What is CTPAT? What is the purpose of the certification?

Surely you have heard about the security regulations that the United States customs and border have, but What is CTPAT? What is the purpose of the certification? Why did it originate? If you would like to know about all this and much more on the subject, we invite you to continue reading the following article.

What is CTPAT?

First of all we must understand that CTPAT are the initials of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, in Spanish Customs-Commerce Strategic Association against Terrorism.

It is considered one of the most important protection strategies in the country's borders and customs, designed for the protection and strengthening of security improvement and supply chains in each of the country's borders.

When did the CTPAT originate?

The C-TPAT originated after the terrorist attack suffered in New York, on September 1, 2.001, as a joint strategy between private companies and the US government for the expansion and creation of new anti-terrorist measures, which improve and reinforce border security and business value that the United States possesses.

In this way, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) initiated the modification of the International Convention for the Safety of Human Life at Sea (SOLAS), together with the ISPS code, began to regulate all issues and aspects related to maritime traffic, with ships and all the port facilities that are in the country.

On the other hand, the Iberoamerican Telecommunications Organization became involved with the rules to identify people at sea, while the World Customs Organization adapted some agreements on the ease and security of supply chains. In addition, all countries adapted new rules and regulations, standing out above all those of CTPAT.

Importance and purpose of the CTPAT

Based on the above information, we can begin to see the importance of these strategies in the security of the country, as well as at the global market level.

But we must also highlight that the Customs-Trade Strategic Association against Terrorism takes its concept to the field, through the regulations that manufacturers and importers of merchandise or products must comply with.

These regulations are evaluated by the country's Customs Service, in order to identify each of the vulnerable sides of the supply chain, specifically in commercial goods where any type of radiological or biological element enters the United States.

Another of the important benefits of these security strategies is the prevention of terrorism and drug trafficking, as was witnessed with the largest drug seizure in the country, the MSC Gayane.

In addition, it also seeks the greatest economic benefit when delivering products to customers, shorter ground transportation time and increased confidence in shipments or other means of transportation.

What are your advantages of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)?

• It offers extra value to companies.
• Prevents theft and illicit trade of products.
• Reduce the number of inspections.
• Less wait for the product at the North American border.
• It secures the supply chain for customers and suppliers, as well as for all workers who handle the product.

What are the companies that can be chosen to obtain the CTPAT certificate?

• Customs broker providers.
• US registered importers.
• Third party logistics providers.
• Customs brokers licensed in the United States.
• The airlines.
• United States exporters.
• Some foreign manufacturers who are invited.
• US cross-border trucking carriers.
• All Canadian manufacturers.
• The carriers that work on the long-distance highway in Mexico.
• Manufacturers of Mexican origin.
• Rail carriers.
• The United States maritime port authority, as well as terminal operators
• Ocean carriers.
• All those maritime transport intermediaries, US air cargo consolidators and common carriers that do not work with ships.

What is Mutual Recognition or MR about?

These are the activities that are related to the signing of documents with the foreign customs administration, which allows the exchange of all information that helps the improvement and security of the supply chain.

This document establishes that the basic security requirements must be met by the foreign association program and the validation processes are very similar, since the special concept of this agreement is that the foreign program and C-TPAT are completely compatible. both in the practical and theoretical part and in this way, be able to recognize all the validation findings offered by the other program.

What are these mutual recognition programs?

• 2.007: New Zealand Customs Service – Secure Export Scheme (SES) Program and Jordan Customs Department – ​​Golden List Program (GLP)
• 2.008: Canada Border Services Agency – Partners in Protection Program (PIP).
• 2.009: Japan Customs and Tariff Office – Authorized Economic Operator Program (AEO).
• 2.010: Korea Customs Service – AEO Program.
• 2.012: European Union – OAS Program.
• 2.012: Taiwan – Customs General, Taiwan Ministry of Finance – AEO Program.
• 2.014: Israel, Peru and Singapore.
• 2.018: Peru.

The Trusted Merchant Program: What is it about?

The term "Trusted Merchants" is closely related to those products that are offered to companies that cover the minimum security characteristics, while complying with the correct practices dictated by the agreement. This concept is accepted internationally, as well as within the framework of SAFE Standards held by the World Customs Organization (WCO).

If you liked this information and want to know more about other topics such as Customs Valuation Methods in Mexico, we invite you to enter our article.