Implementation Plan Published on Customs Website
New Customs security criteria, effective March 25, 2005 , has been published at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/criteria_importers/
For importers new to the program, these security criteria must be met or exceeded before they can become certified and eligible for benefits. For existing C-TPAT member importers, beginning March 25, 2005 the following three phase implementation program must be adopted:
- Phase 1 will allow 60 days to address container security, physical security, and physical access.
- Phase 2 will allow 120 days to enhance personnel security, procedural security, information technology security, and security training and threat awareness.
- Phase 3 will allow 180 days to address Business Partner Requirement elements.
In an effort to promote the program Customs notes several benefits for C-TPAT participants, including a reduced number of inspections, an assigned account manager, access to the C-TPAT membership list, eligibility for account-based processes, and an emphasis on self-policing, not Customs verifications.
The Department of Homeland Security has published a notice in the Federal Register on February 1, 2005 stating that "applicants seeking to establish importer or broker accounts so as to access the ACE Portal, or to participate in any ACE test, are no longer required to provide a statement certifying participation in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)."