Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
Successfully running since 2001 in the USA, C-TPAT is a programme that can show how our similar AEO status offers similar benefits to both the economy and you as an importer, or other member of a certified supply chain.
Taken from the "Securing the Global Supply Chain Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Strategic Plan" document, published in November 2004 by US Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the section below outlines the similar benefits which USA companies are already recieving:
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'C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. In addition, CBP offers the following benefits to C-TPAT members:
• A reduced number of inspections and reduced border wait times.
• A C-TPAT supply chain specialist to serve as the CBP liaison for validations, security issues,
procedural updates, communication and training.
• Access to the C-TPAT members through the Status Verification Inter face.
• Self-policing and self-monitoring of security activities.
• In the Automated Commercial System (ACS), C-TPAT certified importers receive reduced
selection rate for Compliance Measurement Examinations (-3X in FY 2003) and exclusion from
certain trade-related local and national criteria.
• C-TPAT certified importers receive targeting benefits (-7X in FY 2003) by receiving a “credit” via
the CBP targeting system.
• Certified C-TPAT importers are eligible for access to the FAST lanes on the Canadian and
Mexican borders.
• Certified C-TPAT importers are eligible for the Office of Strategic Trade’s (OST) Importer
Self-Assessment Program (ISA) and have been given priority access to participate in the
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
• C-TPAT certified highway carriers, on the Canadian and Mexican borders, benefit from their
access to the expedited cargo processing at designated FAST lanes. These carriers are eligible
to receive more favorable mitigation relief from monetary penalties.
• C-TPAT certified Mexican manufacturers benefit from their access to the expedited cargo
processing at the designated FAST lanes.
• All certified C-TPAT companies are eligible to attend CBP sponsored
C-TPAT supply chain security training seminars.
CBP provided benefits are not the only benefits that companies realize by joining C-TPAT.
Companies have found that joining C-TPAT often results in discovering outdated procedures and/or discovering areas that need improved security and efficiency. While performing the required supply chain assessment for C-TPAT membership, companies are able to streamline their operations. C-TPAT aids companies in optimizing their internal and external management of assets and functions while at the same time enhancing security.
When administered together, enhanced security practices
and procedures, and increased supply chain per formance will mitigate the risk of loss, damage
and theft, and reduce the likelihood of the introduction of potentially dangerous elements into the
global supply chain.
The successful integration and alignment of increased security and enhanced supply chain efficiency is one of the great successes of C-TPAT. Through the collaborative work of CBP and the trade community, C-TPAT enhances the security and efficiency of legitimate trade.'
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The EUs AEO status aims to eventually have reciprocal arrangements and mutual recognition with countries outside the EU, such this scheme run in the USA.
When are any changes being made?
To find out the scheduled changes to the current Customs procedures, see our Timeline page.
How do I apply?
To read more about the processes and requirements, see the How to apply page for full details.
