Friday, 8 February 2013

C-TPAT Compliance Audit


C‐TPAT
C‐TPAT seeks to safeguard the world's vibrant trade industry from terrorists, maintaining the
economic health of the U.S. and its neighbors. The partnership develops and adopts measures
that add security but do not have a chilling effect on trade, a difficult balancing act.  

C-TPAT  BENEFITS
 Tiered Benefit Levels for importer partners ensure that examination benefits are commensurate with the partner’s status in the program and are recognized by the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port act . Minimal program benefits are afforded until after an on-site validation is performed to confirm that the C-TPAT member has in fact adopted tighter security measures. The highest level of program benefits are awarded to those partners that exceed the minimum-security criteria through innovation and dedication to excellence. Several statistical measures are displayed below which demonstrate the approximate size of the CTPAT membership in terms of import value and entries filed. It also quantifies in approximate terms the relief from examinations that a C-TPAT participant can realize based upon its Tier level.
Other  C-TPAT  Benefits
•  Access to individually assigned Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) to discuss security issues
•  Input into further development of C-TPAT program
•  Invitation to attend C-TPAT training and seminars such as the annual C-TPAT symposium which provides opportunities to network with other C-TPAT members
•  Access to web based C-TPAT Portal system and “Public   Library” of training materials and information
Future  C-TPAT  Benefits
Since its inception C-TPAT has made remarkable strides in developing program benefits and will continue to explore new benefits that are relevant to a security focused program.  Key points in this regard include:
•  Benefits must continue to be within the of control of both CBP and the C-TPAT program and have connectivity to current benefits  
•  Benefits must have realistic applications (e.g. 100% relief from examination or no payments of duty are not plausible) 
•  C-TPAT will examine the Tier benefit structure in an effort to ensure that the program is addressing the needs of its current and future members as well as the needs of CBP.
C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative that builds cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT is widely recognized as one of the most effective means of providing the highest level of cargo security through close cooperation with international supply chain businesses such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

The following companies are eligible to become C-TPAT Certified:
• U.S. Importers
• U.S. Customs Brokers
• Canadian Manufacturers
• Mexican Manufacturers
• U.S., Canadian & Mexican Cross Border Highway Carriers
• Third Party Logistics (3PL) Providers
• Marine Port Authorities & Terminal Operators
• Mexican Long Haul Highway Carriers
• Air Carriers
• Rail Carriers
• Sea Carriers
• Air Freight Consolidators
• Ocean Transportation Intermediaries
• Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs)

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a joint effort between the United States government and businesses involved in importing goods into the United States. C-TPAT is part of the ever evolving nature of the United States Customs, and recognizes that border security will be much more efficient if Customs involves businesses in the process of securing and inspecting cargo. Membership in C-TPAT is available to most businesses who import goods into the United States including freight carriers, brokers, manufacturers, and importers, as long as they agree to the guidelines of C-TPAT membership.

If a business is interested in joining C-TPAT, it first fills out an application that includes information about the business, an agreement to participate, and a profile of their supply chain which includes a validation of the way in which goods are handled. Examining the supply chain involves looking at procedural, physical, and personnel security, along with access controls, how packing manifests are handled, and what sort of education and training employees receive. If the application of the business to join C-TPAT is approved, it is assigned a Supply Chain Security Specialist who evaluates the supply chain and provides suggestions for improvement before certifying the business as a member.
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and focused on improving the security of private companies' supply chains with respect to terrorism. The program was launched in November 2001 with seven initial participants, all large U.S. companies. As of April 2005, there were over 9000 companies participating, according to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff.
 Types of participants in C-TPAT include:
·         U.S. importers of record
·         U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico highway carriers
·         Rail, sea, and air carriers
·         U.S. marine port authority and terminal operators
·         U.S. air freight consolidators, ocean transportation intermediaries and non-vessel operating common carriers
·         Mexican manufacturers
·         Certain invited foreign manufacturers
·         Licensed U.S. customs brokers
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the benefits of participating in C-TPAT could include
Playing an active role in the war against terrorism
·         Eligibility to attend C-TPAT training seminars.
·         U.S. Customs and A reduced number of CBP inspections.
·         Priority processing for CBP inspections.
Border Protection has proposed some benefits to its C-TPAT partners that include:
·         Reduced Customs inspections
·         Reduced border delays
·         Entitlement to a CBP account manager
·         Eligibility for account-based processes
·         Participation in the war against terrorism
·         Need certification to proceed with Importer Self Assessment program (ISA)

C-TPAT is a US government-business initiative that was introduced in 2001. It is designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security by working in close cooperation with the key members of the supply chain - importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers.
Businesses must apply to participate in C-TPAT, which can be done via the US Customs website. Shipments from participants in C-TPAT will be able to move across US borders quicker than non-member shipments, because Customs will offer potential benefits to C-TPAT members, most notably a reduced number of inspections (reduced border times).
Participants will sign an agreement that commits them to the following actions:
  1. Conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of supply chain security using the C-TPAT security guidelines. These guidelines, which are available for review on the Customs website encompass the following areas:

    - Procedural Security
    - Physical Security
    - Personnel Security
    - Education and Training
    - Access Controls
    - Manifest Procedures
    - Conveyance Security
     
  2. Submit a supply chain security profile questionnaire to Customs.
     
  3. Develop and implement a program to enhance security throughout the supply chain in accordance with C-TPAT guidelines.
     
  4. Communicate C-TPAT guidelines to other companies in the supply chain and work toward building the guidelines into relationships with these companies.

C-TPAT member-certified importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers work together to ensure the integrity of their security practices, communicate their security guidelines to business partners within the supply chain and verify the guidelines of those partners.
Love it or hate it, C-TPAT is here to stay. The bottom line is that all managers in the supply chain need to know and understand C-TPAT.

C-TPAT is a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary joint government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that Customs can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain, importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers. This initiative asks that business work to ensure the integrity of their supply chain processes and business partners, and successfully maintain open communication of their status. The program is not limited to large importer/exporters as CBP recognizes that small and medium-sized companies are integral parts of maintaining secure borders.

n order to join the C-TPAT Program, the applicant must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their operations and international CDG business partners based upon the C-TPAT security criteria.
·         Business Partner Screening
·         Container Security
·         Physical Access Controls
·         Personnel Security
·         Procedural Security
·         Security Training and Threat Awareness
·         Physical Security
·         Information Technology Security

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)   

CDG Company, has been certified as a full participant in the US Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) since April, 2003. We are pleased to announce that, as of October 2007, Shapiro has also been awarded C-TPAT certified status as a consolidator, which encompasses our role as an NVOCC, ocean transportation intermediary, and air freight consolidator.

Our Company is committed to continuous efforts of securing our operations against possible compromise, and of maintaining a high level of compliance in Customs-related areas. We encourage all of our business partners to consider enrolling in this program. As a benefit for participating, Customs has committed to providing "fast-lane" processing of your transactions.
In the wake of the recent world events and the sudden increased awareness of the need for additional security measures and procedures to protect our national borders, the U.S. Customs Service has initiated a voluntary program called the Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
C-TPAT members have the following benefits
  • A reduced number of inspections and reduced border wait times:
* Tier 1 - For certified members of C-TPAT.  Targeting score for Customs examination is lowered. C-TPAT members have 5-8 times fewer exams than non C-TPAT. Tier 1 members also have access to FAST lanes on the land borders.
* Tier 2 - For certified and validated members of C-TPAT.  Targeting score for Customs examination is further lowered resulting in even fewer exams.  If you shipment is selected for examination, your container will receive priority and move to the front of the line.minimum security standards and has adopted best practices regarding supply chain security - a true ‘green lane’ with no security inspections and infrequent random inspections. Again, when you do have an inspection, your container receives priority and moves to the front of the line.
  • An assigned Customs Supply Chain Security Specialist;
  • Access to the C-TPAT membership list;
  • Certified C-TPAT importers are eligible for the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA) which results in removal from the pool for Focused Assessment
  • C-TPAT members receive consideration for penalty mitigation for Bio-Terrorism Act related penalties
     What is C-TPAT?
§  The C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) business initiative designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.
§  The C-TPAT initiative recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of security to the public and to other stakeholders only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain: 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.

CBP's Vision for C-TPAT

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

The Benefits of Participation in C-TPAT
C-TPAT offers trade-related 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 and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP will offer benefits to certain certified C-TPAT member categories, including:
  • A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced border delay times).
  • Priority processing for CBP inspections. (Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible.)
  • Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and enhance security throughout the company's international supply chain.
  • Potential eligibility for CBP Importer Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not CBP audits.
  • Eligibility to attend C-TPAT supply chain security training seminars.
It is clear that security issues will play an ever more important role in international trade logistics. Today's voluntary programs may become mandatory programs in the future. Many companies recognize that participation in C-TPAT is part of a "best practices" approach to achieving leadership in their industry.

C-TPAT Online Application Instructions

For important instructions for submitting an online C-TPAT application go to: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/online_app/ and select "Instructions for Completing the C-TPAT Online Application.

Part 1 Summary

  • Complete the Company Profile information
  • Read and Agree to the terms of the C-TPAT Agreement to Voluntarily Participate.
  • Save your submission.
  • Wait for an e-mail confirming your submission and granting C-TPAT Security Link Portal access using a temporary password.

Part 2 Summary

  • Login to the C-TPAT Security Link Portal using your e-mail address and temporary password.
  • Change your Temporary Password.
  • Complete the structured Online Supply Chain Security Profile
  • Save your Security Profile submission.
  • Complete the Company Profile information.
  • Read and Agree to the terms of the C-TPAT Agreement to Voluntarily Participate.
  • Save your submission.
  • Wait for an e-mail confirming your submission and granting C-TPAT Security Link Portal access using a temporary password.

 What does C-TPAT mean to our Customers?
As a customer of Technicolor, our certification in the C-TPAT program will result in:
·         Improved security at Technicolor facilities
·         Avoiding delays in the shipping of customer products and related components
Additionally, Technicolor's participation in the C-TPAT program contributes to the overall improvement of homeland security.
If you have any questions regarding C-TPAT or Technicolor's initiative in becoming C-TPAT certified, please contact Chris Olsen via e-mail at chris.olsen@thomson.net

What is C-TPAT, PIP?
C-TPAT stands for "Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism," and PIP stands for "Partners in Protection." C-TPAT is a program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and PIP is a program of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
What are the advantages of being a FAST, C-TPAT or PIP importer?
  • Secure supply chain
  • Reduced number of inspections
  • Reduced border clearance times
  • Protection of company name and reputation
  • Reduced cost of compliance with customs requirements
  • Corporate citizenship and commitment to supply-chain security
  • Dedicated lanes at designated crossing points for greater speed and efficiency in clearing FAST cross-border shipments. If there is another terrorism incident, FAST participants would be first in line for shipment clearance
  • Strong and continuing partnership with Canada and U.S. Customs administrations
  • Open door for future Customs programs
  • Opportunity to identify other certified supply-chain partners with whom you can do business.
·         In response to the threat to our Nation's Ports and supply-chains being used as conduits for terrorists and their weapons, U.S. Customs & Border Protection offers a voluntary supply-chain security program for importers, brokers, carriers, and other eligible entities. The program, referred to as the "Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism" or C-TPAT, recognizes that in order to improve, protect, and strengthen the cargo supply chain, the involvement of all members of the trading community is require.
    
      CONTACT US FOR C-TPAT: 09654656507, 9718380800, 9213283599

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