C-TPAT Benefits

Becoming a C-TPAT certified organization has many benefits. While the process to become C-TPAT certified is time-consuming, the benefits can far outweigh the costs of certification. Those companies that receive C-TPAT certification can expect:

• Increased ability to predict lead times
• Decreased disruptions in the supply chain
• Reduced wait times for carriers at the US borders
• Improved security for the workforce
• Reduced cargo theft

Applying For C-TPAT Certification

To become eligible for C-TPAT, participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be an active US importer or non-resident Canadian importer into the US
2. Have a business office staffed in the US or Canada
3. Have an active US importer of record ID in any of the following formats:
   1. US Social Security Number
   2. US Internal Revenue Service assigned ID(s)
   3. CBP assigned Importer ID
4. Possess a valid continuous import bond registered with CBP
5. Have a designated company officer that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for C-TPAT
6. Commit to maintaining the C-TPAT supply chain security criteria as outlined in the C-TPAT importer agreement
7. Create and provide CBP with a C-TPAT supply chain security profile, which identifies how the importer will meet, maintain and enhance internal policy to meet the C-TPAT importer security criteria

A full list of these criteria can be found at the US CBP website -- http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/security_criteria/

C-TPAT Mutual Recognition

Mutual recognition is the accepting of common security parameters and the acceptance of that certification by various countries. C-TPAT and certain foreign programs have established a set of standard security requirements which allows one business partnership program to recognize the validation findings of the other program. Currently C-TPAT has signed mutual recognitions with:

1. New Zealand Customs Service - Secure Export Scheme (SES)
2. Canada Border Services Agency - Partners in Protection(PIP)
3. Jordan Customs Department - Golden List Program (GLP)
4. Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau - Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is currently working with the Customs Administrations of Korea, Singapore and the European Union to reach mutual recognition between their respective programs and C-TPAT.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Resources:

C-TPAT FAQ — http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/ctpat_members/ctpat_faq.xm

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/what_ctpat/ctpat_overview.xml

World Customs Organization — http://www.wcoomd.org/

Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Program — http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/fast/

Top 5 Areas to Cover When Assessing Supply Chain Risk Factors — http://www.integrationpoint.com/documents/IntegrationPoint_SupplyChainRiskFactors.pdf