C-TPAT is but one layer in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security. C-TPAT is a voluntary public-private sector partnership program which recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principle stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, ocean carriers, consolidators (OTI NVOCCs and/or freight forwarders), licensed customs brokers, manufacturers and exporters.

A Growing Partnership

From its inception in November 2001, C-TPAT continued to grow. Today, more than 11,400 certified partners spanning the gamut of the trade community, have been accepted into the program. The partners include U.S. importers/exporters, U.S./Canada highway carriers; U.S./Mexico highway carriers; rail and sea carriers; licensed U.S. Customs brokers; U.S. marine port authority/terminal operators; U.S. freight consolidators; ocean transportation intermediaries and non-operating common carriers (NVOCCs); Mexican and Canadian manufacturers; and Mexican long-haul carriers, all of whom account for over 52 percent (by value) of cargo imported into the U.S.

How C-TPAT works

When an entity joins C-TPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain.

C-TPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry.

C-TPAT Benefits

C-TPAT Partners enjoy a variety of benefits, including taking an active role in working closer with the U.S. Government in its war against terrorism. As they do this, Partners are able to better identify their own security vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to mitigate risks. Some of the benefits of the program include:

• Reduced number of CBP examinations
• Front of the line inspections
• Possible exemption from Stratified Exams
• Shorter wait times at the border
• Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company
• Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders
• Access to the C-TPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials
• Possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trade Partner by foreign Customs administrations that have signed Mutual Recognition with the United States
• Eligibility for other U.S. Government pilot programs, such as the Food and Drug Administration’s Secure Supply Chain program
• Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
• Importer eligibility to participate in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA)
• Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise

How Do I Become a Partner?

Participation in C-TPAT is voluntary. The first step is for the company to review the C-TPAT Minimum Security Criteria for their business entity to determine eligibility for the program. The second step is for the company to submit a basic application via the C-TPAT Portal system and to agree to voluntarily participate. The third step is for the company to complete a supply chain security profile. The security profile explains how the company is meeting C-TPAT’s minimum security criteria.

In order to do this, the company should have already conducted a risk assessment. Upon satisfactory completion of the application and supply chain security profile, the applicant company is assigned a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist to review the submitted materials and to provide program guidance on an on-going basis. The C-TPAT program will then have up to 90 days to certify the company into the program or to reject the application. If certified, the company will be validated within a year of certification.