The Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary supply-chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) focused on improving the security of private companies\' supply chains with respect to terrorism.
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) 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. 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. The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 provided a statutory framework for the CTPAT program and imposed strict program oversight requirements.
CTPAT Benefits
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.
