Star USA Helps Clients Obtain & Maintain CTPAT Membership

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) is a voluntary public-private program that's part of a larger cargo security strategy of the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). It started after 9/11 with the main goal of improving U.S. supply chain and border security. Today, approximately 11,400+ members of the program (importers, customs brokers, terminal operators, carriers, and foreign manufacturers) sign on to CBP requirements to protect their chains of supply, identify potential security risks, follow best industry practices, and implement CBP-recommended security measures.

Star USA provides CTPAT training consulting and helps ensure clients' operations are aligned with CBP standards. Whether you're seeking to train your own employees or those of your service providers and suppliers, we can help. Our CTPAT courses are ideal for companies brand new to the program as well as long-time members who could use a refresher.

CTPAT supply chain security measures help drive down the risk of illicit or illegal activity threats to supply chains. These include activities like drug trafficking, terrorism, human trafficking, illegal contraband, etc. Black markets and illegal trade can weaken global supply chain integrity and curb economic growth and market security. They can also stifle job growth, tax revenues, and foreign investments, and erode public trust.

Our CTPAT training & consulting services are known for being rigorous - a big part of why they're so effective. We want to make sure Star USA clients have all the information and tools they need to create a more secure global trade environment that strengthens our borders and protects both businesses and consumers.

CTPAT members who implement the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) in daily practice are ensuring their own supply chain security, but are also doing their part to help safeguard the international trade community at-large.

Star USA helps clients meet all ongoing CTPAT requirements, maintain membership, and conduct risk assessments, training, and education required to meet the minimum security criteria. Our global trade experts offer proactive guidance to keep you ahead of the curve.

The Benefits Of Participation In CTPAT Include:

  • Eligibility to participate in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA) and removal from audit pools
  • Participation in Customs' new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
  • FAST program on the US/Canada and US/Mexico borders
  • A reduced number of inspections (reduced border delays)
  • An assigned account manager
  • Access to the CTPAT membership list
  • Additional Benefits
  • Brand protection
  • Competitive advantage
  • Supply chain effectiveness
  • Policy & Procedure development
  • Cross benefit with internal strategic initiatives
    • Loss Prevention
    • Risk Management
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • More competitive
  • Facilitates global trade

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To be CTPAT certified, an eligible international trade partner must complete an online application and then undergo a CTPAT validation process. The application process has two main components: The Company Profile and the Security Profile. The first part is fairly simple, but the Security Profile contains questions that require detailed answers about your supply chain security. Your responses are then reviewed by a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) with the CBP, who will determine whether your company meets the minimum requirements for CTPAT membership. Completion of CTPAT training before initiating your application helps ensure you're providing the specialist with everything needed to advance your application to the validation phase. Star USA consultants can also complete the application for you or offer step-by-step instructions for how to complete these forms.

CTPAT applicants must then have their Security Profile validated - a process that involves the SCSS and one of your own representatives (your own team member or your consultant) conducting validation visits at various sites of your operation. These visits are intended to provide a detailed review of import supply chain security procedures to determine if security procedure is sufficient. If weaknesses in the security of the supply chain are identified, the company may be given recommendations on corrective actions before their membership will be considered again.

Members Of CTPAT Can Avoid The Possibility Of:

  • Greater scrutiny of cargo
  • Added examinations
  • Requests for information
  • No guarantees for cargo processing times
  • Increased reviews and audits

Maintaining optimally secure international supply chains benefits everyone.

CTPAT requires security procedures from loading point to inspection to prop sealing - on truck trailers, shipping containers, and more. Trailer and container seals must meet or exceed ISO PAS 17712 standards for high-security seals.

If your company is not a member of CTPAT, contact us for detailed information about the program benefits, cost investment, and process for training and certification.

For more Information on CTPAT, please visit the CBP's website.