| Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism |
Consider These Questions:
QUESTION: What is C-TPAT?
ANSWER: C-TPAT is an acronym for the U.S. Customs and Border Protections’ supply chain initiative which stands for “Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
QUESTION: Do you have interest in becoming C-TPAT certified but your organization does not understand the program, the budget, or infrastructure to participate in C-TPAT? How does C-TPAT increase liabilities if something goes wrong?
ANSWER: The decision to join C-TPAT is voluntary. Not all companies may be in a position to meet C-TPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines.
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Should you become C-TPAT certified?
All eligible companies that import into the U.S. or provide import cargo movement or handling services in the supply chain should assess their supply chain security procedures to determine if they can qualify. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's intent is not to impose security requirements that will be cost prohibitive. CBP works in partnership with the private industry in developing security criteria and guidelines that reflect a realistic business perspective. Potential C-TPAT participants may find they already have many of these guidelines in place. C-TPAT is also not intended to create any new 'liabilities' for companies beyond existing trade laws and regulations.
However, joining C-TPAT will commit companies to follow through on actions specified in the signed agreement. These actions include: 1. Self-assessing security systems, 2. Submitting security questionnaires, 3. Developing security enhancement plans, and 4. Communicating C-TPAT guidelines to companies (business partners) in the supply chain.
If a company fails to uphold its C-TPAT commitments, the CBP would take action to suspend benefits or cancel participation. Remember, participation is voluntary but if you decide to apply for C-TPAT certification, you have a responsibility to meet the commitment you make to the C-TPAT program.
For more information on the C-TPAT program, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's web site at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/ or contact your C-TPAT professional with Security Logistics to discuss your options.
Additional reference: The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 or Safe Port Act, 2006 (Pub. Law 109-347) was an Act of Congress in the United States covering port security and online gambling. The House and Senate passed the conference report on September 30, 2006, and President Bush signed the Act into law on October 13, 2006.
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