Abstract: A cross-sealing device for a tubular-bag packaging machine operable with stripping rods moved along the plastic foil tube to be sealed, which stripping rods assure that the sealing surfaces are free of packaging material prior to the sealing task. A drive is provided for the stripping rods which is mechanically robust and makes it possible to adapt the stripping paths on the plastic foil tube to the special requirements. Belt drives are provided for this purpose which are driven independently of the cross-sealing jaws and are controlled by a position controller controlling the position of the stripping rods.