Q: What is Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)?
A: C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain
and U.S. border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security through close cooperation with the
ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.
Through this initiative, US Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines
of their business partners within the supply chain.
Q: What kinds of businesses can apply for C-TPAT?
A: Currently, open enrollment for C-TPAT is available for the following business types related to the U.S. import supply chain cargo handling and
movement.
U.S. Importers of record
U.S./Canada Highway Carriers
U.S./Mexico Highway Carriers
Rail Carriers
Sea Carriers
Air Carriers
U.S. Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators
U.S. Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC)
Mexican manufacturers
Certain Invited Foreign Manufacturers
Licensed U.S. Customs Brokers
Q: How were these trade categories selected?
A: CBP is responsible for screening all import cargo transactions. Utilizing risk management principles,
C-TPAT seeks to enroll compliant low-risk companies who are directly responsible for importing, transporting, and coordinating commercial import cargo
into the United States.
The purpose is to identify compliant importers who have good supply chain security procedures and controls to reduce screening of their imported cargo.
This enables CBP to focus screening efforts on import cargo transactions involving unknown or high-risk import traders.
Q: How do eligible companies apply to participate in C-TPAT?
A: Businesses must apply membership to participate in C-TPAT. USSCC will assist your company to go through the whole application process that
includes submission of corporate information, supply chain security profile, and an acknowledgement of an agreement to voluntarily participate.
In completing the supply chain security profile, companies must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their supply chain security procedures using the C-
TPAT security criteria or guidelines.
The criteria or guidelines encompass the following areas: Business Partner Requirements, Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security,
Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest procedures, Information Security, and Conveyance Security.
Q: What are the benefits of participation in C-TPAT?
A: C-TPAT requires trade-related businesses to play an active role in the U.S. national security. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain
security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers.
Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certified C-TPAT members:
1) Reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
2) Priority processing for CBP (US Customs) inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
3) Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the
company’s international supply chain.
4) Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
Q: What happens if a company fails to meet the C-TPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines?
A: Failure to meet C-TPAT commitments will result in suspension or removal of C-TPAT certification status and associated benefits. Benefits may be
reinstated upon correcting identified deficiencies in compliance and/or security.
Q: Where can I get more information on C-TPAT?
A: USSCC is here to offer you the professional supply chain solutions regarding C-TPAT membership application, please fill out the form.
Q: What are the CBP expectations for the C-TPAT participant?
A: To create a more secure and efficient supply chain through partnership. CBP requires the assistance of private industry to ensure increased vigilance
throughout the supply chain.
Businesses must ensure their products, employees, and customers are protected to the best of their abilities.
Q: Will the information our company provides to USSCC be confidential?
A: All information provided by your company will be treated confidential. USSCC has the obligation not to disclose an applicant's supply chain issues.
Q: We are very interested in C-TPAT but we are not interested in spending a lot of money if something goes wrong.
Is it still possible to participate in C-TPAT?
A: Yes, although the decision to join C-TPAT is voluntary. Not all companies are able to meet C-TPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines.
All eligible companies that import into the U.S. and provide import cargo movement or handling services should assess their supply chain security
procedures to determine if they meet the C-TPAT security criteria.
C-TPAT is not to create liabilities for companies beyond existing trade laws and regulations. However, joining C-TPAT will enable companies to follow
through on actions specified in the signed agreement.
These actions include assessing security systems, submitting security questionnaires, developing security enhancement plans, and communicating C-TPAT
guidelines to trade partners in the supply chain. If a company fails to follow C-TPAT guidelines, CBP may take action to suspend their benefits or cancel
participation.
Q: Is the C-TPAT program a viable consideration for medium or small size companies?
A: The US Customs encourages all companies to take part in promoting supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT membership is not just welcome the large corporations. Medium and small size companies may evaluate the requirements and benefits of C-TPAT
in deciding whether they have to apply for membership.
In addition, even without official participation in C-TPAT, companies should follow C-TPAT guidelines in their supply chain security practices.
A: C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain
and U.S. border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security through close cooperation with the
ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.
Through this initiative, US Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines
of their business partners within the supply chain.
Q: What kinds of businesses can apply for C-TPAT?
A: Currently, open enrollment for C-TPAT is available for the following business types related to the U.S. import supply chain cargo handling and
movement.
U.S. Importers of record
U.S./Canada Highway Carriers
U.S./Mexico Highway Carriers
Rail Carriers
Sea Carriers
Air Carriers
U.S. Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators
U.S. Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC)
Mexican manufacturers
Certain Invited Foreign Manufacturers
Licensed U.S. Customs Brokers
Q: How were these trade categories selected?
A: CBP is responsible for screening all import cargo transactions. Utilizing risk management principles,
C-TPAT seeks to enroll compliant low-risk companies who are directly responsible for importing, transporting, and coordinating commercial import cargo
into the United States.
The purpose is to identify compliant importers who have good supply chain security procedures and controls to reduce screening of their imported cargo.
This enables CBP to focus screening efforts on import cargo transactions involving unknown or high-risk import traders.
Q: How do eligible companies apply to participate in C-TPAT?
A: Businesses must apply membership to participate in C-TPAT. USSCC will assist your company to go through the whole application process that
includes submission of corporate information, supply chain security profile, and an acknowledgement of an agreement to voluntarily participate.
In completing the supply chain security profile, companies must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their supply chain security procedures using the C-
TPAT security criteria or guidelines.
The criteria or guidelines encompass the following areas: Business Partner Requirements, Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security,
Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest procedures, Information Security, and Conveyance Security.
Q: What are the benefits of participation in C-TPAT?
A: C-TPAT requires trade-related businesses to play an active role in the U.S. national security. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain
security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers.
Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certified C-TPAT members:
1) Reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times)
2) Priority processing for CBP (US Customs) inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
3) Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the
company’s international supply chain.
4) Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
Q: What happens if a company fails to meet the C-TPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines?
A: Failure to meet C-TPAT commitments will result in suspension or removal of C-TPAT certification status and associated benefits. Benefits may be
reinstated upon correcting identified deficiencies in compliance and/or security.
Q: Where can I get more information on C-TPAT?
A: USSCC is here to offer you the professional supply chain solutions regarding C-TPAT membership application, please fill out the form.
Q: What are the CBP expectations for the C-TPAT participant?
A: To create a more secure and efficient supply chain through partnership. CBP requires the assistance of private industry to ensure increased vigilance
throughout the supply chain.
Businesses must ensure their products, employees, and customers are protected to the best of their abilities.
Q: Will the information our company provides to USSCC be confidential?
A: All information provided by your company will be treated confidential. USSCC has the obligation not to disclose an applicant's supply chain issues.
Q: We are very interested in C-TPAT but we are not interested in spending a lot of money if something goes wrong.
Is it still possible to participate in C-TPAT?
A: Yes, although the decision to join C-TPAT is voluntary. Not all companies are able to meet C-TPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines.
All eligible companies that import into the U.S. and provide import cargo movement or handling services should assess their supply chain security
procedures to determine if they meet the C-TPAT security criteria.
C-TPAT is not to create liabilities for companies beyond existing trade laws and regulations. However, joining C-TPAT will enable companies to follow
through on actions specified in the signed agreement.
These actions include assessing security systems, submitting security questionnaires, developing security enhancement plans, and communicating C-TPAT
guidelines to trade partners in the supply chain. If a company fails to follow C-TPAT guidelines, CBP may take action to suspend their benefits or cancel
participation.
Q: Is the C-TPAT program a viable consideration for medium or small size companies?
A: The US Customs encourages all companies to take part in promoting supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT membership is not just welcome the large corporations. Medium and small size companies may evaluate the requirements and benefits of C-TPAT
in deciding whether they have to apply for membership.
In addition, even without official participation in C-TPAT, companies should follow C-TPAT guidelines in their supply chain security practices.
C-TPAT FAQ
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