September 18, 2009

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has updated its Web site with information regarding the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program’s enforcement and appeal process.

According to Customs, C-TPAT members may be suspended or removed from the program for several reasons to include, but not limited to, the following: narcotics seizures or other security related incidents such as human smuggling attempts, failed validations, non-response to required information, or an overall lack of commitment to the program.

Once an incident occurs, C-TPAT determines the appropriate next steps on a case-by-case basis.

To avoid suspension or removal from the program, C-TPAT members must ensure they are in full compliance with the minimum security criteria and be cognizant of and responsive to mandated timeframes.

For C-TPAT’s minimum security criteria, visit: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/ .