CUSTOMS TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM (C-TPAT)
C-TPAT Initiative and Significance:
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a co-operative endeavour between the trade community and U.S Customs Service to develop, enhance and maintain effective security processes throughout the global supply chain. C-TPAT is an initiative to build co-operative relationships that strength overall supply chain and border security.
C-TPAT recognizes that the highest level of security can be provided only through close co-operation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, & manufacturers.
The expectation for the trade on this program is to make a commitment towards the common goal of creating a more secure and efficient supply chain through partnership. C-TPAT demands the assistance of private industry to ensure increased vigilance throughout the supply chain. It also recognizes that business must ensure that their brands, employees, and customers are protected to the best of their abilities.
Through this initiative, U.S Custom Service is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.
C-TPAT is also not in tended to create any new “liabilities” for companies beyond existing trade laws and regulations. However, companies to follow the action specified in the signed agreement.
C-TPAT recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of both vendors and buyers. For this reason a strong anit-terrorism partnership with the trade community through C-TPAT is required to safeguard the supply chain community. Trade partner with have a commitment to both trade security and trade compliance, which are rooted in the same business practices. U.S Customs wants to work closely with companies through C-TPAT whose good business practices insures supply chain security and compliance with trade laws.
Benefits of participating in C-TPAT:
C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this first world wide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more secure supply chain for their employees, suppliers and customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, C-TPAT members will be privilege of additional benefits including:
A reduced number of inspection.
An opportunity to expand “low-risk” treatment to all divisions within the company.
An emphasis on self-policing.
Customers Audit of C-TPAT:
The buyer will audit the vendors factory security system to assess overall trade compliance. The factory must pass the security audit and get approval of the concerned buyers to continue business on long-term basis. The buyers may recommend additional guidelines, which the vendors need to follow for the overall security of the supply chain.
