Customs Brokers who are current members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program were informed that they had 90-days from December 31, 2006 to address the security measures outlined in the minimum-security criteria. However, based on some concerns voiced by members of our trade community we have extended the deadline to comply with the minimum-security criteria by an additional 30 days. Thus, existing member Customs Brokers will now have until May 2, 2007 to address all of the cited security areas.
For those wishing to apply as a Customs Broker to the C-TPAT program, all the outlined minimum-security criteria must be properly addressed within their submitted application and security profile before it will be processed.
C-TPAT Customs Broker identified minimum-security criteria areas include:
Business Partner Requirements
Container and Trailer Security (container/trailer security, etc)
Container and Trailer Seals (seals, etc)
Physical Access Controls (employees, visitors, etc)
Procedural Security (notifying CBP, etc.)
Documentation Processing (transmitting information, etc)
Physical Security (fencing, lighting, parking, etc.).
Information Technology Security (passwords and accountability)
Security Training and Threat Awareness
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed minimum-security criteria for Customs Brokers already enrolled in the C-TPAT program, or wishing to join the voluntary, incentive-based supply chain security program.
These new minimum-security criteria solidifies membership expectations, and clearly defines and establishes the baseline level of security measures, which must be employed by member Customs Brokers. The Customs Broker minimum-security criteria is effective as of December 31, 2006.
CERTIFICATIONS: Existing C-TPAT Customs Brokers will not be required to provide a written certification that the security criteria has been met, nor will previously submitted and accepted security profiles need to be resubmitted. However, current security profiles will need to be updated to address these new security criteria. It will be understood that Customs Brokers must meet or exceed these baseline security criteria by the end of the implementation timeframe. CBP will continue to use validations to gauge whether or not Customs Brokers have adopted these security criteria. Those Customs Brokers found to be deficient, may have benefits suspended, or removed from the program entirely.
To assist in the implementation of these security criteria the trade is encouraged to submit questions to the C-TPAT Industry Partnership email address at Industry.Partnership@dhs.gov.
In closing, as a voluntary, incentive based supply chain security program, the new C-TPAT security criteria for Customs Brokers are risk based, flexible, and designed to help CBP achieve its twin goals of security and facilitation. CBP will continue to work with members who demonstrate a commitment towards strengthening their entire supply chain and benefits will be provided accordingly.
March 2007
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