What is the purpose of a tamper-evident seal on hazmat shipments?

• A. To show if the package has been opened or compromised during transit.
• B. To identify the carrier's contact information.
• C. To indicate the shipment's weight.
• D. To certify the packaging quality.

Answer: (A)

Tamper-evident seals are there to show whether a hazmat package has been opened or compromised during transit. In hazmat shipping, keeping the packaging intact is essential for safety, since any breach can lead to leaks, exposure, or contamination. A seal that remains intact signals that the contents haven’t been accessed since sealing, while a broken or disturbed seal alerts handlers to possible tampering and prompts further checks or corrective actions. These seals often carry unique identifiers to help trace and document any tampering. It isn’t about contact information, weight, or packaging quality certification, which are separate aspects of handling and documentation.