CTPAT - Benefits of Becoming a Partner

Each year, over 20 million containers arrive at our US seaports and land borders. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for knowing the contents, whether it poses a risk to the American people, and ensuring that all proper duties and revenues are collected. To increase security and safeguard the world's trade industry, programs such as the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) and Container Security Initiative (CSI) were developed.

What is CTPAT?

CTPAT is a voluntary, no cost partnership program between the CBP and the principal stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. The goal of this program is to identify compliant trusted import traders who have a good supply chain security procedure and controls to reduce screening of their imported cargo. This enables the CBP to focus screening efforts on import cargo transactions involving unknown or high-risk import traders.

How CTPAT Works?

Through the CTPAT program, an organization agrees to voluntarily work with the 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 to get certified and become a validated partner. By becoming a validated and certified CTPAT partner, an organization can enjoy partner benefits that can help minimize delays and inspections on their shipments.

CTPAT Benefits

Being a CTPAT Partner enables an organization to not only identify their own security vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to mitigate risks, but also enjoy Partner benefits and many more! Some partner benefits include:

· Reduced number of examinations
· Front of the line inspections
· Shorter wait times at the border
· Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders

For more information on Partner Benefits, visit CBP’s CTPAT Benefits

How to become a CTPAT Partner?

Becoming a CTPAT Partner is voluntary and there are no costs or intermediary necessary to join the program. There are three steps to become a partner:

1) The organization must review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria and do a self- assessment and risk-assessment to determine their eligibility for the program.
2) The organization must submit a basic application via the CTPAT Portal System and to agree to voluntarily participate.
3) The organization is to complete and submit a supply chain security profile that explains how the company is meeting CTPATs minimum security requirements. The criteria or guidelines encompass the following areas: Business Partner Requirement, Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest Procedures, Information Security and Conveyance Security.

Upon completion of the application and supply chain security profile, a CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist will be assigned to the applicant to review the submitted materials and to provide program guidance on an on-going basis.

To learn more about the CTPAT program and how it can mitigate delays in your shipment, visit Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.