Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT)

The Custom & Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a dual initiative launched in 2002 by the U.S. Government and Industry Leaders of the private business sector to develop and eventually establish a more secure supply chain to all businesses conducted with / in the United States and its territories. The utmost purpose is to prevent the nation from any further terrorist attempts and/or attacks. With this program the U. S. Government combine all previously established security initiatives, such as the Low Risk Importer Program, the Carrier Initiative Program, the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition and the Americas Counter Smuggling Initiative. These programs were established in their origin to promote a safer trade environment.

Participation in C-TPAT is voluntary, though, strongly recommended, since not becoming member can "eventually lead you out of business". U.S. Customs is seeking for all parties involved with the trade industry, mostly importers, to assure that security measures have been established along their supply chain, from beginning to end. This includes all areas of your logistics, such as personnel, procedures, facilities, record-keeping and conveyance security. Those companies that can not or do not want to make this commitment could eventually be considered a "risk / high-risk importer".

By becoming participants of the program, members will receive several benefits not available to not-participants, like a U.S. Customs Account Manager, assigned directly to the company, eligibility for participation in other Customs Programs as the Importer Self-Assessment / "ISA Program" (information also included). "ISA" members will also benefit from additional time to effect the Customs duty payments. Customs has yet to decide if they are to be paid once a month, or forty (45) days after entry. This will benefit members' cash flow. Also among the benefits of being a C-TPAT Partner, members will have reduced inspections to your shipments and facilities, and most important, to be considered as a Low-Risk Importer (including all additional benefits conferred by it).

For example, in the event of a national-ports shut down, companies partners of the C-TPAT will be the first permitted to reinstate their operations and their foreign shipments will be the first admitted to U.S. territory, as opposite to non-members. Also, members of the Program are not likely to do business with those not members, since members want and must guarantee a secure supply chain.

The application process consists of two phases, that we have denominated pre-application (Manifest of Understanding filing) and the formal-application (submission of security profile). Between the two phases, a period not to exceed sixty days is provided. At the end of the sixty days*, applicants must submit their Security Profile to Customs evidencing and assuring its security compliance.

Néstor Reyes, Inc., can help applicants receive all these benefits by providing expert guidance during the pre-application and application process. Our expertise in Federal Security Standards along with our fully established security procedures, bestowed upon us the honor of becoming the first Customs Brokerage Firm in Puerto Rico, as well as one of the first nationwide, to be selected member of the Program. We put this experience and expertise at your service.

Please keep in mind that joining C-TPAT is an act of compromise and willingness to improve global security throughout your supply chain, gaining more control over your operation while receiving all benefits conferred.

Please contact Mr. Angel C. Escalera, VP & Operations Manager, at a.escalera@nreyes.com to learn how NRI services can assist your company in becoming more competitive globally, while contributing to national security enforcement.

Hope to have you as our C-TPAT partner!

* This period could be extended on individual basis upon Customers approval.

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