C-TPAT Importer Security Criteria
C-TPAT Security Criteria Importers
Importers must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their international supply chains based upon the following C-TPAT security criteria. Where an importer out-sources or contracts elements of their supply chain, such as a foreign facility, conveyance, domestic warehouse, or other elements, the importer must work with these business partners to ensure that pertinent security measures are in place and adhered to throughout their supply chain. The supply chain for C-TPAT purposes is defined from point of origin (manufacturer/supplier/vendor) through to point of distribution – and recognizes the diverse business models C-TPAT members employ.
C-TPAT recognizes the complexity of international supply chains and endorses the application and implementation of security measures based upon risk analysis. Therefore, the program allows for flexibility and the customization of security plans based on the member’s business model.
Appropriate security measures, as listed throughout this document, must be implemented and maintained throughout the importer’s supply chains - based on risk.
Business Partner Requirement
Importers must have written and verifiable processes for the selection of business partners including manufacturers, product suppliers and vendors.
VIS’ RELEVANCE - VIS would serve as the central repository for user companies to store relevant documents spelling out security measures in place at their vendors’ facilities. VIS would store this type of information for each company involved in their supply chain. VIS offers reporting functionality designed to provide valuable supplier data for cost effective supplier selection. This also serves as a verifiable process of vendor selection
Security procedures
For those business partners eligible for C-TPAT certification (carriers, ports, terminals, brokers, consolidators, etc.) the importer must have documentation (e.g., C-TPAT certificate, SVI number, etc.) indicating whether these business partners are or are not C-TPAT certified.
VIS’ RELEVANCE - VIS would store relevant documentation for each of these entities and enable the easy distribution to CBP upon request. (In the case of the Universys pilot, CBP would have direct access.) Each of these entities has an associated electronic library of documentation with in VIS.
For those business partners not eligible for C-TPAT certification (currently, only Mexican businesses are eligible to participate. Asian and European companies will be folded in at a later date.), importers must require their business partners to demonstrate that they are meeting C-TPAT security criteria via written/electronic confirmation (e.g., contractual obligations; via a letter from a senior business partner officer attesting to compliance; a written statement from the business partner demonstrating their compliance with C-TPAT security criteria or an equivalent WCO accredited security program administered by a foreign customs authority; or, by providing a completed importer security questionnaire).Based upon a documented risk assessment process, non-C-TPAT eligible business partners must be subject to verification of compliance with C-TPAT security criteria by the importer.
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