What does participation in CTPAT require?
Businesses must apply to participate in CTPAT. Participants will sign an agreement that commits them to the following actions:
1. Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the 11CTPAT security guidelines jointly developed by CBP and the trade community.
2. Submit a supply chain security profile questionnaire to CBP.
3. Develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply 11chain in accordance with CTPAT guidelines.
4. Communicate CTPAT guidelines to other companies in the supply chain and 11work toward building the guidelines into relationships with these companies.

What is the goal of CTPAT?
The goal is to identify compliant trusted import traders who have good supply chain security procedures and controls to reduce screening of their imported cargo. In turn, this enables U.S. Customs Border Protection to focus screening efforts on import cargo transactions involving unknown or high-risk import traders.

How do eligible companies apply to participate in CTPAT?
Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT. Participants complete an online electronic application on www.cbp.gov that includes submission of corporate information, a supply chain security profile, and an acknowledgement of an agreement to voluntarily participate. In completing the supply chain security profile, companies must conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their supply chain security procedures using the CTPAT security criteria or guidelines jointly developed by CBP and the trade community for their specific enrollment category. The criteria or guidelines, available for review on the CBP website, encompass the following areas: Business Partner Requirements, Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest Procedures, Information Security, and Conveyance Security.

How will the partnership work on an ongoing basis?
Upon satisfactory completion of the CTPAT Online application and supply chain security profile, participants will be assigned a CBP CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS). A SCSS will contact the participant to begin the CTPAT validation process.

What happens if a company fails to meet the CTPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines?
Failure to meet CTPAT commitments will result in suspension or removal of CTPAT certification status and associated benefits. Benefits may be reinstated upon correcting identified deficiencies in compliance and/or security and providing evidence of correction to U.S. Customs.

As a company, we are very interested in CTPAT but we are not interested
in spending a lot of money or increasing our liabilities if something goes wrong. Is it still possible to participate in CTPAT?
The decision to join CTPAT is voluntary. Not all companies may be in a position to meet CTPAT minimum security criteria or guidelines. All eligible companies that import into the U.S. or provide import cargo movement or handling services should assess their supply chain security procedures to determine if they can qualify.
The intent of the program is to not be cost prohibitive and to work with the trade community in developing security criteria and guidelines that reflect a realistic business perspective. In fact many, CTPAT potential companies may find that they already have many of these guidelines in place.

CTPAT is also not intended to create any new 'liabilities' for companies beyond existing trade laws and regulations. However, joining CTPAT will commit companies to follow through on actions specified in the signed agreement. These actions include self-assessing security systems, submitting security questionnaires, developing security enhancement and training plans, and communicating CTPAT guidelines to companies in the supply chain. If a company fails to uphold its CTPAT commitments, CBP would take action to suspend benefits or cancel participation.

What is the overall vision for CTPAT in the coming months and years?
Customs Border Protection considers the safe and secure supply chain as the most critical part of maintaining homeland and frontier security. As a result, CBP wishes to solidify a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through CTPAT. Trade partners will have a commitment to both trade security and trade compliance rooted in their business practices. CBP wants to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws. At this time, the program will remain voluntary but is
a strong consideration by CBP when considering the flow of goods into the
United States.

Does Canada have a similar program to CTPAT?
The program is called Partners in Protection Partners in Protection (PIP) which enlists the cooperation of private industry in efforts to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

Your organization will be asked to sign a partnership agreement with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The arrangement is based on goodwill and all information exchanged is treated as confidential - your organization will not be asked to act as a law-enforcement body.

To enhance and strengthen your security processes, your company will be asked for a self-assessment of your security systems much like the CTPAT process.
The CBSA will review this assessment and provide guidance, advice or suggestions to address any potential gaps. Working together, your organization and the CBSA will develop a joint plan of action, participate in awareness sessions and consult on a regular basis.

Is the CTPAT or Partners In Protection (PIP) program a viable consideration for medium or small size companies?
Border Services in both the United States and Canada encourages all companies
to take an active role in promoting supply chain and border security. The security programs are not just big-company programs. Medium and small companies may want to evaluate the requirements and benefits of CTPAT or PIP carefully in deciding whether to apply for the program. Moreover, even without official participation in C-TPAT/PIP, companies should still consider employing C-TPAT / PIP guidelines in their security practice.