What is Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)?

C-TPAT is a voluntary, joint, government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen a company's overall supply chain, thereby contributing to border security.  Recognizing that Customs can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of a company's supply chain, this initiative was created to enhance the partnership of Customs and the Trade community, beginning with key members of this community (i.e. the importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers).

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

What does participation in C-TPAT require?

Open to all Importers, Carriers (Air, Sea and Land), Brokers, Warehouse Operators and Manufacturers, the C-TPAT program addresses requirements and recommendations for each category.  Participants in the program are required to:

• perform a comprehensive third-party assessment or validated self-assessment of a company’s entire supply chain based upon guidelines jointly developed by Customs and the trade community.
• ensure that all service providers and vendors within that supply chain begin working to build these guidelines into the operations that impact the movement of pertinent goods on a global basis, covering the areas of Procedural Security, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Education and Training, Access Controls, Manifest Procedures and Conveyance Security.
• be prepared with written documentation demonstrating that the C-TPAT guidelines have been or are being implemented and can be verified.
• communicate and encourage those within their supply chain to comply with the C-TPAT guidelines.

How can my company benefit from enrolling in C-TPAT?

C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, Customs will offer additional potential benefits to C-TPAT members, including:

• A reduced number of inspections (reduced border times).
• An assigned account manager (if one is not already assigned).
• For current Low-Risk Importers, an opportunity to expand “low-risk” treatment to all divisions within the company.
• Eligibility for account-based processes (e.g. bimonthly/monthly payments).
• An emphasis on self-policing, not Customs verifications.

For more program beneifits please see the Customs and Border Protection Guide to C-TPAT Program Benefits.

Is NGJ a C-TPAT member?

YES.  NGJ has been a member of C-TPAT since February 28th, 2003.  Successful Validations of the NGJ membership to the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiative were conducted and completed on December 16, 2004 and most recently on July 31, 2007 by the  C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) Team.

We are proud to be C-TPAT members as BOTH a Brokerage firm and as a Consolidator.

We invite our customers to click here to view and download the NGJ C-TPAT certificate for you to utilize it in your company’s Security Chain profile, showing NGJ as a service provider who participates in C-TPAT.

What can NGJ do for me?

To participate in Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) programs can be a complex and time consuming endeavor. NGJ with its consulting capabilities and technological infrastructure is well positioned to assist U.S. importers, carriers and their trading partners to participate in these programs.

NGJ's staff of C-TPAT/FAST experts will

• Work with you to understand the program and develop an initial action plan
• Deliver supporting technology
• Monitor implementation and take corrective action
• Seamlessly process U.S. entries resulting from FAST release
• Continue implementation through applicable supply chain partners
• Make educational opportunities available to its Client-Importers, and the Importing Community Business partners, upon request, through seminars, consultative services, dissemination of text materials, and/or through providing assistance in obtaining such materials on the CBP website.

Click here for a list of links to other C-TPAT resources and FAQs.

For more information, contact NGJ Technical Services at (315) 764-7320 or techservices@ngjensen.com.