Importers are You Familiar With C-tpat?

TRG included the following information in an email campaign that went out to all current customs bond and marine cargo insurance customers.  The response was overwhelming.  I was shocked to see how many importers had no idea what C-TPAT is and whether or not they qualify.  I am now more convinced then ever that importers need to be educated on all topics that will help them to maintain a more secure supply chain.   Many importers are relying on their Customs brokers to make informed decisions even though the importer of record is held responsible for any non-compliance issue with U.S. Customs.  TRG offers a monthly newsletter for importers to sign up and receive free of charge.  I urge all importers to gather as much information as possible to protect the integrity of their import practices.  Learn more about this and other trade related topics here http://www.TradeRiskGuaranty.com/.

C-TPAT stands for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.  Every importer and every member of an importer’s supply chain should be familiar with this acronym and details that follow.  However, from my experience in discussing this topic with many importers, I have found that little is actually known about C-TPAT and the associated benefits. 

Uphold the integrity of global supply chain security.   In a post 9/11 world the trade community has been witness to numerous hurdles affecting the import processes made known by Customs and Border Protection. Constant implementation and modification of import compliance laws such as the Mod Act and the possible implementation of 10+2 has left importers searching for ways to   offset the costs associated with these hurdles.  C-TPAT is a voluntary initiative creating cooperative relationships between all links of the international supply chain and improving the security of our U.S. Borders.  Through this initiative importers are asked to communicate and verify their supply chain practices with Customs (as well as their business partners) in exchange for benefits.                            

As an importer, are you receiving these benefits? A reduced number of CBP inspections resulting in less border delay times, front of the line priority processing when possible on CBP inspections, assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist, potential eligibility for ISA-Importer Self Assessment and most importantly a better understanding of and a more secure supply chain.

CBP plans to validate all C-TPAT members.  This is not an audit, it is merely a formal review of the importer’s supply chain security.  The validation process should be complete by the third year of participation in the program if not sooner.  It may take up to 2 weeks to complete the review so validations are initiated based on the importer’s level of risk.  In order to retain your membership you must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing supply chain   security through both procedural and physical security requirements.

Once the validation process is complete, CBP will provide a report with their findings.  If weaknesses are found the company’s benefits may be suspended or removed.  Importers with the highest commitment to the integrity of their supply chains may receive an increase in benefits.