Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a joint government business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security. Detailed information is available on the Customs and Border Protection web site.

Why Join C-TPAT?

• Fewer Customs exams! According to the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, “Shipments of C-TPAT members are six times less likely to undergo contraband enforcement and antiterrorism security exams and four times less likely to be scrutinized for trade-related compliance issues.”  A single Customs exam can easily add over $1,000 in out-of-pocket expense and result in significant shipment delay.
• Front of the line!the event of a Customs exam a C-TPAT participant’s container is examined before a non-C-TPAT participant’s container. For imports by truck C-TPAT carriers enjoy FAST lanes for expedited clearance.
• Business Resumption! In the event of a significant disruption to import traffic, a C-TPAT participant’s cargo will be given first priority when the ports of entry are re-opened by Customs.
• Reduced ISF Penalties! An ISF Importer which is a certified Tier 2 or Tier 3 C-TPAT member may receive additional mitigation of up to 50% of the normal mitigation amount, depending upon tier of C-TPAT participation.

What is Required to Join C-TPAT?

Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT. Participants complete an agreement with Customs that commits them to conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their international supply chain based on the following C-TPAT security criteria:

• Business Partner Requirements
• Container Security
• Container Inspection
• Physical Access Controls
• Personnel Security
• Procedural Security
• Security Training and Threat Awareness
• Information Technology Security

How Can Vagans inc Help?

Vagans Inc has developed a package of templates for use by Importers, Freight Forwarders, NVOCC’s, Customs Brokers and U.S./Canada and Mexico Land Border Carriers, Foreign Manufacturers (Mexico or Canada) and other Supply Chain participants who want to obtain their C-TPAT certification.

Our templates will assist you in preparing your C-TPAT Security Profile which you will upload to Customs during your Online Application process.  Our template package, updated to the latest Customs requirements, includes:

• Action Plan – step-by-step instructions
• Security Profile – template to create your Security Profile on Customs C-TPAT Portal
• Security Policy – template to create a C-TPAT Security Policy
• Business Partner Security Requirements
• Business Partner Security Questionnaire
• C-TPAT Training Presentation
• 5 Step Risk Assessment Process Guide
• 7 Point Container Checklist
• 17 Point Tractor Trailer Checklis