CUSTOMS AND TRADE PARTNERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISM
(C-TPAT)
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 outsources 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.
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. For those business partners not eligible
for C-TPAT certification, 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.
Point of Origin Importers must ensure business partners develop
security processes and procedures consistent with the C-TPAT security
criteria to enhance the integrity of the shipment at point of origin.
Periodic reviews of business partners’ processes and facilities
should be conducted based on risk, and should maintain the security
standards required by the importer.
Participation / Certification in Foreign Customs Administrations
Supply Chain Security Programs Current or prospective business partners
who have obtained a certification in a supply chain security program
being administered by foreign Customs Administration should be required
to indicate their status of participation to the importer.
Other Internal criteria for selection Internal requirements, such
as financial soundness, capability of meeting contractual security
requirements, and the ability to identify and correct security deficiencies
as needed, should be addressed by the importer. Internal requirements
should be assessed against a risk-based process as determined by
an internal management team.
Container Security Container integrity must be maintained to protect
against the introduction of unauthorized material and/or persons.
At point of stuffing, procedures must be in place to properly seal
and maintain the integrity of the shipping containers. A high security
seal must be affixed to all loaded containers bound for the U.S.
All seals must meet or exceed the current PAS ISO 17712 standards
for high security seals.
Container Inspection Procedures must be in place to verify the
physical integrity of the container structure prior to stuffing,
to include the reliability of the locking mechanisms of the doors.
A seven-point inspection process is recommended for all containers:
Front wall Left side Right side Floor Ceiling/Roof Inside/outside
doors Outside/Undercarriage
Container Seals Written procedures must stipulate how seals are
to be controlled and affixed to loaded containers - to include procedures
for recognizing and reporting compromised seals and/or containers
to US Customs and Border Protection or the appropriate foreign authority.
Only designated employees should distribute container seals for
integrity purposes.
Container Storage Containers must be stored in a secure area to
prevent unauthorized access and/or manipulation. Procedures must
be in place for reporting and neutralizing unauthorized entry into
containers or container storage areas.
Physical Access Controls Access controls prevent unauthorized entry
to facilities, maintain control of employees and visitors, and protect
company assets. Access controls must include the positive identification
of all employees, visitors, and vendors at all points of entry.
Employees An employee identification system must be in place for
positive identification and access control purposes. Employees should
only be given access to those secure areas needed for the performance
of their duties. Company management or security personnel must adequately
control the issuance and removal of employee, visitor and vendor
identification badges. Procedures for the issuance, removal and
changing of access devices (e.g. keys, key cards, etc.) must be
documented.
Visitors Visitors must present photo identification for documentation
purposes upon arrival. All visitors should be escorted and visibly
display temporary identification.
Deliveries (including mail) Proper vendor ID and/or photo identification
must be presented for documentation purposes upon arrival by all
vendors. Arriving packages and mail should be periodically screened
before being disseminated.
Challenging and Removing Unauthorized Persons Procedures must be
in place to identify, challenge and address unauthorized/unidentified
persons.
Personnel Security Processes must be in place to screen prospective
employees and to periodically check current employees.
Pre-Employment Verification Application information, such as employment
history and references must be verified prior to employment.
Background checks / investigations Consistent with foreign, federal,
state, and local regulations, background checks and investigations
should be conducted for prospective employees. Once employed, periodic
checks and reinvestigations should be performed based on cause,
and/or the sensitivity of the employee’s position.
Personnel Termination Procedures Companies must have procedures
in place to remove identification, facility, and system access for
terminated employees.
Procedural Security Security measures must be in place to ensure
the integrity and security of processes relevant to the transportation,
handling, and storage of cargo in the supply chain.
Documentation Processing Procedures must be in place to ensure
that all information used in the clearing of merchandise/cargo,
is legible, complete, accurate, and protected against the exchange,
loss or introduction of erroneous information. Documentation control
must include safeguarding computer access and information.
Manifesting Procedures To help ensure the integrity of cargo received
from abroad, procedures must be in place to ensure that information
received from business partners is reported accurately and timely.
Shipping & Receiving Arriving cargo should be reconciled against
information on the cargo manifest. The cargo should be accurately
described, and the weights, labels, marks and piece count indicated
and verified. Departing cargo should be verified against purchase
or delivery orders. Drivers delivering or receiving cargo must be
positively identified before cargo is received or released.
Cargo Discrepancies All shortages, overages, and other significant
discrepancies or anomalies must be resolved and/or investigated
appropriately. Customs and/or other appropriate law enforcement
agencies must be notified if illegal or suspicious activities are
detected - as appropriate.
Security Training and Threat Awareness A threat awareness program
should be established and maintained by security personnel to recognize
and foster awareness of the threat posed by terrorists at each point
in the supply chain. Employees must be made aware of the procedures
the company has in place to address a situation and how to report
it. Additional training should be provided to employees in the shipping
and receiving areas, as well as those receiving and opening mail.
Additionally, specific training should be offered to assist employees
in maintaining cargo integrity, recognizing internal conspiracies,
and protecting access controls. These programs should offer incentives
for active employee participation.
Physical Security Cargo handling and storage facilities in domestic
and foreign locations must have physical barriers and deterrents
that guard against unauthorized access. Importers should incorporate
the following C-TPAT physical security criteria throughout their
supply chains as applicable.
Fencing Perimeter fencing should enclose the areas around cargo
handling and storage facilities. Interior fencing within a cargo
handling structure should be used to segregate domestic, international,
high value, and hazardous cargo. All fencing must be regularly inspected
for integrity and damage.
Gates and Gate Houses Gates through which vehicles and/or personnel
enter or exit must be manned and/or monitored. The number of gates
should be kept to the minimum necessary for proper access and safety.
Parking Private passenger vehicles should be prohibited from parking
in or adjacent to cargo handling and storage areas.
Building Structure Buildings must be constructed of materials that
resist unlawful entry. The integrity of structures must be maintained
by periodic inspection and repair.
Locking Devices and Key Controls All external and internal windows,
gates and fences must be secured with locking devices. Management
or security personnel must control the issuance of all locks and
keys.
Lighting Adequate lighting must be provided inside and outside
the facility including the following areas: entrances and exits,
cargo handling and storage areas, fence lines and parking areas.
Alarms Systems & Video Surveillance Cameras Alarm systems and video
surveillance cameras should be utilized to monitor premises and
prevent unauthorized access to cargo handling and storage areas.
Information Technology Security
Password Protection Automated systems must use individually assigned
accounts that require a periodic change of password. IT security
policies, procedures and standards must be in place and provided
to employees in the form of training.
Accountability A system must be in place to identify the abuse
of IT including improper access, tampering or the altering of business
data. All system violators must be subject to appropriate disciplinary
actions for abuse.
This program
is gaining popularity and often being amended. Check back often
for changes and updates.
Please visit
the CBP
website for additonal requirements.
Bill of lading required for Non-AMS shipment
Importer
Benefits
1//07 Cambell
& Gardiner Inc. Recieved C-TPAT Approval
4/12/07 Security Guidelines for Food Industry
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