10 Facts About C-TPAT

What is C-TPAT and what does it stand for?

C-TPAT stands for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. It is a voluntary program that provides companies with the opportunity to partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in order to improve supply chain security. Here are 10 facts about C-TPAT that you should know:

1. C-TPAT is a voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program that offers benefits to participants by enhancing the security of their supply chains. Benefits of membership include a faster customs clearance process, reduced inspection rates, and relief from certain fines and penalties.

2.C-TPAT is open to all types of businesses, including those in the private sector, nonprofit sector, and government.Problem: We all know that the security of our supply chains is important, but it can be hard to figure out how to do this.

Agitate: C-TPAT is a program that offers benefits for companies who want to improve their supply chain security. It’s open to any type of business and has been proven effective in reducing the risk of terrorist threats.

3. There are three tiers of C-TPAT membership: basic, certified, and partner.Problem: The C-TPAT program is a voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism that offers benefits to participants by enhancing the security of their supply chains.

Agitate: But what does this mean for you?

Solution: It means that if you’re not already enrolled in the C-TPAT program, now’s your chance to do so.

4. To be a basic member, a business must complete a self-assessment questionnaire and submit it to Customs. Basic members receive email alerts about new threats and updates to the program, and are encouraged to share information about their supply chains with Customs.

5. To be a certified member, a business must complete a self-assessment questionnaire, submit it to Customs, and undergo a security audit.

6. To be a partner member, a business must complete a self-assessment questionnaire, submit it to Customs, undergo a security audit, and agree to share security information with Customs.

7. Benefits of C-TPAT membership include expedited processing of shipments, reduced inspection rates, and increased trade facilitation.

8. In order to maintain C-TPAT certification, businesses must submit an annual self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a security audit every two years.

9. Customs has the authority to revoke C-TPAT certification if a business fails to comply with C-TPAT requirements. This could include, but is not limited to, not submitting an annual self-assessment questionnaire or undergoing a security audit.

10. More than 18,000 businesses are currently enrolled in C-TPAT. This number continues to grow as more businesses recognize the benefits of C-TPAT membership.

If you’re interested in learning more about C-TPAT or enrolling in the program, visit the Customs and Border Protection website.

Conclusion

The C-TPAT program is a voluntary Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism that offers benefits to participants by enhancing the security of their supply chains. It’s open to any type of business and has been proven effective in reducing the risk of terrorist threats. In order to maintain C-TPAT certification, businesses must submit an annual self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a security audit every two years. If you’re not already enrolled in C-TPAT, now’s your chance to do so. For more information, visit the CBP website.