While significant work has been completed in updating the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, there is still much more to be done.
Updates include new Minimum Security Criteria and a new best practices framework, but the program continues to be updated and refined under the leadership of Elizabeth Schmelzinger, C-TPAT director at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).
These updates aim to show measurable security improvements while keeping the program attractive to the trade community for cargo processing benefits, Schmelzinger said during a September 6 interview. Implementation of a small number of new criteria requirements could come at some point during the 2018 fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2018. Updated criteria will occur in phases, with C-TPAT likely developing an education process, outreach to members, and gradual implementation. As validations occur every four years, it will take four years of iterations to make a complete change.
A new best practices methodology was unveiled during a C-TPAT conference in Detroit in early September. Instead of a list of best practices, the methodology will contain particular elements which are about the sustainability of a practice and the buy-in of the leadership of the company. The methodology is measurable, individualized, and adaptable to the unique practices of a company.
Currently, CBP is reviewing suggestions for new benefits from participants in the Trusted Trader pilot. A recent report from the Government Accountability Office found that benefits for C-TPAT participants are lacking. Schmelzinger hopes that participants and CPB find quantifiable benefits and a framework in order to encourage traders to get on board with the compliance program.
For more information on C-TPAT, check out our recent blog on C-TPAT Security, or visit our resource page on our website, www.greenworldwide.com/forms-and-downloads.
