The C-TPAT stands for Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism and has been joined by more than 25,000 supply chain companies like importers, Customs Brokers, Carriers, NVOCCs, Air & Ocean Freight Forwarders, port terminals and now also foreign manufacturers. Through this initiative, Customs and Border Protection of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners with the supply chain.

By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure supply chain for all parties, while the Customs will offer additional potential benefits to C-TPAT members, like the "Fast Lane", which will enable C-TPAT members to get the cargo thru Customs much quicker.