Details of CBP's Implementation Plan for the New C-TPAT Minimum Security Criteria for Air Carriers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued its minimum-security criteria for air carriers already enrolled in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, or wishing to join the voluntary, incentive-based supply chain security program.
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The air carrier minimum-security criteria are effective as of November 14, 2007.
(See today's ITT, 07111605, for BP summary of the new C-TPAT minimum security criteria for air carriers.)
For Air Carriers Wishing to Join C-TPAT
CBP states that air carriers wishing to enroll in C-TPAT program will now be required to meet these minimum-security criteria in order to achieve certification.
For Existing C-TPAT Member Air Carriers (120 Day Implementation Period)
For those air carriers already certified in the C-TPAT program, a phase in period has been established allowing for the updating of security profiles so that they may be in line with the new minimum-security criteria for air carriers. Currently enrolled and certified air carriers in the C-TPAT program will have 120 calendar days, commencing on November 14, 2007, to implement all of the minimum-security measures outlined in the criteria.
CBP worked closely with the Transportation Security Administration to ensure that these minimum-security criteria compliment current TSA regulations.
Written Certification Not Required
Existing C-TPAT air carriers will not be required to provide a written certification that the security criteria has been met, However, previously submitted and accepted security profiles will need to be updated to properly reflect and address these new minimum-security criteria.
Consequences for Non-Compliance with Minimum Security Criteria
CBP states that air carriers must meet or exceed these baseline security criteria by the end of the implementation period or face possible administrative action by the C-TPAT program.
In addition, CBP will continue to use validations to gauge whether or not air carriers have adopted these minimum-security criteria, and those air carriers found to be deficient could have benefits suspended or be removed from the program entirely.
Air Carriers Encouraged to Submit Questions on Implementation
To assist in the implementation of these security criteria, the trade is encouraged to submit questions to their currently assigned Supply Chain Security Specialist or via the C-TPAT Industry Partnership email address at Industry.Partnership@dhs.gov .
C-TPAT implementation plan (dated November 2007) available at http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/air_carrier_criteria/air_carrier_implement.ctt/air_carrier_implement.doc