Introduction to C-TPAT

What is C-TPAT?

C-TPAT stands for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

A voluntary customs–business partnership to strengthen supply chain and border security

C-TPAT is a voluntary partnership between the US government and businesses to improve international supply chain security and US border security. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) asks participating businesses to maintain effective security practices and communicate and verify relevant requirements with their supply chain partners.

C-TPAT is a voluntary programme administered by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP determines membership and conducts validation. Consulting or a customer-requested assessment does not itself confer membership; check current criteria for the relevant business entity.

The diagram links suppliers, carriers, US importers, distribution and final customers, with data exchange between customs brokers, importers and CBP.

CBP — C-TPAT

Balancing supply chain security and economic efficiency

The figures below are from the 2010 survey and historical material cited by the original article.

In 2010, the University of Virginia’s Center for Survey Research surveyed 3,901 C-TPAT members about the benefits and costs of programme participation.

The respondents represented 47.8% of the 8,166 participating companies at that time, and reported both tangible and intangible benefits.

The proportion reporting perceived net benefits increased from 30.2% among companies certified for less than a year to 47.7% among those certified for over five years. By company size, it ranged from 36.5% for annual revenue below USD 10 million to 55.7% for revenue above USD 10 billion. These figures describe respondents’ perceptions of net benefits, not an increase in net profit.

Respondents described value beyond financial savings, including risk avoidance, a more secure supply chain, competitiveness in contracts and the credibility associated with participation. Reported outcomes included:

• Improved personnel security
• Fewer supply chain disruptions
• Shorter waits for vehicles at land borders
• Faster cargo release through CBP procedures
• Less time in CBP examination queues
• Greater predictability of cargo movements

The original article stated that C-TPAT importers accounted for 54.1% of US imports. This is a historical figure, not the current share.

CBP — historical programme brochure and survey figures

Building domestic and international partnerships

C-TPAT works with the trade community to improve security across international supply chains. The original article listed the following participant groups; current eligibility also depends on CBP’s conditions for each business type and location:

• US importers of record
• US–Canada highway carriers
• US–Mexico highway carriers
• Mexican long-haul highway carriers
• Rail, sea and air carriers
• US marine port authorities and terminal operators
• Mexican and Canadian manufacturers
• Licensed US customs brokers
• Third-party logistics providers
• Consolidators and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs)

C-TPAT cooperates with other US agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, Food and Drug Administration and Coast Guard, to align security approaches and facilitate legitimate trade.

It also supports cooperation with foreign customs administrations and security partnership programmes. The original article’s figure of seven mutual recognition arrangements is historical and should not be treated as the current total.

CBP — Foreign Manufacturer Eligibility Requirements

Related articles

Introduction to C-TPAT

Benefits of C-TPAT

C-TPAT consulting process

C-TPAT requirements

C-TPAT container inspection

C-TPAT truck and trailer inspection

Frequently asked questions about C-TPAT

C-TPAT best practices

Human trafficking prevention and C-TPAT

C-TPAT membership eligibility