If your organization is looking for CTPAT help or evaluating the value of the program, recent research shows that the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) still offers major supply chain advantages.
CBP recently shared an article on the World Customs Organization (WCO) news site titled “Accountability and Transparency Features in the United States’ Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Programme.” It highlights findings from several CTPAT-related studies and surveys, including the 2020–21 research led by CT Strategies in partnership with the University of Houston.
Five years later, here’s what companies need to know—especially those seeking to understand CTPAT benefits and compliance with CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria.
Partner Perspectives: What the Study Found
The primary goal of the study was to assess CTPAT Partners’ experiences and perceptions. Roughly one-third of the more than 11,000 program members were surveyed. Key findings included:
- 56% of respondents believed they would lose business if they weren’t part of CTPAT.
- 68% reported tracking internal CTPAT-related metrics—primarily CBP inspection rates, security incidents, and average border crossing times.
- An overwhelming 96% of Partners indicated they would likely remain in the program long-term, with highway carriers and foreign manufacturers expressing the highest levels of commitment.
Is CTPAT Still Valuable in Today’s Trade Landscape?
In short: yes—and likely more so than ever. If your company is wondering whether the program is still worth it, here’s why the CTPAT benefits still matter:
1. Competitive Advantages from Operational Benefits
Participants ranked reduced shipment exams as the top CTPAT benefit. Other critical advantages included decreased supply chain disruptions and “front of the line” privileges at ports of entry. These remain highly relevant in an era of ongoing supply chain unpredictability.
2. Trusted Trader Status in a Complex Policy Environment
As U.S. trade policy continues to evolve—especially under more enforcement-focused strategies—CTPAT’s “trusted trader” designation adds strategic value. Members also benefit from having a dedicated Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) to provide direct CTPAT help, as well as more broadly help navigate compliance challenges and resolve issues directly with CBP.
3. Increased Demand for Supply Chain Accountability
At recent CBP events such as the Trade and Cargo Security Summit (TCSS), the agency emphasized its commitment to enforcing forced labor laws. Traders are expected to demonstrate full supply chain visibility, regardless of complexity or effort. CTPAT Partners already have an advantage here due to CTPAT’s Minimum Security Criteria (MSC), which emphasizes partner compliance and traceability.
Opportunities for Program Improvement
While CTPAT continues to offer strong value, the study outlined areas for growth, including:
- Promoting both tangible and intangible CTPAT benefits, tailored to different partner types.
- Increasing consistency across the program in policies, technical systems, and communications.
- Offering more frequent, higher-quality training and engagement for both CBP personnel and industry partners.
- Developing stronger CTPAT data metrics (including potential ROI tools) to better evaluate and showcase program impact.
CBP has acknowledged these findings in the WCO article and outlined steps it has taken to address them. Yet, as we discussed on our Customs and Cocktails podcast, CTPAT and other Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs need to continue to evolve and modernize.
The Path Forward: A Call for Co-Design
As customs and trade technologies evolve, the traditional benefits of programs like CTPAT—such as faster clearance—may become less distinctive. That’s why it’s essential to modernize these programs in a way that anticipates future needs and priorities.
Critically, modernization should reflect the program’s public-private nature. Industry partners must have a seat at the table when shaping what the “next-generation” benefits should look like. Their insights can help ensure CTPAT remains a high-value tool in global supply chain management—now and in the years to come.
Conclusion
Achieving and maintaining CTPAT status requires an investment of time and resources—but as the data shows, it delivers value in return. From reducing shipment delays to improving supply chain security and visibility, the benefits are clear.
Looking for CTPAT help to strengthen your compliance while minimizing administrative workload? We support Partners at every stage of the CTPAT program lifecycle, from application to revalidation and beyond.
Learn how we can support your CTPAT goals and help you get the most out of your membership.
