C-TPAT - Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism:

Securing the Global Supply Chain

As a result of the events of September 11th, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has undertaken numerous initiatives to improve border protection. One of these initiatives is Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). C-TPAT is a joint government and business initiative to improve the integrity of the supply chain from door to door.

C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. In joining C-TPAT, companies sign an agreement to work with CBP to protect the supply chain, identify security gaps and implement specific security measures and best practices. Areas covered under this initiative are:

• Procedural Security
• Physical Security
• Access Controls
• Personnel Security
• Education and Training Awareness
• Manifest Procedures
• Conveyance Security

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. In addition, CBP offers the following benefits to C-TPAT members:

• A reduced number of inspections and reduced border wait times
• A C-TPAT supply chain specialist to serve as a CBP liaison for validations, security issues and procedural updates
• Access to C-TPAT Members through the Status Verification Interface
• C-TPAT certified importers receive targeting benefits by receiving risk-scoring credits via the CBP targeting system
• Certified C-TPAT members are eligible for the Importer Self Assessment Program (ISA)
• C-TPAT Members are eligible to attend CBP sponsored supply chain security training seminars

Hipage received their acceptance as a Certified Member of Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) September 17, 2003 and were validated members in January of 2004.