CTPAT Audits

CTPAT AUDITS

CTPAT Audits or Customs-Trade’-Partnership Against Terrorism Audits are a necessary component when evaluating supply chain security. Supply chains must analyze every node and it’s role to play in the importing of goods to the United States. The program focuses on improving security throughout the supply chain.

So what is the purpose of CTPAT?

CTPAT is a voluntary program set by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve security across the entire supply chain. The CBP started the CTPAT program in 2001. When you participate in the CTPAT program you are joining an alliance of more than 11,500 trade partners. Likewise, you join the fight for safe product entry into the USA. The CBP is responsible for monitoring almost 25 million product containers entering the borders.

Benefits of CTPAT:

• You directly assist the CBP in cargo protection.
• Improve your own supply chain’s security standards.
• Secure benefits for your business, such as a faster entry process.

CTPAT is a voluntary private sector partnership program to strengthen international supply chains and improving U.S. border.

CPAT Strategy

The CBP relies on private certification companies

Because international supply chains operate outside of the CBP’s control, the agency largely relies on a variety of private sector companies with a variety of perspectives to help the CBP identify security gaps and implement security measures and best practices.

CTPAT members are made up of imports and exports across rail, air, sea and road. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics. In addition, present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain.

Lastly, CBP views members as low risk. Likewise, they’re less likely to wait longer at a U.S. port of entry.

CTPAT Certification Process

1. Applicants must review the CTPAT Security Criteria based off their legal identity i.e. Foreign Manufacturers, Air carriers and so on.
2.  The company must apply for membership through the CTPAT portal system.
3. The company must complete a supply chain security profile.

To complete a supply chain profile, a company must have already conducted a comprehensive risk analysis of its supply chain to show how each link meets the minimum security requirements.

Benefits 

The CTPAT Audits can offer a number of positive business incentives such as the following:

• Decreased border wait times
• Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders
• Priority inspections following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
• Reduced number of CBP inspections
• Trusted Partner Recognition
• Eligibility for other U.S. government pilot programs, and
• Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials

What we provide

We can provide the most comprehensive CTPAT audits that will give you an accurate snapshot of your level of compliance. Our auditors will be able to provide a consistent flow of assistance through every step of the process to get your company a recognized member to start receiving benefits.

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