What is C-TPAT?

C-TPAT stands for Custom-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. Through cooperation with participants (which can be importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, or manufacturers) CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security. In exchange for participation in the program, which requires demonstration of a strong commitment to both trade security and trade compliance, C-TPAT members are given certain benefits, such as a reduced number of CBP inspections, and priority processing for CBP inspections.