Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)

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What is CTPAT?

The CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) business initiative designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.

The CTPAT initiative recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of security to the public and other stakeholders only via close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain: importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers.

Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.

CBP's vision for CTPAT

CBP recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of its work in keeping the US safe. For this reason, CBP is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through CTPAT.

Trade partners will have a commitment to both trade security and trade compliance, which are rooted in the same business practices. CBP wants to work closely with companies whose good business practices ensure supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.

Who is eligible for CTPAT?

Currently, open enrollment for CTPAT is available for the following business type related to the US import supply chain cargo handling and movement:
  1. US importers of record
  2. US/Canada highway carriers
  3. US/Mexico highway carriers
  4. Rail carriers
  5. Sea carriers
  6. Air carriers
  7. US Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators
  8. US Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC)
  9. Mexican manufacturers
  10. Certain invited foreign manufacturers
  11. Licensed US Customs brokers
Utilizing risk management principles, CTPAT seeks to enroll compliant low-risk companies who are directly responsible for importing, trans porting and coordinating commercial import cargo into the US.

The goal is to identify compliant trusted imported traders who have good supply chain security procedures and controls to reduce screening of their imported cargo. In turn, this enables CBP to focus screening efforts on import cargo transactions involving unknown or high risk import traders.

CBP will be consulting with the trade community to develop the most effective approach for each sector to participate in the CTPAT.

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