CTPAT: Why is it important for the Supply Chain?
According to U.S Customs and Border Protection, more than 11 million maritime containers each year arrive at USA seaports. At land borders, another 11 million arrive by truck and 2.7 million by rail. Regarding crossing borders, there are some factors that your company can take into consideration to ease this process.
Amongst all procedures, CTPAT certification plays a significant role when navigating between borders. In this article, you'll learn why it matters and how to get into this program.
What is C-TPAT?
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) security program aims to reduce supply chain exposure to terrorist events or other illegal activities like human trafficking. A free initiative developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The program is intended to strengthen supply chain safety by allowing companies to play an active role in the fight against terrorism so that companies can ensure a safer supply chain for their employees, suppliers, and customers.
What companies are eligible to become CTPAT certified?
- Sea carrier
- Rail carrier
- Importer
- Customs broker
- Terminal operator
- Manufacturer
- Over-the-road carrier
- Customs broker
- Third-party logistics (3PL) organization
- Consolidator
Why should your company get certified?
By participating in the CTPAT program, your company can identify its own security vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to mitigate risks during cargo condition checks. Some of the program's benefits cover:
- Reduced number of CBP examinations.
- Front-of-the-line inspections.
- Possible exemption from Stratified Exams.
- Shorter waiting 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 to get your CTPAT Certification?
If you're considering joining the program, check out the following steps. Remember that there are no costs, and your company doesn't need a mediator to be part of the program. The application process is simple and done online. Your company should:
- Review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for its business entity to determine eligibility for the program.
- Apply via the CTPAT Portal.
- Complete a supply chain security profile. Before doing this, your company should have already conducted a risk assessment.
- All set. Your company will have a CTPAT Specialist to review the documentation and provide ongoing program guidance.
The CTPAT organization will have up to 90 days to accept your company into the program or reject the application. If accepted, your company will receive a yearly certificate.
To apply, you need digitalized documents; let Cargosnap help you with it. You will have all the data digitally and ready to go in a few minutes.
Want to know more about creating the perfect proof of condition plan for your cargo and mitigating risks?
