CBP Posts C-TPAT Online Application for Importers

Application Instructions Should Be Read Prior to Beginning Application Process

CBP states that the importer C-TPAT application instructions should be read prior to beginning the application process, as the C-TPAT partner application cannot be completed without review of the instructions.

Applying importer must meet certain qualifications. In its application instructions, CBP indicates that an importer who wishes to apply to become a C-TPAT partner must meet the following qualifications:

be an active U.S. importer or non-resident Canadian importer into the U.S.;

have a business office staffed in the U.S. or Canada;

have active U.S. importer of record ID(s) in either of the following formats: U.S. Social Security Number; U.S. Internal Revenue Service assigned ID(s); or CBP assigned Importer ID;

possess a valid continuous import bond registered with CBP;

have a designated company officer that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for C-TPAT;

commit to maintaining CBP C-TPAT supply chain security criteria as outlined in the C-TPAT importer agreement; and

create and provide CBP with a C-TPAT supply chain security profile, which identifies how the importer will meet, maintain, and enhance internal policy to meet the C-TPAT importer security criteria (see below).

If these qualifications are met, the following application instructions should be followed:

Step 1: Preparation of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Profile.According to CBP, importers are required to complete and submit to CBP a Supply Chain Security Profile that addresses each item in the C-TPAT Security Criteria for Importers. CBP states that the C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Profile should summarize the importer's commitment to ensuring adherence to the approximately 34 C-TPAT Security Criteria for Importers that are listed in CBP's application instructions.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 02/25/05 news, 05022505, for BP summary of the final draft of CBP's C-TPAT Security Criteria for Importers, which include such areas as: business partner requirements; container inspection; container seals; employee background checks/investigations; cargo discrepancies; employee security training and threat awareness; information technology (IT) security; etc.)

CBP notes that C-TPAT recognizes the complexity of international supply chains and endorses the application and implementation of security measures based upon risk analysis. Therefore, the program allows for flexibility and the customization of security plans based on the member's business model.

Step 2: Submission of C-TPAT application information. According to CBP, an importer's C-TPAT application information should be submitted via CBP's online application submission process at https://apps.cbp.gov/ctpat/.

Step 3: Upload of the Supply Chain Security Profile. CBP states that after entering online application information, the importer will be directed to upload their Supply Chain Security Profile in a .doc, .rtf, .pdf, or .txt file. CBP notes that an importer must be ready to upload their Supply Chain Security Profile immediately upon completion of the online application.

Step 4: CBP review of application and feedback within 60 days. Upon receipt, CBP states that it will review the importer's completed Supply Chain Security Profile. After CBP completes the profile review, the importer will receive feedback on their Supply Chain Security Profile within 60 days.

C-TPAT online application for importers and application instructions available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/importers/