CTPAT for Exporters
CTPAT for Exporters
What is CTPAT?
The Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) was originally founded in 2001 as a voluntary program for U.S. Importers who were looking to secure their U.S. inbound supply chains. Today there are more than 10,000 members comprised of: U.S. Importers, 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 (OTI) and Non‐Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC), Mexican and Canadian Manufacturers, and Mexican Long‐haul Carriers.
One will notice that U.S. exporters are not included in the above list, however Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is changing that. The first step is creating the Exporter type in the CTPAT Portal which is expected sometime this summer in 2015.
Is it Required?
No, this is a voluntary security program. However, note that many firms are requiring their vendors (i.e., you, the shipper) to be part of the program before they will purchase.
Are there Benefits?
Yes, there are a few benefits such as:
– Mutual Recognition with other similar programs globally (i.e., AEO in Europe)
– Reduced examination rates & time to exam
– Assigned CBP Supply Chain Security Specialist
– Potential destination Customs authorities benefits: priority treatment, less frequent physical inspection, and/or less intrusive inspection
Additional Info
I am interested in applying for CTPAT. Can Scarbrough help?
We sure can. Please email Adam Hill, Vice President of Operations, directly at ahill@scarbrough-intl.com.
