With the passage of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Reauthorization Act of 2017 on October 24, 2017, by the U.S. House of Representatives, the bill now seeks approval from the U.S. Senate. Currently, over 11,400 CTPAT members are participating in this public-private partnership program to strengthen security, facilitate cargo, and ensure compliance with the law.
As members, they acknowledge U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers the highest level of security for the movement of goods through the strong relationships and collaboration with the global trade community like carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, forwarders, importers, and manufacturers. These entities agree to work with CBP to apply specific security measures and best practices, recognize security gaps and protect their supply chains. As a result, CTPAT members reduce the chance of having an examination at a U.S. port of entry because they are deemed to have a lower risk.
In addition to the reauthorization of the CTPAT program, one of the proposed changes in the current House version of the bill will look to institute a standard process for CTPAT members to report suspicious activity. Another change will require CBP to give enough time and notice to CTPAT participants to comply with changes to any rules or security criteria.
For more questions about CTPAT or applying for the program, please contact OCEANAIR Compliance at compliance@oceanair.net or (781) 286-2700.
