CBP Says Validated C-TPAT Importers Should File Ocean Entries at Least 24 Hours Prior to Arrival (To Receive Full Benefit of Reduced Exams)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has posted a notice stating that certified and validated Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) importers who are not filing entry prior to the arrival of their cargo imported via ocean transport (sea containers) are not receiving their full C-TPAT benefits, especially reduced exams.
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For Sea Containers, Entry Should be Made No Later Than 24 Hours Before Arrival
According to CBP, to fully realize the reduced cargo examinations afforded to certified and validated C-TPAT importers with respect to sea containers, entry must be made to CBP as early in the importation process as possible, and at a minimum, 24 hours prior to the cargo arriving at the first ocean port of entry within the U.S.
Advance Filing Necessary as C-TPAT Benefits Aligned with Importer Number on Entry
CBP states that this advance filing is necessary because C-TPAT benefits are aligned with a C-TPAT member's importer of record number, which only becomes known when entry is filed (they are not identified on manifest information).
Consequently, to receive full benefits, the entry should be filed at the ocean port prior to arrival of the cargo.
(CBP emphasizes that this early filing applies only to cargo imported via ocean transport (sea containers) and not to cargo arriving via other modes of transport.)
CBP Contact: Assigned Supply Chain Security Specialist or industry.partnership@dhs.gov
CBP notice available at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/c_tapt_importers.xml
BP Note
Although this message was posted by CBP as a reminder, CBP sources contacted by phone stated that they were not aware of this information being previously provided.