Since the program was launched, we can notice the changes. Many companies nowadays require C TPAT membership from their suppliers and eligible companies and companies that are required to be C TPAT compliant to join the program are preparing the same security profiles as their customers.

The C TPAT Security Profile is an draft of policies, company procedures and controls, choice of import supply chain business partners, hiring practices, information technology, physical security and they function as an application to the C TPAT program. This is required to have C TPAT Certification.

Those who apply for the C TPAT program, have to complete paperwork with customized security questionnaires and then direct it to their import supply-chain business partners, like foreign manufacturers or suppliers, transportation service providers, custom brokers and more, for review and recommendation if appropriate. A C TPAT consultant will then visit the domestic facilities and make an assessment, record the policies, procedures and controls that need to be acted upon.

The consultant can also update the C TPAT Security Profile, do the annual assessment and validation phase, and prepare the clients for validation by the CBP. This is required to get C TPAT Certification.

The main eligible companies that can join C TPAT program as part of their C TPAT Certification include US importers of record and US and Canadian Highway Carriers.

C TPAT advisors make the C TPAT security profiles for their clients. If clients are compliant and not eligible to join the C-TPAT program, they do not post their security profile to the U.S. Customs website but the security profile enables the client to present and keep market share for their import or service provider by being able to request business with companies that are C TPAT members or compliant and have their C TPAT Certification.

C-TPAT recognizes that Customs can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain, importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers. This initiative asks that business work to ensure the integrity of their supply chain processes and business partners, and successfully maintain open communication of their status. The program is not limited to large importer/exporters as CBP recognizes that small and medium-sized companies are integral parts of maintaining secure borders.