| C-TPAT
is a voluntary program in which all participating entities in the import
supply chain cooperate with U.S. Customs in establishing acceptable
security practices in all phases of their operations. By reviewing
existing security procedures and implementing enhanced security
arrangements, companies will be able to be certified by U.S. Customs as C-TPAT members.
The
C-TPAT program provides two major benefits for Customs:
- On
the macro level, the border security of the United States is enhanced.
This is the major mission of Customs in today’s environment.
- On
the operational level, if a pool of importers, carriers and other
transportation entities can be considered to be very low risk, then
Customs can use the saved resources elsewhere to enhance their ability to deter terrorism. This
allows Customs to make the best use of their allotted funds to carry
out their mission.
But
what about the importers? What do they get out of C-TPAT?
Customs
notes the following benefits for members:
- A
reduced number of cargo inspections.
- An
assigned account manager for your company.
- Access
to the C-TPAT membership list.
- More
emphasis on self-policing as opposed to Customs verifications.
Here
are the practical effects of membership:
- Reduced
physical inspections are definitely important. This could save an
importer $500 (or more) per container or shipment.
- Entry
priority is escalated.
- Reduced
document review and non-intrusive inspections can save days in any supply chain.
- Applicant
is considered a C-TPAT Partner as soon as the application for
certification has been siubmitted.
- The
more C-TPAT Partners who participate in supply chain, the lower
the chances of cargo inspection.
- C-TPAT
membership is a mitigating factor in the case of potential fines
or penalties.
- C-TPAT
membership will become a requirement for transportation service
providers..
- The
cost of certification to importers will be, in most cases, less than
the cost of not becoming certified.
Importers
should visit the
Customs
Website to review the recommended security arrangement and evaluate
the cost of implementing them to arrive at an ROI against the
practical benefits above.
Steps
for C-TPAT Certification:
- Complete and submit the Agreement to Voluntarily Participate in
C-TPAT.You will be a C-TPAT Partner, but not a
Certified Partner
- Next,
complete and submit the Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire.
If this is acceptable to Customs, approval will be granted as a Certified
Partner. Certain changes or enhancements in existing security
processes may be requested by Customs
- Assigned
Customs Account Manager will try to evaluate and enhance importer's security processes on an ongoing basis.
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or call (310) 473-1884 or submit your request on our
Services page.