As a voluntary supply chain security program based on trust, CTPAT is open to members of the trade community who can demonstrate excellence in supply chain security practices and who have had no significant security related events. While each application to the CTPAT program is considered on an individual basis, applicants need to take into account that if issues of concern do exist, they may result in CBP determining the applicant to be ineligible for participation in the program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be directly involved in the handling and management of international cargo destined for the U.S. Entities which only provide domestic services and are not engaged in cross border activities are not eligible.
- Manage and execute these particular logistics functions using its own transportation, consolidation and/or warehousing assets and resources, on behalf of the client company.
- Does not allow subcontracting of service beyond a second party other than to other CTPAT Members (does not allow the practice of “double brokering”, that is, the 3PL may contract with a service provider, but may not allow that contractor to further subcontract the actual provision of this service).
- Be licensed and/or bonded by the Federal Maritime Commission, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Designate a company officer that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for CTPAT.
- Sign the “CTPAT-Partner Agreement to Voluntarily Participate” and demonstrate commitment to the obligations outlined in this Agreement. This document is signed by a Company officer when the company applies for CTPAT membership via the CTPAT Portal.
- Complete a supply chain security profile in the CTPAT Portal, identifying how the company meets and maintains the Program’s MSC for 3PL's.
- Maintain no evidence of financial debt to CBP for which the responsible party has exhausted all administrative and judicial remedies for relief, a final judgment or administrative disposition has been rendered, and the final bill or debt remains unpaid at the time of the initial application or annual renewal.
- Maintain a staffed office in the United States.