Tamper Evident Asset Labels
When You Need PolyVoid, PolyBreak, or PolyCheck
For a security or compliance buyer, the question is rarely “do I need a tamper-evident label?” — it’s “what do I need the label to do when someone interferes with it?” Different situations call for different tamper signals. An audit needs proof that a label was disturbed. A chain-of-custody process needs a label that can’t be lifted and reapplied. A high-value asset in a shared space needs a visible deterrent that says, plainly, that tampering will show.
PolyLabel produces three distinct tamper-evident mechanisms for exactly these scenarios: VOID residue (PolyVoid), total destruction (PolyBreak), and a visible checkerboard pattern (PolyCheck). This guide matches each one to the compliance and security situation it’s built for, with a decision tree at the end to make the choice quick.
The three tamper signals
Every tamper-evident label works by leaving an irreversible signal when removal is attempted. The differences are in what signal it leaves and whether the label can be reapplied afterward — and those differences map directly to different compliance needs.
It helps to think in terms of two properties: the evidence a label leaves, and whether it can be reused after removal. An audit cares most about evidence that lasts. A chain-of-custody process cares most that a label can never be transferred to another item. A deterrence use case cares most that tampering is visible at a glance. Each PolyLabel mechanism is optimised for one of these.
PolyVoid — VOID residue for audit and compliance
PolyVoid White is a white polyester (mylar) tamper-evident label that leaves the word “VOID” behind — both on the surface it was stuck to and on the label itself — the moment it’s lifted. The evidence is unambiguous and stays visible, which is exactly what an audit trail needs.
Best for: situations where you need durable, lasting evidence that tampering occurred. That includes serialised inventory subject to audit, evidence chain-of-custody where a reviewer checks the label later, and regulatory-compliance contexts where you must be able to demonstrate whether an asset or container was opened. PolyVoid also carries extra durability for outdoor use. $135–$495.
A typical PolyVoid case: a finance team serialises every laptop and applies a PolyVoid label across a screw or seam. At audit time, an intact label confirms the asset hasn’t been opened or swapped; a “VOID” marking flags it for investigation. Because the evidence doesn’t fade, it holds up between annual reviews.
PolyBreak — total destruction for chain-of-custody
PolyBreak White Destructible is a white, semi-gloss destructible polyester with a very aggressive, solvent-based adhesive. It doesn’t peel — it fractures, breaking apart into small pieces at any attempt at removal. There is no clean lift, and crucially, the label cannot be reconstructed or reapplied to another asset.
Best for: evidence chain-of-custody and any process where a label being moved to a different item would defeat the control. Legal evidence handling, regulated transport, and serialised components that must never be swapped between units are the classic cases. If your requirement is “this label must be impossible to transfer,” PolyBreak is the mechanism. $135–$495.
A typical PolyBreak case: a regulated component is sealed before transport, and the receiving site must be certain the seal on arrival is the original. Because PolyBreak shatters on any removal attempt and can’t be reconstructed, a clean, intact label is itself the proof of an unbroken chain.
PolyCheck — visible checkerboard for high-value deterrence
The PolyCheck Chrome and PolyCheck Platinum labels are durable polyester produced in two parts, with an adhesive that leaves a distinctive checkerboard pattern across both the surface and the label when it’s tampered with or removed. The metallic finish makes the label look official and high-security, which is a deterrent in itself — it signals to anyone considering removal that the attempt will be obvious.
Best for: high-value asset deterrence in shared or semi-public spaces — expensive equipment in open offices, shared labs, or assets that transfer between locations and need a visible “do not tamper” marker. Both finishes are $135–$495.
One procurement note: PolyCheck Chrome should not be used with barcodes. Its highly reflective surface interferes with scanning. If you need both a tamper-evident checkerboard and a scannable barcode, specify PolyCheck Platinum instead.
A typical PolyCheck case: high-value AV or lab equipment shared across departments. The checkerboard pattern and metallic finish make any removal attempt immediately visible to the next user, which deters casual tampering and asset “borrowing” without a formal transfer.
Matching the product to the scenario
| Product | Tamper signal | Best scenario | Reapplication | Barcode-safe? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PolyVoid White | “VOID” residue | Audit, serialised inventory, regulatory evidence | Leaves permanent evidence | Yes |
| PolyBreak White Destructible | Total destruction (fractures) | Chain-of-custody, legal evidence, regulated transport | Impossible — cannot be reapplied | Yes |
| PolyCheck Chrome | Checkerboard pattern | High-value deterrence in shared spaces | Visible alteration on removal | No (reflective surface) |
| PolyCheck Platinum | Checkerboard pattern | High-value deterrence where a barcode is also needed | Visible alteration on removal | Yes |
A lower-cost option: stock Tamper Seals
The PolyVoid, PolyBreak, and PolyCheck labels above are fully customisable asset labels — your logo, custom text, and serialised barcodes. If you simply need small, pre-printed seals to deter and signal unauthorised opening — on cartons, components, or equipment panels — the dedicated Tamper Seals line is an inexpensive alternative. Tamper Seal Chrome uses a chrome checkered-pattern release, and Tamper Seal White is a white destructible, both in a compact 3/8″ × 1″ format from $50–$200. They trade customisation for a lower price point and fast availability.
What to specify when you order
Whichever signal you choose, a few decisions shape how well the label performs in your process:
- Surface and adhesive. Tell us what the label sticks to — metal, plastic, powder-coat, glass. PolyBreak’s aggressive solvent-based adhesive behaves differently from PolyVoid’s, and the right match affects how cleanly the tamper signal triggers.
- Serialisation. Set your numbering range up front so each label ties to one record. Sequential numbers keep reconciliation and audit straightforward.
- Barcode format. If you scan, specify the symbology (Code 128 and Code 39 are widely supported) — and remember PolyCheck Chrome’s reflective surface rules out barcodes, so use Platinum if you need one.
- Size and placement. The label has to sit across the seam, screw, or join you want protected. Smaller seals suit components; larger labels suit equipment faces.
PolyLabel emails proofs for approval and, with lead time, mails physical samples — test the tamper signal on a real asset before you order a full run.
Buyer’s decision tree
Work through these questions in order and you’ll land on the right product:
- Must the label be impossible to move to another asset? → PolyBreak White Destructible. It self-destructs and can’t be reapplied.
- Do you need lasting, readable evidence that tampering happened (for an audit or reviewer)? → PolyVoid White. The “VOID” residue stays visible.
- Is the goal to deter tampering on high-value, visible equipment? → PolyCheck. Choose Platinum if you also need a scannable barcode, Chrome if you don’t.
- Do you just need cheap, pre-printed seals without custom branding? → Tamper Seals (Chrome or White).
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between tamper-evident and tamper-proof?
No label is truly tamper-proof — a determined person can damage almost anything. “Tamper-evident” is the accurate term: the label makes tampering obvious, either by leaving residue (PolyVoid), destroying itself (PolyBreak), or showing a pattern (PolyCheck). The value is in the evidence and deterrence, not in making removal physically impossible.
Can tamper-evident labels carry our logo and serial numbers?
Yes. PolyVoid, PolyBreak, and PolyCheck are produced with your logo, custom text, and sequential barcode numbering — with the one exception that PolyCheck Chrome’s reflective surface isn’t suitable for barcodes, so use PolyCheck Platinum if you need both.
Which one do I choose for regulatory compliance?
It depends on what the regulation requires you to demonstrate. If you must show evidence that a seal was disturbed, PolyVoid’s lasting residue is usually the fit. If the control depends on a label never being transferable, PolyBreak’s total destruction is the safer choice. When in doubt, request samples of both and test against your specific process.
Do tamper-evident labels work on curved or textured surfaces?
They can, but the surface matters. A clean, reasonably smooth area gives the most reliable tamper signal and the strongest bond. Heavily textured, oily, or very small curved surfaces can compromise both adhesion and the evenness of the VOID or checkerboard pattern. If your application is awkward, request samples and test placement before ordering.
Get the right tamper-evident label
Browse the tamper-evident lineup — PolyVoid White, PolyBreak White Destructible, PolyCheck Chrome, and PolyCheck Platinum — or the lower-cost Tamper Seals. PolyLabel can email proofs for approval and, with enough lead time, mail physical samples so you can test the tamper signal against your own process before ordering.
New to the terminology? Start with Asset Tags vs Asset Labels. Want the full product family at a glance? See the visual guide to the PolyLabel security label family.
