C-TPAT - CUSTOMS TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM
What is C-TPAT Certification?
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary, joint government-business partnership for supply chain security & border security program which is led by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
C-TPAT can be applied/implemented to any importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers who want to trade internationally and mainly in the USA. It was drawn with an intent to determine & reduce risk throughout their international supply chain by a standard documented process.
Benefits of C-TPAT Certification
Business opportunities through amfori bsci platform
Recognition of socially compliant organization
Reduce number of CBP examination & exemption form stratified exams
Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
Access to free, fast & secure trade along the borders
Improve the production procedure of the organization
Who can be certified C-TPAT Certification?
The program has historically been oriented around imports into the United States. Air carriers, consolidators, cross-border highway carriers, marine port authorities, ocean carriers, rail carriers, terminal operators, third-party logistics (3PLs) providers, Customs brokers, and importers are eligible for C-TPAT certification in the United States.
Air Carrier
Consolidators
Cross-Border Highway Carriers
Marine Port Authorities
Ocean Carriers
Rail Carriers
Terminal Operators
Importers/Exporters
Custom Brokers
Transporter
Document required for C-TPAT Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of C-TPAT Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Certification Body
Selection
Cost Estimates
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to C-TPAT requirements
- Selecting the appropriate certification Body
- Based on the scope of your business & certification Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- C-TPAT Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to C-TPAT requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification Body
Week 12
Certification Body
- C-TPAT validation within 2 to 12 months after the company received the certification & C-TPAT validation every 4 years.
FAQ
- Risk Assessment. The C–TPAT candidate conducts and fully documents a security risk assessment.
- Application. The company then submits a basic application via the C–TPAT portal system.
- Security Profile.
The C–TPAT Third party logistics provider must have documented procedures to screen prospective customers for validity, financial soundness, the ability of meeting contractual security requirements, and the ability to identify and correct security deficiencies as needed.
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico.
- 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.