Update on U.S. CBP Revised CTPAT Security Requirements

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is a voluntary trade program designed to advance global trade through cooperation between govt. and industry stakeholders. As a compliance-based security excellence program, CTPAT members maintain their standing by establishing security measures that secure and enhance the integrity of their operations. With over 11,000 members, CTPAT aims to expedite certain border processes while ensuring border security. In 2020, the program has updated its eligibility requirements for the first time since its launch in 2003. Members and new applicants are now required to update company procedures to remain in compliance.  

A key focus of the new requirements is the involvement of member company management in corporate-wide awareness of security protocols. Moreover, documentation of these steps and how they are maintained is required. Additionally, risk assessments should be performed on a regular basis to help companies quickly identify areas of improvement.  In the case of a security disruption, members should perform an incident analysis to determine where the supply chain could have been compromised.  

The new criteria also detail physical and personnel security measures. Cameras and other security technology should be inspected on a regular basis. Members are expected to continue ensuring the integrity of inbound and outbound cargo equipment, along with the newly added requirement of inspecting for agricultural and pest contaminants. An additional best practice is having an employee code of conduct that outlines expectations and accepted behavior related to security that must be understood, signed by employees, and kept for documentation.   

As these new requirements go into effect, CTPAT applicants and existing members are diligently preparing operations to comply to the new standards. Compliance to these standards requires a collaborative effort of the entire workforce. Some businesses may find it challenging to implement employee training and security preparation across all divisions of an operation. Implementing companywide CTPAT training is an efficient way for businesses to educate employees on how to maintain compliance with new criteria. CT Strategies further streamlines this process by offering a virtual CTPAT training course instructed by industry experts who helped develop the programs new criteria. Learn more about the training course here.  

Sources:  

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/ctpat/ctpat-msc-announcements

More Posts

5 Tips For Managing CTPAT Compliance

CTPAT Members must take all reasonable steps to ensure that their supply chains are free of forced labor. Building awareness of the problem and working with suppliers to develop solutions is one of the best ways to address forced labor concerns. Here are some best practices that companies can implement to help prevent and address forced labor in their supply chains.

CTPAT | Combating Forced Labor in Your Supply Chain

CTPAT Members must take all reasonable steps to ensure that their supply chains are free of forced labor. Building awareness of the problem and working with suppliers to develop solutions is one of the best ways to address forced labor concerns. Here are some best practices that companies can implement to help prevent and address forced labor in their supply chains.

various types of cargo transport on a world map

CTPAT & Cargo Mapping

CTPAT Members can leverage data collected from cargo mapping to ensure compliance. Cargo mapping refers to the process of identifying the optimal route for a shipment of goods from the point of origin to the destination. It involves analyzing various factors, such as distance, transportation mode, transit time, cost, and other logistical considerations, to determine the most secure and cost-effective way to transport cargo.

Forced Labor Compliance Impacts & Benefits

Due to the recent toughening of forced labor policies, US importers, exporters, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and other entities involved in international trade have an expanded responsibility to monitor, identify, and report forced labor in their supply chains. CBP aims to increase government-private sector collaboration to combat forced labor while providing additional incentives to encourage private sector engagement in the program.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.