Participating in Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program means you are joining an alliance of more than 11,000 plus trade partners in the battle for safe product passage.
Studies show that product containers arriving each year by air, sea, and land count above millions. With CTPAT certification, your organization can:
- Help CBP carries out effective cargo security measures
- Improve supply chain security standards
- Secure benefits for your business like a faster customs entry process
Let’s dive deeper into knowing the strategy of CTPAT, its steps, and its benefits for a clear understanding!
Strategy Of CTPAT
As the international supply chains operate out of the CBP’s control, the agency, to a great extent, depends on a variety of private sector organizations. With a variety of viewpoints, it assists the CBP with distinguishing security gaps and executing security measures and best practices. The list of CTPAT certified members include the following:
- Importers and exporters
- Highway carriers
- Rail, sea, and air carriers
- Licensed customs brokers
- Matrine port authority
- Terminal operators
- Freight consolidators
- Transportation intermediaries
- Manufacturers and more
Steps Of CTPAT Certification
There are particularly three main steps to ensure completion.
Step 1
The applicant must ensure CTPAT minimum security criteria for their business entity to determine particular eligibility requirements.
Step 2
The organization might ensure applying for membership through a particular CTPAT portal system.
Step 3
Your company should complete a supply chain security profile.
To finish a supply chain security profile, an organization should have already directed a thorough risk evaluation analysis of its supply chain. This shows how each link meets the minimum security requirements.
Pro-Tip
One of the best ways to ensure risk assessments completion might be through the third-party organization specializing in CTPAT standard supply chain audits.
What Are The Benefits Of CTPAT Certification For Importers?
Above all, the most significant benefit of CTPAT certification is the opportunity to contribute to cargo security against terrorism and more protection to your supply chain. Other benefits include
Reduction In Customs Inspections
When a CTPAT company imports cargo, the deducted points of risk value result in imported cargo being placed in a preferred category. Even if the shipment is selected for inspection, the process becomes faster (imported by a CTPAT certified importer).
Front Of The Line Privileges
To a greater extent, you can move ahead of any non CTPAT trailer or container awaiting the exam, regardless of the duration. Moreover, the release time and cost of cargo get reduced. So, you don’t need to wait longer in the examination site line.
Priority Access
In case of emergency or terrorist attack (which results in closing airport, land, and seaport entry), CTPAT certified shipments will have priority access once the entry ports reopen.
Additional benefits are
- Shorter border wait times
- Access to Free And Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at the land borders
- Reduced number of CBP inspections
- Trusted partner recognition
- Access to CTPAT library of training materials
- Gain favor with retailers
- Reduced costs
- Avoid lost sales
- Secure country’s borders, etc.
If you are a member company, you can be at a much lower risk and save yourself exponential amounts and inspection times. Join hands with Maze Consultancy to get CTPAT certification or strengthen logistics with the PIP program. Afford benefits and increase safety practices!
