So, you are thinking about applying for membership to C-TPAT?

The most important thing to remember about C-TPAT, is that it is a voluntary initiative and it is up to you to decide what you wish to do. NGJ can show you the roadmap and review your trip, but can not drive the car for you. Because of the information that must now be placed within a specific C-TPAT portal, only you and/or someone from your company will have access. We, at NGJ, have searched for information to help you on your way. We can review your information, but we can not input this information to the C-TPAT portal for you.

Out of the hundreds of links, we find these to be some of the more informative and are hereby noted for your review and action.

First of all, what is C-TPAT?  We have discussed it, however a quick review of what is actually written may be of help to you and your customers.
           CBP C-TPAT Overview

OK, now that we have a bit of an understanding of what it is, what are the eligibility requirements for us, as an Importer (from Canada - Exporter)?
           Importer Eligibility Requirements

Very nice.  Now that we know about the program and meet the eligibility requirements, what specific criteria as an Importer must be met?
           C-TPAT Importer Security Criteria

There remain outstanding questions with regards to this "criteria".  Here is a page with Questions and Answers that might be checked to obtain an answer.
           FAQ Regarding Minimum Security Criteria for Importers

With these answers, and a completed security questionnaire, it has been decided that we want to enroll.  Where do we go?
           C-TPAT Participant Mandatory Security Link Internet Web Portal
           PLEASE NOTE THIS SECTION, AS WITHOUT A PASSWORD GIVEN YOU BY "INDUSTRY.PARTNERSHIP@DHS.GOV", YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO APPLY
           
            a) Within this link are specific steps you should take before submitting your information "on line"
                        i) Questions and Answers on the Portal: C-TPAT Security Link Portal - Questions and Answers

                        ii) PowerPoint Instructions as to how to properly complete my application [SO IMPORTANT TO REVIEW THESE SCREENS]:
                                               
                        iii) And after the review has been completed, the application itself
                                   C-TPAT Security Link Portal

Finally, as you begin to enter information into the Portal, please keep the following in mind -- it is found on the "log in" page and MUST be kept in mind at all times as you complete your application: "DO NOT PROCESS OR STORE CLASSIFIED INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM."    Take this specific line to heart, for security belongs to you and should remain "in house", to ensure that only those persons that should be seeing it, do. 
Something to remember:

• Every C-TPAT member (old, current and new) will go through a validation process within three (3) years of being accepted.

There is information everywhere and NGJ can also provide you with information pertaining to what the carrier/transport must do as well.  Your carrier will become more and more important as this initiative continues, but for now, focus on what you need to know before even putting pen to paper.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.  At NGJ, we believe ourselves to be able to render valuable assistance to you in this area of exportation into the United States and do invite you to review the remainder of our website to show you the other areas we may be of service to the most important business we represent - yours.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

C-TPAT Overview

C-TPAT Participant Mandatory Security Link Internet Web Portal

C-TPAT Members (also good for companies wishing to participate)

Apply for C-TPAT

Importer Eligibility Requirements

C-TPAT: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (in general - breakout of specific criteria)

C-TPAT Minimum Security Criteria

           C-TPAT Importer Security Criteria

                       FAQ Regarding Minimum Security Criteria for Importers