CTPAT PROGRAM

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

WHAT IS CTPAT?

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.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

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 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

HOW DO I JOIN?

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

Participation in CTPAT is voluntary and there are no costs associated with joining the program. Moreover, a company does not need an intermediary in order to apply to the program and work with CBP; the application process is easy and it is done online. The first step is for the company to review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for their business entity to determine eligibility for the program.

The second step is for the company to submit a basic application via the CTPAT Portal system and to agree to voluntarily participate. The third step is for the company to complete a supply chain security profile. The security profile explains how the company is meeting CTPAT’s minimum security criteria. In order to do this, the company should have already conducted a risk assessment.

Upon satisfactory completion of the application and supply chain security profile, the applicant company is assigned a CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist to review the submitted materials and to provide program guidance on an on-going basis. The CTPAT program will then have up to 90 days to certify the company into the program or to reject the application. If certified, the company will be validated within a year of certification.

Visit www.cbp.gov/CTPAT for more information about CTPAT in general, for instructions to complete annual reviews, and to view training materials related to common CTPAT processes. Also information on new features will be posted to the C-TPAT Public Library.

If you have C-TPAT issues or questions, please contact your Supply Chain Security Specialist, or the Duty Officer of the Day by email at industry.partnership@dhs.gov or by phone at (202) 344‐1180. Be advised that the Duty Officer cannot reset your password for you, they assist with general inquiries and questions.

The information on this page is copied from various C.B.P. publications. No copyright claim is made to original US Government works.

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TRUCK & TRAILER INSPECTION

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Conveyance Instruction Procedures:

Using a checklist, drivers should be trained to inspect their conveyances for natural or hidden compartments. Training in conveyance searches should be adopted as part of the company’s on-the-job training program.

Conveyance inspections must be systematic and should be completed upon entering and departing from the truck yard and at the last point of loading prior to reaching the U.S. border.

Highway carriers must visually inspect all empty trailers, to include the interior of the trailer, at the truck yard and at the point of loading, if possible.