C-TPAT is a 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.

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

Pier 34 Solutions, Inc. has developed a methodology that assists importers, NVOCC companies and Customs brokers with this important process.  We have designed Security Surveys, incorporating CBP-developed guidelines, for all elements of the supply chain. We ask each organization to give detailed information about their security awareness and implementation.  Within the U.S.A., we help importers improve their security procedures and we suggest implementation of security measures, should we observe areas for improvement.

After we have received the completed security surveys from your partners in the supply chain and from your U.S. operations, we compile comprehensive responses to all sections of the Security Link Portal for submission to CBP.  Should changes or improvements be necessary at any level of security, we follow up with suggested fixes. We also continue to evaluate security issues as relationships change in your supply chain dynamics.

Why join C-TPAT?

Over 80% of import volume into the USA is now done by companies that are C-TPAT certified. They derive measurable and extremely valuable benefits from their membership in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. 

C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this 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 offers benefits, 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.

Another very good reason to join C-TPAT is that many large US companies – your customers might be among them – are now demanding that their US suppliers are C-TPAT certified. So why miss out on high-volume business only because you haven’t taken the steps to become C-TPAT certified?