In Brief

Four Slow Steps to the Fast Lane

By CSO Contributor

September 01, 2003 — CSO — Companies that join the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, agree to secure their supply chain in return for a "fast lane" at border crossing. Here's the rundown on the process and the number of companies that have gotten that far, as of July 2003.

Step 1: Sign Up

Sign a memorandum of understanding stating that your company intends to participate in C-TPAT.

So far, 3,800 companies have signed.

Step 2: Apply

Complete a questionnaire about your company's security procedures, which include asking business partners about theirs.

2,400 companies have applied.

Step 3: Get Certified

If Customs approves the application, your company will be recognized as C-TPAT certified.

1,400 companies have been certified.

Step 4: Get Validated

A Customs team comes to check that what you said on your application is really true.

20 companies have been approved.

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