C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)

C-TPAT is a joint (US) government-business initiative designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security. This can only work through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain - importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers. Through this initiative, Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to business partners within the supply chain.

Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT. Participants will sign an agreement that commits them to the following actions:

1.   Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the C-TPAT security guidelines jointly developed by Customs and the trade community. These guidelines, which are available for review on the Customs website, encompass the following areas:

- Procedural Security

- Physical Security

- Personnel Security

- Education and Training

- Access Controls

- Manifest Procedures

- Conveyance Security

 

2.  Submit a supply chain security profile questionnaire to Customs.

3.  Develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines.

4.  Communicate C-TPAT guidelines to other companies in the supply chain and work toward building the guidelines into relationships with these companies.

Those shipments going into the US that are C-TPAT compliant will be able to move across US borders quicker than those that are not, because Customs will offer potential benefits to C-TPAT members, most notably a reduced number of inspections (reduced border times).