gun onto a carton, and the message revealed when it is removed.
Watch on YouTube ↗Why the stock range
Security you can hold in stock
Overt security
Clear visual indicators such as void messages and security patterns are readable without training, so the recipient sees interference at goods-in.
Covert security
Hidden security features that only become visible on removal, for a stronger layer of protection.
Next day dispatch
Stock lines are available on next day dispatch, subject to availability.
BOPP or paper
Filmic and paper based constructions to suit the carton and the recycling stream.
Perforations and numbering
Perforations for controlled removal, and sequential numbering for chain of custody.
Colour options
A choice of colours to match branding or to highlight specific security zones.
▶VideoTamper evident tape safe packaging in action
Shows barcoded tamper evident tape sealing a carton so the seal itself can be scanned and checked on arrival.
Watch on YouTube ↗Construction and specification
Specification, formats and options
Materials and construction
| Base materials | BOPP filmic or paper based tape constructions. |
|---|---|
| Tamper construction | Permanent tamper evidence. Removal transfers a message to the carton. |
| Tamper message | Stock void or opened messages, with custom messages available. |
| Surfaces | Cardboard cartons, crates, envelopes and other sealed containers. Textured or recycled surfaces are tested first. |
| Availability | Stock lines on next day dispatch, subject to availability. |
Options and customisation
How to apply
- Make sure the surface is clean and dry.
- Measure and cut the tape to the length required.
- Press the tape down firmly so there are no air gaps.
- Once applied, the tape cannot be removed without showing evidence of tampering.
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DR 8794 Red Paper Overt Tamper Evident Box Tape
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DR 8697 Green Paper Covert Tamper Evident Box Tape
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DR 8797 Brown Paper Covert Tamper Evident Box Tape
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DR 8696 Blue Paper Overt Tamper Evident Tape — 30mm x 50m
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DR 7350 Dark Blue Overt Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 7349 Red Overt Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 7344 Covert Red Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 6584 Blue Overt Security Box Tape with Sequential Numbers
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DR 6464 Green Overt Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 491V2 Covert Blue Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 490V2 Covert Red Tamper Evident Security Tape
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DR 407 Red TamperPerf Continuous Tape
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DR 357 Red Overt Tamper Evident Box Tape with Sequential Numbers
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DR 120 Blue Overt Tamper Evident Box Tape
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DR 107 Red Overt Tamper Evident Box Tape
Applications
Where standard tamper evident tape is used
Logistics and dispatch
Sealing outer cartons and cases so interference in transit is visible on arrival.
Retail and e-commerce
Order and returns cartons sealed at pack, reducing disputes about what was in the box.
Pharmaceutical and healthcare
Secure sealing of cartons and totes where access must be evidenced.
Packaging and contract packing
Standard sealing tape for co-packers running mixed customer work.
Application and integration
Applying by hand or on the line
Hand application
Applied with a standard tape gun or by hand at pack and dispatch.
Case sealers and dispensers
Compatible with automatic case sealers and automated tape dispensers.
Roll formats
Widths and roll lengths specified to suit the carton and the dispenser.
Need something outside the stock range? See custom tamper evident tape for bespoke print, format and security features.
Selection, testing and limits
Choosing a tape construction, testing it and what it does not prove
Overt, covert, numbered and continuous perforated tapes all seal a carton, but they give the person opening it a different kind of signal. Start from who checks the seal, and where.
Match the construction to the check
- Overt — the security message is visible on the tape and again on the surface after removal, so an untrained receiver can spot interference.
- Covert — nothing obvious on the roll; the message appears only on removal, which suits checks made by your own team rather than in public view.
- Sequentially numbered — pairs the seal with a recorded number so a swapped roll is detectable, not just a lifted seal.
- TamperPerf continuous — perforated so lengths can be torn to the pack without cutting tools on the line.
When tape is not the right route
- The seal is on a small pack, vial, cassette or door rather than a carton closure — a label format fits the footprint better.
- The outer must remain a single paper recycling stream — specify the paper tape construction instead.
- The board is heavily recycled, dusty, waxed or already shrink-wrapped — bond and transfer must be trialled before specification.
- The pack has to be resealed and re-secured repeatedly by the same handler — a numbered label sequence usually records that better.
What to test before you commit
- Seal a real filled carton, not a flat blank, and allow the dwell time your dispatch process actually gives it.
- Attempt removal after transit conditions — cold, warm, damp, stacked — and check the message transfers as expected on your board.
- Check the VOID or custom message reads clearly against your carton print and board colour.
- Run your dispensing method, hand gun or case sealer, at line speed and confirm tail length and cut behaviour.
What tamper evidence does not prove
- A disturbed seal proves the seal was disturbed. It does not tell you what changed inside the carton.
- A sealed carton does not certify contents, count or condition — goods-in checks still do that.
- Numbering only carries weight where the number is captured at seal and verified at receipt.
- Tapes are tamper-evident, not tamper-proof; the aim is a signal that cannot be quietly undone.
Questions
Tamper evident tape FAQs
What is tamper evident void tape?
A security tape that gives a clear indication if a package has been opened or tampered with. Once applied, any attempt to remove or manipulate the tape leaves a visible message such as VOID or OPENED, which suits shipments and sensitive packages. For a bespoke solution, see custom tamper evident tape.
How does void tape work?
It leaves a residue or a hidden message on the packaging and on the tape when removal is attempted. That message cannot be realigned or resealed, so tampering is clear.
What are the benefits of using tamper evident tape?
It helps protect the integrity of the contents by deterring unauthorised access and alerting the recipient to potential tampering, which matters most for valuable or sensitive items in transit.
What types of tamper tape does TamperTech make?
BOPP and paper options, standard or bespoke. Standard tape reveals a void or opened message on removal; bespoke tape adds custom print, format and security features.
How do I apply tamper evident tape?
Make sure the surface is clean and dry, cut the tape to length, and press it down firmly with no air gaps. Once applied it cannot be removed without showing evidence of tampering.
Can you customise my tamper tape?
Yes. Custom messages, logos and colours are available to meet specific security requirements and to carry your branding.
Where can tamper evident tape be used?
Across logistics, retail, pharmaceuticals and any sector needing secure packaging, for sealing cartons, crates, envelopes and other containers.
How do I order?
Email salesorders@tampertech.com, or request samples and a quotation using the form below.
Next step
Specify your tamper evident tape
Need samples or a quotation?
Tell us the carton, the sealing method and the volume and we will send samples and a quotation.
Not sure what will work on your pack?
Put it through the Security Lab. Send us the pack and the problem and our technical team will specify the solution with you.
Terminology
Anti tamper, tamper proof, tamper evident: the same requirement
Buyers search for anti tamper tape, anti tamper labels and tamper proof tape. In almost every case that is the same requirement we describe as tamper evident: a seal that cannot be lifted and put back without leaving a visible, permanent record. Tamper evident is the accurate description, because a tape or a label does not prevent access to a pack — it makes access impossible to hide. If you need the distinction in full, it is set out in tamper evident vs tamper proof.
01
What this tape does
A full transfer construction: removal splits the tape so a VOID or custom message transfers onto the carton or wrap and remains on the tape. There is no way to reseal it without the split showing.
02
What it does not do
It does not physically prevent opening, and it does not confirm what is inside the pack. It records interference with the seal so a receiving check can be made.
03
Numbering
Sequential or bespoke numbering ties an individual seal to a consignment record, so the check at receipt is against a number, not a memory.
Where to look next: this is the stock full transfer tape most anti tamper tape enquiries end up on; to compare paper, non-residue and custom constructions see the tamper evident tape range; for label formats see the tamper evident label range.
Whether you need technical advice, product information, quotes or support, our team is here to help.
Talk to Our Team
Get in touch today
📍 Address: Tamper Technologies Ltd,
The Oaks, Moor Farm Road West,
Airfield Industrial Estate,
Ashbourne, Derbyshire,
DE6 1HD, United Kingdom.
📞 Phone +44 (0) 1335 300335
💬 WhatsApp +44 (0) 7528 477703
✉️ Email sales@tampertech.com