What is the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)?
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative that builds cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT is widely recognized as one of the most effective means of providing the highest level of cargo security through close cooperation with international supply chain businesses such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 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.
CICT received C-TPAT Certification in June 2013. Like many other enterprises participating in C-TPAT, the goods are shipped from the C-TPAT participants will be able to move through the U.S Border faster these goods from the members not participating in C-TPAT, because Customs would suggest the potential benefit for C-TPAT members, most notably reducing the number of inspections.
The benefits.
Reduction in U.S. Customs Inspections. CBP has significantly increased its exam rates over the last several years. C-TPAT shipments are 4 to 6 times less likely to undergo an examination.
Free and Secure Trade (FAST). C-TPAT shipments entering the U.S. from either Canada or Mexico are able to use designated lanes at numerous border crossings as long as the U.S. importer, foreign manufacturer and cross border highway carrier are certified members.
Business Resumption is a benefit that many in the C-TPAT program may not view as tangible but certainly a significant reason for joining. In the event a national emergency or terrorist act occurs, which results in the closing of air, land and sea U.S. Ports of Entry, C-TPAT status will be taken into consideration when CBP resumes the processing of shipments. Thus, C-TPAT certified shipments will have priority access to the U.S. market.
Front of the Line Privileges are granted to C-TPAT shipments that are selected for an examination. To the extent possible and practicable the containers can be moved ahead of any non C-TPAT shipments awaiting exam, regardless of how long they have been there. This can translate into substantial monetary savings in that containers will not wait as long in line at a Container Examination Site and although they are still being examined, they will be processed more quickly than non-members.
Marketability through involvement in C-TPAT can be associated with things that every company needs to maintain: reputation and brand equity. Much like certification with other U.S. government agencies or the International Standards Organization (ISO) C-TPAT membership can raise a company’s reputation and ability to secure business.
By participating in this first worldwide “supply chain security” initiative, companies will ensure a more secure and expeditious supply chain for our employees, suppliers and customers.
