CBP Posts its Answers to Trade Questions from the November 2005 Trade Symposium (Part II)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted to its Web site its answers to questions submitted by the trade community at its November 2005 Trade Symposium.
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This is Part II of a multi-part series of summaries on this document and highlights CBP's answers to questions on cargo security strategy. See future issues of ITT for additional summaries.
How does CBP envision FAST working for ocean freight? CBP states that the FAST process as it is currently developed primarily involves providing dedicated infrastructure to trusted travelers to allow them to quickly cross through crowded land border locations. According to CBP, the "green lane" concepts and C-TPAT Tier 3 benefits come closest to providing a solution to expanding FAST benefits to other modes. CBP notes that a joint strategy will be required to develop ways to expedite the movement and processing of low risk freight once it arrives and is laden from an ocean carrier.
Has C-TPAT been able to conduct validations in China yet? CBP states that discussions continue with the Chinese government to grant access for validations to be conducted in China. According to CBP, the discussions have been positive to date and it believes that a resolution is near.
Is the intent for C-TPAT to validate all certified companies? CBP states that C-TPAT validations are conducted based on risk and C-TPAT will validate all certified members with high-risk supply chains.
What is happening regarding C-TPAT participation/involvement of foreign suppliers? CBP states that only Mexican manufacturers and selected Canadian manufacturers invited by CBP are eligible to join C-TPAT. According to CBP, foreign manufacturers should join their home nation's supply chain security program, programs based on the World Customs Organization's (WCO's) Framework of Standards.
What are manufacturers/suppliers going to be eligible themselves to apply for C-TPAT? (With the WCO standards, if the source country has committed to apply the standards and if the country's main ports are CSI there does not appear to be any viable reason why CBP cannot validate sellers.)CBP states that the WCO calls for nations to develop and implement their own supply chain security programs, built around the Framework of Standards. C-TPAT will not be opened to foreign manufacturer or supplier enrollment beyond Mexico and Canada.
How long does it take for an importer to receive a written outcome of a site validation? CBP states that on average, a final validation report is received within 6 months. However, at the conclusion of a validation, a close out meeting is held with company representatives which outlines all findings, positive and negative. When the written validation report is received, there are no unexpected findings or recommendations. As C-TPAT permanent Supply Chain Security Specialist staffing increases, the final report time will decrease.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 12/30/05 news, 05123005, for Part I in this multi-part series of summaries.)
CBP answers to Trade Symposium questions (dated 12/23/05) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/communications_to_trade/trade_2005/answers_qcards.ctt/answers_qcards.doc.