WB Skinner, Inc. is among 11,400 certified partner members of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
C-TPAT is a voluntary, joint government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen the overall supply chain and border security. Applicants to the program must answer specific questions about their security practices and present profiles that list their action plans throughout the supply chain.
Why Join? Overview of C-TPAT Benefits
Reduce the number of inspections and audits of the cargo coming into the U.S. which can result in:
- Reduced inspection fees
- Reduced customs fees
- Reduced cargo fees
More importantly, C-TPAT membership is extremely important if you operate on a just-in-time (JIT) basis or it is a contract order. Delays could be disastrous to your operation.
Among the many other benefits of membership are:
- Provide up to 50% off on penalty fine associated with ISF (10 + 2)
Many companies have mandated that their current and future vendors join the C-TPAT program. Therefore, C-TPAT membership may be a requirement (as well as a competitive advantage) if you want to continue doing business with existing customers, as well as with future customers.
- If CBP targets a container for inspection, when you are bringing in multiple containers under one Bill of Lading, CBP will ONLY hold the targeted container for inspection and release the balance. If NOT a C-TPAT member, CBP will hold ALL.
- Preferential status with customs officials on conventional customs issues such as duties, tariffs, county of origin matters and focus assessments.
- By setting up the proper controls and procedures and evaluating your supply chain in order to meet the minimum C-TPAT security requirements, you will be reducing theft–related losses, protecting the company’s brand name, and potentially reducing insurance premiums.
- Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS).
- Front of line status to receive cargo if ports close.
- Minimize the economic and political fallout should one of your containers indeed be compromised.
How to Join C-TPAT
Participation in C-TPAT is voluntary and there are no costs associated with joining the program. Moreover, a company does not need an intermediary in order to apply to the program and work with CBP; the application process is easy and it is done online.
Detailed instructions on the process can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website HERE.
