Choosing Tamper-Evident Seals for Recovery Envelopes

At intake, we ask clients what seal they used. The answer shapes how we document and review the envelope for years to come. Here are the four types we encounter most often in Daejeon.

Numbered void tape

Leaves a “VOID” pattern when lifted. Excellent tamper evidence, but the adhesive can soften in unairconditioned storage during July and August. We recommend climate-controlled locations for void-tape envelopes.

Wax impression seals

Traditional and visually distinctive. Wax can crack if envelopes are stacked under pressure. We photograph wax seals from above and at 45 degrees to capture edge chips.

Holographic sticker seals

Popular for their appearance. Serial numbers are sometimes printed too small for reliable photography. We ask clients to note the serial in the register even when the hologram is intact.

Custom-printed band seals

Used by some exchanges when shipping hardware wallets. These are often not designed for long-term archival. We flag them for closer annual inspection.

Our recommendation

For envelopes you expect to hold for more than five years, numbered void tape on acid-free manila with a secondary wax dot at the flap corner provides the best balance of evidence and durability in our climate.