CTPAT membership is an in-demand ongoing process. It requires complete integration into the company policies, procedures, and culture to be more efficient. You must show your membership as a complementary layer fitting organically within your corporate structure. CTPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative. It help builds cooperative relationships and strengthens and improves the overall international supply chain along with US border security.
Well, you’ll be amazed to know that the US Customs and Border Protection service (CBP) issued a directive under the AMS’s new rules. Among other things, the directive states that carriers need to have in place an International Carrier Bond before entering the US to load or discharge cargo. This bond is a must for securing payment of any duty, fines, taxes, or other dues levied by Customs Authorities.
Let’s follow the fundamental principles to help you succeed in your CTPAT journey!
Upper Management Involvement
The importance of CTPAT membership must be driven from the top-down as a corporate priority. This is so because it links executive leadership and managers from different parts of the organization to create a culture of security awareness.
Evidence Of Implementation
When completing the CTPAT Security Profile, companies should provide robust Evidence of Implementation (EOI) for CTPAT compliance to their Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS). It may include documentation comprising company manuals and operating procedures. And photos and video evidence of crucial security procedures and infrastructure are also a part.
Regular Internal Audits
Companies need to review and update their procedures annually so as to mitigate risk, not just every few years during official CTPAT validations. All relevant personnel should remain alert to identify potential issues.
Simple tests (like having a lesser-known employee wander into different facility sections without displaying company identification) can quickly identify gaps in security procedures. This can and should be rectified immediately and well in advance of a CTPAT validation.
Team Effort
CTPAT consulting or compliance should be a team effort with input from multiple department representatives, not just one individual’s sole responsibility. The main point of contact is responsible for interacting with Customs and Border Protection service (CBP). Plus, the regular engagement of the crucial department’s broader team and process experts is essential in maintaining supply chain security and program compliance.
Embrace Public-Private Relationship
Today, thousands of certified partners from the trade security are accepted in the program. The partners may include:
- US imports/exports
- US/ Mexico/ Canada highway carriers
- Licensed US brokers
- US/ Mexican/ Canadian manufacturers, etc.
Every sector eligible for the C-TPAT program needs to go through and complete strict oversight requirements. It identifies security gaps and has implemented best practices regarding security.
CBP and the trade community both share an interest in securing the global chain supply. So, you should always feel empowered to contact the SCSS. You can also access the CTPAT portal for security resources and program benefit information.
Over with this! I hope this guide will help you know CTPAT’s worth and the essential principles to keep your CTPAT membership in good standing. Establish an atmosphere focusing on safety and preventing threats!
