CTPAT

C-TPAT Certification

What Is C-TPAT?
Custom Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

C-TPAT stands for Custom Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, by using this program US Custom and Border Protection Agency works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security. C-TPAT is a voluntary program which recognizes that CBP can provide the maximum level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principal stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed custom brokers and manufactures etc.

To join C-TPAT program the organization should comply with the requirements raised by CPB to become a member of C-TPAT program to protect the supply chain, identify the security gaps and implement the specific security measures and best practices. US based retail stores also developed their own security standards based on C-TPAT requirements.

Mostly retail stores and business organizations who import goods to US from rest of the world are members of C-TPAT program that’s the reason they expect the complete and perfect compliances from their supply chain such as the companies who manufacture their products and exports, cargo agents, consolidators and shipping companies etc. This is the reason they conduct the C-TPAT audits of their suppliers and service providers. Even the companies who intend to export US they also get the audit conducted on C-TPAT standard.

By implementing C-TPAT requirements organization can improves its overall security compliance to assure the confidence & satisfaction as well as meet the expectation of its customers.

Benefits of CT-PAT Audit

  • Reduced number of CBP examinations
  • Front of the line inspections
  • Possible exemption from Stratified Exams
  • Shorter wait times at the border
  • Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company
  • Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders
  • Access to the CTPAT web-based Portal system and a library of training materials
  • Possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trade Partner by foreign Customs administrations that have signed Mutual Recognition with the United States
  • Eligibility for other U.S. Government pilot programs, such as the Food and Drug Administration’s Secure Supply Chain program
  • Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
  • Importer eligibility to participate in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA)
  • Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise

C-TPAT Programs Requirements as Following

  • Personal Security
  • Physical Security
  • Information system security
  • Storage & Distribution
  • Shipment Information Controls
  • Information Access Controls
  • Cyber Security
  • Agricultural security
  • Contractor Controls
  • Export Logistics
  • Records & Documentation

C-TPAT Certification Process

After finalization of agreement with client, Quality Systems’ experts visit to client’s premises and conduct the complete gap analysis of existing system against the C-TPAT requirements and discuss the gap report to the management, identified gaps could be in documents, implementation, personal security, physical security & regulatory and local laws compliances. We commence work according to the agreed timelines as per final gap report and proceed for the audit once all the documentation, implementation, and other requirements are done. Our technical team provides complete assistance, support and cooperation throughout the process to make certification audit successful in first attempt.

C-TPAT is not a certification program but auditing agencies issues some sort of certificate which calls letter of compliance along with audit report and letter of compliance valid for one year and re audit shall be conducted before expiry to maintain the continuity of certification process.

Cost of C-TPAT Certification/Audit

Charges of C-TPAT audit can not be flat or same for every organization, please contact us in this regard.

Why Quality Systems

Quality Systems is working with the team of qualified and experienced consultants and trainers having vast industrial experience, most of our consultants are also lead auditors who are aware to the expectations of auditors from your management system during the audit. Quality systems is assisting across the world to implement and achieve the C-TPAT outstanding ratings. Our consultation methodology is highly professional, time bound and effective and we always add value to the business process of the client’s organization.

Our C-TPAT audit complete package comprised on following segments such as training, implementation, consultation, gap analysis, documentation, internal audits, pre assessment, third party audit through world’s most recognized accredited auditing agencies and post audit enhancement / maintenance services to enable your organization to get the best outcome of C-TPAT. Our services are globally accepted, authoritative and benchmarked in the field of C-TPAT audit.