CTPAT 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, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.

There are certain controls needed to ensure your business is C TPAT compliant and making sure you have all the correct documents is a very important aspect.

For personnel you must have a contract with employment agencies that includes background screenings including DMV, FBI, and export control screenings. You must keep a copy as proof the screening took place.

For business partners you must review and screen your customer database, vendor/supplier database, transactional partners, and service providers. Also, your foreign suppliers must complete and submit their C TPAT questionnaire to you and identify any weaknesses, have an improvement plan, and retain all such documents.

For carriers; you must seek and retain the C TPAT certificate. This shows due diligence by keeping your own files and this is vital when validating your C TPAT status.

For IT and technology access you can use your C TPAT manual alongside any technology control plans you may have for export control purposes and must keep all documents including a wide-aisle tour plan to avoid sharing any controlled technology with authorized people. Keeping proof of internal audits and reviews is a must to ensure all procedures are in place and being followed.

For physical access you should keep card swipe records near to your C TPAT records, photos of security and barriers, copies of truck drivers’ licenses, videos of validation of those granted access to your facilities, visitor procedures and these records should be sealed in containers.

When an entity joins CTPAT, 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.

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

CTPAT was established in November 2001 in response to the September 11 terrorist attack in New York. The voluntary incentive-based program partners work with members of the trade community to strengthen global supply chain security and to prevent the supply chain from being compromised by terrorist organization.

Many companies are eligible for CTPAT membership including importers, exporters, third-party logistics providers, consolidators, air carriers, cross-border highway carriers, marine port authorities, ocean carriers, rail carriers, terminal operators and custom brokers.

For an importer to be eligible to join CTPAT they must be;

• Active importer or a non-resident Canadian importer that has imported goods into the US within the past 12 months
• Have an active US importer of Record (IOR) number
• Have a valid continuous bond registered with Customs and Border Control
• Operate a business office staffed in the US or Canada
• Designate a company officer who is the primary cargo officer responsible for C TPAT
• Commit to maintaining the C TPAT supply chain security criteria outlined in the C TPAT Importer Agreement
• Complete a supply chain security profile in the C TPAT portal and identify how it will develop
• Have no unpaid debt owed to CBP at the time of the application.

CTPAT is voluntary and there are no costs associated with joining this program. Also, a company does not need an intermediary in order to apply to the program and work with CBP.

The application is easy and can be completed online. Firstly, a company needs to review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria to ensure their business is eligible for the program. Secondly, the company should submit the application via the CTPAT Portal and agree to participate.

Thirdly, the company must complete a supply chain security profile, and this explains how the company is currently meeting CTPAT’s security criteria. Therefore, a risk assessment is also necessary. Lastly, the CTPAT program has up to 90 days to certify the company into the program or to reject the application. Once certified, the company will be validated within a year of certification.

CTPAT audit involves:

• Vital Items
• Container Security
• Physical Security
• Information Technology
• Conveyance Security
• Physical Access Controls
• Procedural Security
• Security Training and Threat Awareness

CTPAT 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 CTPAT 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.