U.S Customs Brokers must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their security practices based upon the following C-TPAT minimum-security criteria. Recognizing that Customs Brokers normally do not play a significant role in the physical aspect of stuffing. Loading, transporting, and distributing merchandise, the broker does play a decisive role in the transmission of key trade data and as a liaison between U.S Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and other key entities in the supply chain. In this capacity, the broker’s key role for C-TPAT is to educate, corroborate and encourage that members within supply chains further the supply chain security tenants of C-TPAT. These minimum-security criteria are fundamentally designed to be the building blocks for C-TPAT members to institute effective security practices designed to optimize supply chain performance to mitigate the possibility that terrorists could exploit a supply chain. Strong Supply Chain Security measures also reduce the risk of loss, theft, and contraband smuggling that could potentially introduce dangerous elements into the global supply chain.
C-TPAT recognizes the complexity of international supply chains and security practices, and endorses the application and implementation of security measures based upon risk . The supply chain for C-TPAT purposes is defined from point of origin) manufacturer/supplier/vendors) through to point of distribution- and recognizes the diverse business models that C-TPAT members employ. Therefore, the program allows for flexibility and the customization of security plans based on the member’s business model. Appropriate security measures, business model. Appropriate security measures, as listed throughout this document, must be implemented and maintained throughout the Broker’s Business model, based on risk.
Business Partner Requirements:
Unless otherwise expressly indicated, for purposes of implementing the minimum standards prescribed in this section, the terms " business partner" will include all third parties within the supply chain with whom the Customs Broker voluntarily, and on its own initiative engages in the performance of its agency obligations for importers clients (but does not include those clients).
Broker must have written and verifiable process for the screening of new business partners, beyond financial soundness issues, to include security indicators.
- Written procedures must exist to address the specific factors or practices as determined by CBP as sufficient to trigger additional security of the import transaction as informed by U.S Customs & Border Protection (CBP). CBP will work in partnership with the brokers to identify specific information regarding what factors, practices or risks are relevant.
- For business partners eligible for C-TPAT certification, the customs broker must have documentation (e.g., C-TPAT certificate, SVI number, etc.) indicating whether these business partners are, or are not C-TPAT certified. Current or prospective business partners who have obtained a certification in a supply chain security program being administered by foreign customs Administration should be required to indicate their status of participation to the broker. To the extent such information can be obtained, broker will maintain secure provider lists of C-TPAT certified (0r equivalent) service providers in all relevant categories.
- For client-importers, brokers must insure that C-TPAT Secrity criteria is provided by making educational opportunities available through seminars, through consultative services, dissemination of text materials, and/or through providing assistance to clients in obtaining such materials on the CPB website or elsewhere, when requested. The brokers must develop and document a process for handling security related client- importers inquiries. Brokers should encourage clients –importers to join the C-TPAT program.
The training must include the following content: - Policy Statement
- Vision Statement
- Mission Statement
- Facility and description
- Procedures in place related to: Crime & Loss Prevention, Bomb Threats, Crisis Management, Armed Assault, Civil Disturbance, First Aid, Fire Safety, Emergency Evacuation Plan, Illegal Narcotics discovery.
- Physical Security
- Procedural Security
- Personnel Security
- Hiring policies and procedures
- Vendor procedures
- Internal code of conduct
- Education and training
- Access Control policy
- Documentation policies
- Security Development Plan
