Benefits of CTPAT

13Jan

Benefits of CTPAT

Dear Valued Customer,

As a CTPAT certified and validated Customhouse Broker, James J Boyle & Co is pleased to inform our clients about the benefits of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program.

CTPAT is but one layer in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security. CTPAT is a voluntary public-private sector partnership program which recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principle stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 provided a statutory framework for the CTPAT program and imposed strict program oversight requirements.

A Growing Partnership

From its inception in November 2001, CTPAT continued to grow. Today, more than 11,400 certified partners spanning the gamut of the trade community, have been accepted into the program. The partners include U.S. importers/exporters, U.S./Canada highway carriers; U.S./Mexico highway carriers; rail and sea carriers; licensed U.S. Customs brokers; U.S. marine port authority/terminal operators; U.S. freight consolidators; ocean transportation intermediaries and non‐operating common carriers; Mexican and Canadian manufacturers; and Mexican long‐haul carriers, all of whom account for over 52 percent (by value) of cargo imported into the U.S.

How CTPAT Works

When an entity joins CTPAT, an agreement is made to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain.

CTPAT members are considered to be of low risk and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry.

CTPAT Benefits

CTPAT Partners enjoy a variety of benefits, including taking an active role in working closer with the U.S. Government in its war against terrorism. As they do this, Partners are able to better identify their own security vulnerabilities and take corrective actions to mitigate risks. Some, but not all, of the benefits of the program include:

Reduced number of CBP examinations
Front of the line inspections
Possible exemption from Stratified Exams
Shorter wait times at the border
Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company
Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders
Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials
Possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trade Partner by foreign Customs administrations that have signed Mutual Recognition with the United States
Eligibility for other U.S. Government pilot programs, such as the Food and Drug Administration’s Secure Supply Chain program
Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
Importer eligibility to participate in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA)
Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise

How Do I Become a Partner?

Join CTPAT Now

Participation in CTPAT is voluntary and there are no costs associated with joining the program. Moreover, a company does not need an intermediary in order to apply to the program and work with CBP; the application process is easy, and it is done online. The first step is for the company to review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for their business entity to determine eligibility for the program. The second step is for the company to submit a basic application via the CTPAT Portal system and to agree to voluntarily participate. The third step is for the company to complete a supply chain security profile. The security profile explains how the company is meeting CTPAT’s minimum security criteria. To do this, the company should have already conducted a risk assessment. Upon satisfactory completion of the application and supply chain security profile, the applicant company is assigned a CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist to review the submitted materials and to provide program guidance on an on-going basis. The CTPAT program will then have up to 90 days to certify the company into the program or to reject the application. If certified, the company will be validated within a year of certification.

If you have CTPAT issues or questions, please contact your Supply Chain Security Specialist or one of the six CTPAT Field Offices by email at:

Buffalo, New York ctpatfieldofficebuffalo@cbp.dhs.gov
Houston, Texas ctpatfieldofficehouston@cbp.dhs.gov
Los Angeles, California ctpatfieldofficelosangeles@cbp.dhs.gov
Miami, Florida ctpatfieldofficemiami@cbp.dhs.gov
New York, New York ctpatfieldofficenewyork@cbp.dhs.gov
Newark, New Jersey c-tpatfieldoffice-newark@cbp.dhs.gov

Note: Technical issues should be reported via telephone to the national Help Desk at 1-800-927-8729 or via email to ctpathelpdesk@cbp.dhs.gov.

Visit www.cbp.gov/CTPAT for instructions to complete annual reviews, and to view training materials related to common CTPAT processes. Also, information on new features will be posted to the CTPAT Public Library.

If you have any additional questions, you may contact Compliance@wordpress-226604-2678892.cloudwaysapps.com.

The information accompanying this newsletter contains confidential information belonging to the sender which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the use of customers of James J. Boyle & Co. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the content of this information is strictly prohibited. James J. Boyle & Co. will also not be held accountable for any discrepant information. The service we provide is based on our "Terms and Conditions of Service", which is available upon request.