In Brief

Four Slow Steps to the Fast Lane

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.

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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