If you analyzed the requirements and the reasons why one would join the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program when it was launched in 2002 and compared it to today’s program, you would notice how much it has evolved. The common denominator is that it was developed as a voluntary effort to protect the import supply-chain from terrorists who could use one of the 21 million cargo containers that arrive in the U.S. each year to smuggle personnel, firearms and weapons of mass destruction.
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If your company is considered the importer of record and/or the consignee, a carrier, port, terminal operator, customs broker/forwarder or consolidator, you are eligible to join the C-TPAT program.
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Benefits of the C-TPAT program
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- Reduce the number of inspections and audits of the product coming into the USA
- The ability to do business with existing customers or to be eligable to do business with a prospective customer
- Promotes a better working relationship with U.S. Customs
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The Steps Involved with C-TPAT
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