You might be wondering, as I did, what the heck is C-TPAT? After reading about the acronym, I realized that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is an interesting supply chain program spearheaded by the United States Customs and Border Protection.
1 – The program is established to improve the security used by private companies, as regards their supply chain, in the fight against terrorism.
We live in a time when terrorism seems to be everywhere. The ingenuity and creativity used by these people is at a high level with the intention of causing damage to property, property or people.
2 – This certification is important, but not necessary.
Terrorism continues to wreak havoc in different countries and having a global system to prevent these atrocities is paramount. If you want to think outside the box and go with the trends, getting accredited is a no-brainer. Import/Export and Ocean Transportation will continue to receive important inspections and increased scrutiny. Being a member of this program will make your life much easier.
3 – Your organization needs to have its supply chain fully documented.
Every aspect of the process, from pickup to staging to delivery to its final destination, needs to be detailed and accountable. Action steps must be addressed to recognize, reduce and eliminate potential or actual risks along the journey.
4 – Certification means that your company is considered low risk.
CBP inspectors have a thankless job. Time is money and everyone wants to be with them to get to their final destination. C-TPAT streamlines this process and puts your business on the fast track.
5 – Many different types of businesses are eligible.
There are many ways to transport goods or merchandise. Due to this fact, several different sub-industries encompass this program. These include, but are not limited to:
US Recognized Importers, US/Canadian Cross-Border Trucking Carriers, Air, Ocean, and Rail Carriers, US Air Freight Consolidators, Mexican Long-Distance Carriers, Ocean Freight Brokers, Common Carriers Non-Vessel Operating, US/Mexico Cross-Border Highway Carriers, Invitation- Foreign Manufacturers Only, US Marine Terminal Operators and Port Authority Personnel, Licensed US Customs Brokers, Canadian manufacturing companies, third-party logistics support, or Mexican manufacturing companies and exporters.
6 – Getting accredited is good for your business in the long run.
Financially, you may not see big savings right away. Throughout the course of your certification, the benefits you will receive are more subtle and will result in an overall reduction in your final expenses.
Some of the benefits include: Priority (Front-Of-Line) and a reduced number of CBP Inspections; possible mitigation of penalties due to “low risk” status in certain situations; a supply chain security specialist (SCSS) assigned by CBP to help make your process convenient; Giving CBP permission to share your information with other countries will, in most cases, also speed up inspection times at their ports. Tier 3 importers are granted a block designation application for the DHS Security Act.
7 – C-TPAT means only minimal investment in IT resources/infrastructure.
If your company invested in the right technology from the beginning of this certified lifespan, the overall risk analysis, organization and data collection would be an ongoing process creating better use of your time.
8 – C-TPAT Security Seals are like a secret handshake.
CBP federal inspectors conduct searches on thousands of vehicles each week. A company that uses the authorized labels sends a visual signal to the inspector that they may know what they are supposed to do. After a quick review of paperwork and documentation, knowing your group is part of the program makes processing easier.
9 – Contrary to popular opinion, the goal is not to burden you with more work.
This program is designed to improve the overall security of your supply chains and hopefully eliminate the ridiculous amounts of paperwork and bureaucracy that comes with not being in the program.
10 – As this program evolves, you will receive more benefits.
Several different bills and laws are working in Congress for consideration. Some of these bills include the GreenLane Marine Cargo Security Act and the DHS Security Act. If you’re an international carrier in North America or work in the freight/transportation industry, the future is now.
