The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Trade Compliance Program is built on the knowledge, trust, and willingness to maintain an ongoing relationship between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and importers that is mutually beneficial.
The goal of the Trade Compliance Program is to partner with importers who can demonstrate their readiness to assume the responsibility of managing and monitoring their compliance through self-assessment.
CTPAT benefits include a reduced number of inspections and priority processing when CBP inspections do occur. Furthermore, CTPAT members are eligible to participate in CBP programs such as the Importer Self Assessment (“ISA”), Free and Secure Trade program (“FAST”), and access to CBP training seminars open only to certified members.
An importer must be a Tier II or Tier III partner of the CTPAT Security Program and in good standing. • An importer must meet the eligibility criteria laid out in the eligibility questions. • An importer must complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and program questionnaire.
CTPAT compliance is maintained through diligent documentation and tracking processes. The importer should maintain clear records of all suppliers, vendors, and partners in the supply chain. They should also implement and enforce strict security protocols. Companies must also regularly reassess their security measures to ensure they are up-to-date and effective in addressing new threats.
