CTPAT

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, or CTPAT, is part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) cargo enforcement strategy to strengthen international supply chains while maintaining U.S. border security.

Through CTPAT, CBP works with freight and logistics organizations, including freight forwarders, customs brokers, and importers. The program is voluntary and facilitates stronger public-private sector partnerships in all aspects of trade. As a result, participating members from the trade community gain enhanced cargo security and must implement and maintain specific security measures and CBP best practices in their operations before becoming program members.

Some of the benefits of being CTPAT members for trade and logistics businesses include:

• Reduced wait times at the border
• Fewer CBP cargo examinations
• The assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company
• Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at land borders
• Access to additional security and supply chain training resources for staff
• Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise
• Potential benefits from foreign Customs administrations as trusted trade partners if they have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the U.S.

Membership in the CTPAT program enables better federal oversight of international freight and logistics while improving the security and freight processes of member companies and organizations.