The U.S. Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program is a voluntary supply chain security program developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the assistance from companies involved in international trade. The program was launched in November 2001 immediately after the terrorist attacks of September 11th with seven initial participants, all large U.S. companies. This program was developed to improve the security of the United States of America and the international supply chain. CBP recognizes that a safe and secure supply chain is the most critical part of its work in keeping our country safe. For this reason, CBP is seeking a strong anti-terrorism partnership with the trade community through the C-TPAT program.
As of May 2007, there were more than 7,000 certified members participating, according to Todd Owens, CBP Director of the Office of C-TPAT in Washington D.C. The following are the types of companies eligible to join C-TPAT:
  • U.S. importers of record
  • U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico highway carriers
  • Rail, sea, and air carriers
  • U.S. marine port authority and terminal operators
  • U.S. air freight consolidators, ocean transportation intermediaries and non-vessel operating common carriers
  • Mexican manufacturers
  • Certain invited foreign manufacturers
  • Licensed U.S. customs brokers
  • Long haul Mexican highway carriers
  • Foreign ports
  • Domestic and foreign third party logistics providers “3PLs” (2009)
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the benefits of participating in C-TPAT could include:
  • Playing an active role in the war against terrorism
  • A reduced number of CBP inspections
  • Priority processing if selected for an inspection
  • Eligibility to attend C-TPAT training seminars
  • Reduced Customs inspections
  • Reduced border delays
  • Entitlement to a CBP account manager
  • Participation in the war against terrorism
  • Need certification to proceed with Importer Self Assessment program (ISA)
  • Use of the FAST lane on the northern and southern borders
  • Selling point to prospective customers