C-TPAT was formed when the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reached out to all segments of the US international trade industry, to join them in a voluntary program to develop a way to secure the supply chain of cargo exported to the US.

  C-TPAT recognizes the complexity of international supply chains and endorses the application and implementation of security measures based upon risk analysis. Therefore, the program allows for flexibility and the customization of security plans based on the member's business model.