Issue 391, March 6, 2003
Since the C-TPAT program was first launched in April 2002, over 1,700 companies have enrolled (this includes importers, U.S. Customs Brokers, freight forwarders, carriers and port authorities). In November 2002, U.S. Customs informally announced that enrollment in C-TPAT will be limited, meaning that if you don't sign up for C-TPAT soon, you may be precluded from registering in the future. So, the time to enroll is now.

As more and more importers make the decision to join C-TPAT, those same companies are now requiring or strongly suggesting that other participants in their international supply chain also join the program. This includes customs brokers, carriers and freight forwarders. In the near future, Customs will also permit enrollment of foreign manufacturers and warehouse operators.

There really is no reason for a company eligible for C-TPAT to elect non-participation in the program. There are many benefits to being involved, such as fewer cargo exams, quick cargo release, dedicated commercial lanes and priority use of ACE. Ancillary benefits include a more secure supply chain, reduced cargo theft and greater protection of company resources and personnel.

However, enrollment in C-TPAT requires a serious commitment by company management of both time and resources, as Customs is seeking participation from companies dedicated to the assessment and implementation of supply chain security. Just last week, U.S. Customs announced C-TPAT validations to confirm that participants are in fact implementing their promised and agreed-to supply chain security procedures.

To enroll in the C-TPAT program, it is strongly recommended that companies make a serious commitment to both the process and the implementation of supply chain security procedures. To fully satisfy Customs' requirement that supply chain security be in a verifiable format, participants should develop and prepare a customized supply chain security manual. Many companies, both large and small, are relying on outside trade and customs specialists to assist them with this process. In the course of helping many companies successfully enroll in C-TPAT, there are 14 core areas for inclusion in your supply chain security procedures:

Personnel
Warehouse
Receiving
Facility
International trade documentation
Reporting
Information systems
Shipping
Conveyance
Supply chain service providers, vendors and suppliers
Non-supply chain service providers, vendors and suppliers
Customer
Training and education
Auditing and process improvement

The details of the participation in and requirements of the C-TPAT program are available on U.S. Customs' website at http://www.customs.gov/news/news.htm (and type "C-TPAT" in their search engine).

For further information, please contact our contributing author, Steven B. Zisser, via email or at (619) 671-0376. Mr. Zisser is an attorney/international trade management specialist in the San Diego border community of Otay Mesa, where he specializes in U.S. Customs and International Trade.

Please note that due to the complex nature of the subject matter, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean cannot be responsible for actions taken by the reader in reliance on the information contained herein without prior consultation with DHL Danzas Air & Ocean.