U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted 2 helpful publications for Exporters interested in CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism). Eligibility has been extended. This move will help expand CTPAT into a broader authorized economic operator-type program and, according to CBP, is consistent with the National Export Initiative to facilitate export cargo shipments.

Scarbrough International, Ltd. will be conducting a Seminar on October 16, 2014 including vital information on the latest developments.  To register, click here.

A fact sheet released during the week of Sept. 8 states that CBP will begin accepting CTPAT applications from exporters but gives no specific date. Those wishing to participate in the CTPAT Exporter program must meet its definition of an exporter (a person or company who, as the principal party in interest in the export transaction, has the power and responsibility for determining and controlling the sending of the items out of the United States) as well as the following eligibility requirements.

To access the Fact Sheet, Click here.

To access the Eligibility Requirements Document, Click here.

cptat

Eligibility.

– be an active U.S. exporter out of the U.S. with a documentable Employer Identification Number or Dun & Bradstreet number

– have a business office staffed in the U.S.

– have a documented export security program and a designated officer or manager who will act as the CTPAT program main point of contact (the participant should have an alternate point of contact as well)

– commit to maintaining the CTPAT supply chain security criteria, as outlined in the CTPAT

exporter agreement (see attached)

– create and provide CBP with a CTPAT supply chain security profile that identifies how the exporter will maintain and enhance internal policy to meet CTPAT exporter security criteria

– have an acceptable level of compliance for export reporting for the latest 12-month period and be in good standing with federal agencies such as the Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Defense

CBP states that exporters that have been certified and validated and are in good standing as an exporter entity under CTPAT can receive the following benefits.

Benefits.

– heightened facilitation from foreign partners, depending on the mutual recognition arrangements in place

– marketing advantages stemming from confidence among business partners that CTPAT company cargo is more secure

– reduced examination rates and prioritized exams over non-C-T-PAT members

– priority processing over non-C-T-PAT shipments

– actions to maintain communication and coordination with CTPAT partners during shipping disruptions

– access to an individually-assigned supply chain security specialist who is available to assist with questions regarding supply chain security

– eligibility to attend CTPAT training and seminars such as the annual CTPAT conference

– access to the CTPAT Portal System, which provides a means of communication with the assigned SCSS and various multimedia security materials

– application of a common set of security requirements facilitates international trade by minimizing the duplication of efforts and procedures