What is the C-TPAT?

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a security program that was launched to protect the supply-chain of private companies from the impacts of terrorism. C-TPAT is overseen by Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a U.S based agency. When C-TPAT was launched in 2001, it had seven participants which were large companies in the United States Since then, its membership significantly increased.

For companies to become recognized members of C-TPAT, they must have earned a certification related to identifying and mitigating risks in their supply chain, especially risks pertaining to terrorism is examined.

Types of participants in C-TPAT

The membership of C-TPAT include the following participants; Manufacturers in Canada and Mexico, Exporters, U. S Importers, U.S marine Port authorities, terminal operators, Licensed customs brokers, Invited foreign manufacturers and businesses, brokers and agents, Mexican long-haul carriers, sea, air and railway carriers, freight consolidators, third-party logistics providers and negotiation firms or companies.

C-TPAT partner benefits

Participants of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) enjoy the following benefits:

• They are eligible to attend seminars and trainings organized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• The hold Key positions in combating terrorism and promoting good corporate citizenship.
• The participants are assigned a supply chain security consultant and analyst.
• The can participate in self-assessment programs organized by CBP.
• They are entitled to a certain number of supply-chain inspections done by CBP.
• Access to information on mitigating risk and improving the security of companies' supply chains with regard to terrorism.

Primarily, C-TPAT seeks to improve the security of international supply chains of all participating companies. This can be achieved without compounding more work for these companies, with the appropriate technology, risk analysis model, data collection, organization and analysis, the goal of C-TPAT can be achieved. There are continuous efforts from CBP and the U.S Senators to advance bills that will improve the level of security the participants derive from C-TPAT.

Trusted Trader Program

Trusted traders is a term that describes businesses, firms and companies that have met the minimum security standards and ethical practices outlined by the customs administrations. The term 'trusted traders' is widely accepted at the international level. The CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are agencies in North America that offer programs such as C-TPAT, Partners In Protection (PIP), and others for 'trusted traders.' Generally, the trusted trader program seeks to ensure that these traders are complaint to certain security requirements that help them improve their supply chain. Trusted traders enjoy the benefits of C-TPAT and PIP as these programs improve their supply chain efficiency.