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C-TPAT for Customs Brokers
Changes to Security Criteria Requirements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) developed new minimum criteria for customs brokers to qualify for membership in the
Customs-Trade Partnership
Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. Existing C-TPAT members have until April 2, 2007 to comply with the new criteria.
Certain security measures must be put into practice and maintained throughout the custom broker’s business model. The new minimum security criteria
address the following:
- Business Partner Requirements - “Business partner” includes all third parties within the supply chain performing agency obligations
for importer clients. Brokers must have written processes for the selection of new business partners.
- Container and Trailer Security and Seals - Customs brokers must inform their importer clients about the importance of having security procedures
in place to inspect, seal and maintain the integrity of shipping containers and trailers.
- Physical Access Controls - Access controls must include identification of all employees and visitors at all points of entry, prevent unauthorized
entry to facilities, maintain control of employees and visitors and protect company assets.
- Procedural Security - Security measures must be in place to guarantee the integrity of any data or documents relevant to security, transportation,
handling and storage of cargo.
- Documentation Processing - Procedures must be in place to guarantee that all information provided by the importer/exporter, freight forwarder,
etc., is legible and protected.
- Physical Security - Cargo handling and storage facilities must have physical barriers and deterrents that guard against unauthorized access.
- Information Technology Security - Procedures must be in place to protect computer access and information. Password Protection Automated systems
must require a periodic change of password, and Anti-Virus and Anti-Spy ware should be installed and kept current.
- Security Training and Threat Awareness - The broker should educate the importing community on C-TPAT policies. Communication should focus on
employees working in shipping, information technology, receiving and mailroom processing.
For complete details of the minimum security criteria for customs brokers go to
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/
commercial_enforcement/ctpat/security_criteria/broker_sec_
criteria_final.ctt/broker_sec_criteria_final.doc.
For existing C-TPAT members, CBP will not require written certification that the security criteria have been met, but will continue to use validations
to determine whether or not customs brokers have adopted the new security criteria. Those found to be deficient may have their benefits suspended or
removed.
New customs brokers wishing to join C-TPAT must meet or exceed the security criteria before they will be certified and eligible for program
benefits. If you are not currently a member of C-TPAT and wish to apply, you may do so electronically at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/
import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/online_app/.
Along with the online application, you must also submit corporate information, a supply chain security profile and an acknowledgement of an agreement to
voluntarily participate.
The criteria set to be C-TPAT certified will not only improve your business processes but will help guard your business against cargo and property loss.
Avalon Risk Management, Inc. provides cargo insurance and Property and Casualty insurance (P&C) to further protect your company.
Avalon works with multiple markets to provide coverage tailored to meet specialized cargo insurance needs. All policies provide basic All-Risk coverage
for cargo in transit, including Free of Particular Average and With Average alternatives. Avalon goes beyond standard coverage forms to offer customized
cargo policies which can include: project shipments, break bulk and bulk cargo, warehouse storage, cargo legal liability and other special cargo clauses.
To find out more, select our Cargo
brochure or
application.
Avalon’s Property and Casualty insurance is essential to protecting your business assets and reducing litigation exposures for various liabilities,
and can be tailored to include general liability, commercial automobile, workers compensation, and other coverage. To find out more information, view our
P&C
brochure.
For further information regarding Property and Casualty insurance contact Kim Beiswanger, P&C Product Manager. Kim can be reached at her direct line:
847-700-8076 or via e-mail at kbeiswanger@avalonrisk.com. For further information regarding Cargo
insurance contact Andriana Davis, Cargo Product Manager. Andriana can be reached at her direct line: 847-700-8087 or via e-mail at
adavis@avalonrisk.com. To view a directory of Avalon’s office locations, please visit our Web site at
www.avalonrisk.com.
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