About C-TPAT (Custom Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security.C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers.
Businesses that achieve C-TPAT certification demonstrate their commitment to protecting the supply chain from terrorism and illegal activities. Certification requires businesses to meet a set of security standards and guidelines set by CBP, which involves a comprehensive risk assessment, supply chain security profile development, and validation process. Achieving C-TPAT certification can bring several benefits to businesses, including faster border clearance, reduced inspections, and enhanced supply chain security.The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has categorized the core elements of C-TPAT into three parts: Physical Security, Corporate Security, and Procedural security. Physical Security of the organization includes the installation of a camera system near all the sensitive areas of the premises like the cargo handling areas/loading unloading areas, server rooms, storage areas, checking packing areas, and entry/exit points. Following that, Corporate Security plays many key roles within an organization, such as risk management, crisis management, information security, crime detection, fraud deterrence, investigations, and business continuity planning. Lastly, Procedural security ensures the integrity and security of processes relevant to the transportation, handling, and storage of cargo in the supply chain.
Criteria of C-TPAT: –
- Security Vision & Responsibility
- Risk Assessment
- Business Partners
- Cybersecurity
- Conveyance and Instruments of International Traffic Security
- Seal Security
- Procedural Security
- Agricultural Security
- Physical Security
- Physical Access Controls
- Personnel Security
- Education, Training and Awareness
Which organizations are eligible for C-TPAT Audit?
Manufacturing units including Sub – Contractor.
Why was C-TPAT Created?
The purpose of this programme is to improve the security of our borders as well as the overall supply chain while allowing lawful trade to flow freely. C-TPAT allows businesses to participate actively in the fight against terrorism.
What are the Benefits of C-TPAT?
- Eligibility for additional US government pilot programme, such as the Secure Supply Chain (SSC) Initiative of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company.
- Eligibility for other U.S. Government Pilot Programs, such as the USFDA’s Secure Supply Chain Program.
- Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centres of Excellence and Expertise.
- Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials.
- Following a natural disaster or a terror attack, business resumption gets priority.
- The company gets a CBP security consultant and a supply chain security specialist assigned to it.
- Priority processing for CBP inspection.
- Exemption from stratified exams and a reduction in the number of CBP examinations.
- A library of training resources and access to the C-TPAT web-based Portal system.
- Access to free, fast & secure trade along the borders.
- Business Resumption Priority and Priority Inspections following a natural disaster or terrorist attack.
- Possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a Trusted Trade Partner.
- Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders.
- Reduced number of CBP Inspections with shorter wait times at the border.
How Ikon Compliance consultant can help you to achieve C-TPAT Certification?
IKON COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT, provide to you end-to-end support to achieve C-TPAT certification. Our experts can guide you about the certification process and also assist with Risk assessments, Cyber Security, Conveyance and Instruments of International Traffic Security, Procedural Security, Personal Security, Education, Training and Awarenessand develop a customized security profile for yourorganization. We also provide C-TPAT audit services to ensure ongoing compliance with certification requirements.