How does C-TPAT work?

When an entity joins Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), an agreement is made to work with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps, and implement specific security measures and best practices. Applicants must address a broad range of security topics and present security profiles that list action plans to align security throughout the supply chain.

C-TPAT members are considered to be of low risk, and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry.