The Importance of C-TPAT

Customs recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of our work in keeping our country safe. For this reason, Customs is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through C-TPAT. Customs wants to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.

C-TPAT recognizes that Customs can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain — importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers.

Through this initiative, Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.

Who is Responsible:

• Importers
• Brokers
• Carriers
• Warehouse Operators
• Manufacturers

Applicant Responsibility & Requirements

Eventually, all entities in a businesses supply chain will need to be C-TPAT certified.

This will take serious planning and documentation. Businesses will need to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security encompassing the following: Procedural security, physical security, personnel security, education and training, access controls, manifest procedures and conveyance security. In addition, a supply chain security profile questionnaire must be submitted to Customs.

Customs is also requiring that business develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout their supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines. While the program is voluntary, commercially, all importers will need to sign the Customs Memo of Understanding and become a C-TPAT member.

Why Expeditors & Tradewin^® can help

Expeditors Tradewin, has the capability to demystify the Customs requirements. Tradewin^® experts will guide you through a successful questionnaire and help develop an improvement plan to present to U.S. Customs. Qualifying for C-TPAT will be a labor-intensive process for the importer and Tradewin can be the repository and coordinator of the many interactions the importer must have with service providers in the supply chain.

Expeditors knows logistics. With extensive transportation expertise and outstanding experience in Supply Chain Management we can assist with Vendor and Service Management. We will help you create and plan for the eminent increasing inventory levels and address the different work process for ocean industry. Expeditors knows what is involved with the pre-exams of containers by U.S. Customs at origin ocean ports and electronic seals and will address accordingly.

Links

C-TPAT Home Page
Fact Sheet Overview
Security Recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions for Carriers
Expeditors Receives C-TPAT Certification

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