US Customs & Border Protection Announces New C-TPAT Requirements for Carriers

US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has posted to their website new minimum security criteria that carriers must meet to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.

To see the entire text, please go to: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/security_criteria/hwy_carrier_criteria/

CBP comments that these new criteria will help solidify membership expectations, and more clearly define and establish the baseline level of security measures.

Carriers currently in the C-TPAT program must phase in these criteria over the next 180 days from the start date of March 13, 2006. This phase-in will take place in three stages.

Carriers currently working on C-TPAT applications must incorporate these new criteria immediately. Applicants must meet or exceed these criteria before they can be certified.

Following are highlights of the phased implementation for current C-TPAT members:

Phase One (60 days from 3/13/06):

Measures amounting to “hardening of the physical supply chain” are to be addressed in the first phase, including areas such as:
• Conveyance Security – seals, trailer security, etc.
• Physical Access Controls – employees, visitors, etc.
• Physical Security – fencing, lighting, parking, etc.

Phase Two (120 days from 3/13/06):

In phase two, C-TPAT members must address more internal and/or procedural elements, for example:
• Personnel Security – background checks, employee hiring, etc.
• Procedural Security – documentation, manifesting procedures, etc.
• Security Training and Threat Awareness – program, incentives
• Less-Than Truck Load – locking devices, seals, etc.
• Information Technology Security – passwords, FAST, etc.

Phase Three (180 days from 3/13/06):

The final phase requires C-TPAT members to establish business partner requirements, including screening, documentation, agreements, etc.

Further information about the C-TPAT program is available on CBP’s website at:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/