CTPAT is a voluntary logistics and supply chain partnership program led by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP) with the goal of improving the security of the United States borders.
The CTPAT certification is voluntary public-private sector program that ties in the principal stakeholders of international trade, which would include importers of record, carriers, consolidators and manufacturers.
CTPAT acts as a “multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy” to account for potential breaches in security, as prodcut is imported into the US by having applicants outline those parties involved in shipping their product from the country of origin into its facility.
The above benefits will prove to be more valuable than ever as tensions rise between the United States and other major world trade countries making it more expensive and risky.
CTPAT was recently updated its terms for earning certification in the wake of unethical conduct from corporations for the first time in 18 years.
While CTPAT is a completely voluntary option for importers, it continues to be more of a requirement for importers. Smaller firms struggle to hold onto business if they are not CTPAT certified.
Apply to become certified starts by filling out the online application on the CBP site.
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