C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) Information

This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) logo.

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), formerly commonly written as C-TPAT, is a voluntary public-private supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Through CTPAT, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security.

CTPAT is open to eligible members of the trade community that can demonstrate strong supply chain security practices and meet CBP's minimum security requirements for their business type.

The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, commonly called the SAFE Port Act, strengthened CTPAT by creating a statutory framework for the program, establishing minimum participation standards, and creating tiered membership categories.

Overview

CTPAT is based on cooperation between CBP and private-sector supply chain participants. When a company joins, it agrees to assess its supply chain security, identify vulnerabilities, and maintain security practices that meet CBP's minimum security criteria.

The program is designed for businesses involved in importing, transporting, handling, or coordinating cargo moving into the United States. CBP lists eligible categories such as importers, exporters, customs brokers, consolidators, carriers, foreign manufacturers, marine port authorities, and terminal operators.

CBP considers CTPAT members lower risk when they maintain program requirements. This can reduce the likelihood of examinations and help shipments move more predictably through the border process.

How CTPAT Works

A company applying to CTPAT must review the minimum security criteria for its business entity type, submit an application through the CTPAT Portal, and complete a supply chain security profile. The security profile explains how the company meets the minimum security criteria and should be based on the company's supply chain risk assessment.

After CBP accepts the application and security profile, the company is assigned a CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist. The specialist reviews the submitted materials, provides program guidance, and later validates that the company's documented security profile matches its actual practices.

CBP states that the program has up to 90 days to certify or reject a company after satisfactory completion of the application and supply chain security profile. If certified, the company is validated within one year of certification.

Security Criteria

CTPAT members must meet the minimum security criteria that apply to their role in the supply chain. CBP publishes separate criteria for different business types because the risks and responsibilities of an importer, carrier, broker, manufacturer, or terminal operator are not the same.

The application process requires a company to explain how its procedures align with the applicable criteria. CBP's application guidance states that the CTPAT Portal includes a company profile and a more detailed security profile used by a Supply Chain Security Specialist to evaluate whether the company can meet program requirements.

For higher-tier recognition, CTPAT partners must go beyond the minimum security criteria and demonstrate best practices. CBP states that Tier Three partners must exceed the minimum security criteria by using validated best practices that are effective, documented, and repeatable.

Program Benefits

CTPAT partners may receive benefits that reduce border delays and improve supply chain predictability. CBP lists benefits such as a reduced number of CBP examinations, front-of-the-line inspections, possible exemption from Stratified Exams, shorter border wait times, and access to FAST lanes at land borders.

Other benefits include assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist, access to the CTPAT Portal and training materials, eligibility for certain U.S. government pilot programs, business resumption priority after a natural disaster or terrorist attack, and priority consideration at CBP's Centers of Excellence and Expertise.

CTPAT partners may also receive benefits through mutual recognition arrangements with foreign customs administrations. Under these arrangements, another customs administration may recognize a CTPAT member as a trusted trade partner.

Becoming a Partner

Participation in CTPAT is voluntary, and CBP states there is no cost to join. A company also does not need an intermediary to apply because the application is completed online through the CTPAT Portal.

To apply, a company should:

1. Review the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for its business entity type.
2. Submit the basic application through the CTPAT Portal.
3. Agree to participate voluntarily.
4. Complete the supply chain security profile.
5. Be prepared for CBP review, certification, and validation.

Once the company is accepted into CTPAT, it begins receiving some benefits. After CBP reviews the company's operations and confirms that they meet CTPAT requirements, the company can become validated and receive the full benefits of the program.

Validation

CTPAT validation is the process CBP uses to confirm that a partner's security procedures are actually in place. CBP validation teams include trained Supply Chain Security Specialists with knowledge of international supply chain security matters.

During validation, CBP may review facilities, procedures, business partner controls, physical security, access controls, training practices, and other security measures that apply to the company's role in the supply chain. The goal is to confirm that the company's security profile reflects its real operating practices.

Companies should keep their written procedures, training records, facility controls, and business partner screening records current. This helps the company demonstrate that CTPAT security practices are part of normal operations rather than a one-time application exercise.

Other Trusted Trader Programs

Program	Description
FAST	Free and Secure Trade is a commercial clearance program designed to maintain safety and security while expediting legitimate trade across the Canada-U.S. border.
CSA	Customs Self Assessment is a CBSA program for low-risk, pre-approved importers, carriers, and registered drivers moving CSA-eligible goods into Canada.
PIP	Partners in Protection is a voluntary CBSA program with no membership fee where businesses and CBSA work together to enhance border and trade chain security.

Best Practices

Assign a specific person or team to maintain the company's CTPAT program. This helps keep procedures, training, business partner reviews, and portal information current.

Review the applicable minimum security criteria regularly. CBP may update criteria or guidance, and a company's operations may change over time.

Document how security procedures are followed in practice. Written policies are important, but validation depends on showing that the company actually follows them in daily operations.

See also

• Customs Compliance Guide
• FAST Information
• Customs Self Assessment Information
• Partners in Protection Information
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• CBP: Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
• CBP: CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria