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Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Invited to Join C-TPAT
Customs announced recently that it has entered phase three of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, otherwise known as C-TPAT. As a result, Customs Brokers, Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) may now participate in this program. C-TPAT pledges to create an alliance between the government, business and the trade community to create a stronger relationship that will heighten overall supply chain security practices.
Safekeeping our Commonwealth
This type of program is not new, of course, with U.S. Customs having created a successful partnership with the private sector as early as the mid-1980's to curb the problem of drug smuggling into the U.S. In April of 2002, U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner announced the launch of C-TPAT, a new initiative in the U.S.'s fight against terrorism. With 16 million containers arriving annually into the country's 301 ports of entry, it is of the utmost importance that a program such as C-TPAT is in place to thwart out terrorism.
Importers Were Given First Crack at Membership
C-TPAT was first offered to importers, with more than 230 companies agreeing to participate by July of this year. Customs subsequently opened up the program to the transportation community including Air, Rail and Sea Carriers.
"Brokers and Forwarders can now apply for membership
to Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism"
For those Carriers already participating in the Customs Carrier Initiative Program (CIP), it will be necessary for them to apply for participation in C-TPAT. (CIP is a program set up by the Commissioner in 1984 to respond to the increase in smuggling of various drugs in the Southern Florida area.) Although it may seem like a duplication of efforts, the C-TPAT program actually focuses on the enhancement of security practices to better handle terrorist threats, whereas CIP focuses on security from a narcotics smuggling standpoint. Those carriers currently participating in CIP can expect expedited enrollment into the C-TPAT program since they've already consented to the stringent security standards required of CIP participants.
Trucking Industry is Next in Line
The C-TPAT program is not yet available to the trucking industry. However, Customs is working with both the Canadian and Mexican governments to create a processing system to be used in conjunction with the current industry partnership programs. This new program, currently known as Free and Secure Trade (FAST), will become the first step for the implementation of C-TPAT along the Canadian border. The U.S. government and Mexico are developing a similar program to be implemented along the Mexican border. Both programs should be in place in the near future. Eventually, C-TPAT membership will be offered to Port Authorities, Terminal Operators, Warehouse Operators and Manufacturers.
Voluntary Membership Includes Major Benefits
While C-TPAT is voluntary, there are a number of benefits for taking part. Participants see faster processing and reduced inspections, which in turn means quicker movement of cargo at the borders, keeping the flow of goods in the "fast lane". All carrier participants accepted into the C-TPAT program will also benefit from reduced exams and the assignment of an Account Manager.
Applications for membership in C-TPAT can be found on-line. Note that each industry has it's own application with industry-specific instructions.
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