C -TPAT - Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
 
What is it?
In recognition of the need for new anti-terrorism initiatives after the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S., the U.S. Customs developed C-TPAT and the Container Security Initiative (CSI).  (CSI is explained elsewhere in the TT web page.) C-TPAT is a voluntary program modeled on the U.S. Custom’s narcotics smuggling prevention programs - “Carrier Initiative Program” and “Super Carrier Initiative Program”.  The intent of C-TPAT is for businesses participating in the supply chain to partner with U.S. Customs in their efforts to improve security. C-TPAT and CSI are part of the international initiatives to improve and enhance security arrangements throughout the supply chain.
 
What are the goals?
The overriding goal is to achieve enhanced security within international supply chains by establishing security standards and gaining the cooperation of supply chain participants. Thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Customs and the World Customs Organization (WCO), there has become widespread acceptance of the need to develop and implement accepted standards and practices that will provide:
  • Integrity throughout the supply chain
  • Visibility (and awareness of vulnerability)
  • Support worldwide from governments and the entire trade community (both transportation and industry)
  • Improved dialogue between Customs and Business

When is it effective?
As of July 15, 2002, all sectors of the supply chain became eligible to enroll in C-TPAT: sea carriers, air carriers, land carriers, warehouses, importers, brokers, and manufacturers.
 
Who is participating?
To date, the U.S. Customs has successfully attracted key large ports and carriers to enroll in the program. To increase international awareness of the program, they have been lobbying the WCO and other international government and industry associations.
 
What are the benefits of participation?
Participation will provide businesses with the following benefits:
  • Their own account manager in the U.S. Customs to assist them to efficiently move their goods through the supply chain.
  • Knowledge of other program participants to enable partnering to reduce the risk of security delays in the supply chain.
  • Eventual high degree of self-policing
 
What do I need to do to participate?
To enroll in the C-TPAT program, participants are required to do the following:
  1. Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their supply security using the program’s guidelines for:
  • Procedural Security
  • Physical Security
  • Personnel Security
  • Education and Training
  • Access Controls
  • Manifest Procedures
  • Conveyance Security
  1. Complete a Security Questionnaire and Submit a Security Profile.
  2. Develop and Implement a Security Program in accordance with the program’s guidelines.
  3. Communicate the C-TPAT guidelines to all their supply chain members and encourage their participation in the program.

The mechanisms developed and being developed through C-TPAT provide for a comprehensive, dynamic and ongoing security program for participants.