Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary program run by Customs in which companies implement measures to develop and enhance import security practices. Customs uses C-TPAT as a tool to assess risk in the supply chain, and to ensure accountability and oversight, allowing Customs to devote its resources to high risk shipments. In return for completing a security profile and pledging to cooperate with Customs in improving supply chain security, C-TPAT participants receive certain benefits from Customs akin to those given to low-risk importers (See March 27, 2002 Pillsbury Winthrop Bulletin on C-TPAT).
Over the past year, 1,126 importers have joined and taken advantage of the benefits of C-TPAT which accounts for 70 percent of imported cargo. Customs has recently completed "validations" of 15 C-TPAT pilot program companies and will begin the validation of another 15 in the next month. The validation process ensures that C-TPAT participants have implemented
