U.S. Customs Service started taking applications from the global transportation community for membership in the -TPAT program.

C-TPAT or Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program is an initiative between business and government to protect global commerce from terrorism. The initiative that began past April, initially sought membership from major importers of goods into the U.S. To date, just over 230 importers have agreed to participate.

The program calls upon importing businesses to establish policies to enhance their own security practices and those of business partners involved in the supply chain. Once these policies are in effect, imports by these businesses would be given expedited processing at ports of entry.

The liner shipping industry is providing very widespread support for the U.S. Customs Service's Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. On July 15, Customs opened the program to participation by ocean carriers. Member lines of the World Shipping Council -- representing over 89 percent of the liner shipping capacity serving America's international commerce -- have demonstrated their commitment to the program as part of the industry's effort to support the government's strategy to improve international supply chain security.

The Coast Guard, the Customs Service, and TSA are all working to improve cargo security while ensuring the continued efficient and smooth flow of America's imports and exports.

Member Companies of the World Shipping Council That Have Applied to Participate in Customs' Trade Partnership Against Terrorism

APL
China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO)
CMA-CGM
CP Ships (incluyendo Lykes Lines, Contship Containerlines, TMM Lines, y ANZDL)
Crowley Maritime Corporation
Evergreen Marine Corporation (incluyendo Lloyd Triestino, y Hatsu Marine Ltd.)
Hamburg Sud (incluyendo Columbus Line, Crowley American Transport y Alianca)
Hanjin Shipping Company
Hapag-Lloyd Container Line
Maersk Sealand
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
NYK Line
P&O Nedlloyd Ltd.
Safmarine
Senator Lines
United Arab Shipping Company
Zim Israel Navigation Company

All carriers involved in C-TPAT must complete a Customs "Sea Carrier Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire" which asks them to present an overview of their existing security program.

The U.S. Customs Service began to accept applications from all importers and carriers ( Air Carriers - Importers - Rail Carriers - Sea Carriers ) seeking participation in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) initiative that began on April 17, 2002.

Security Recommendations contains a list of suggestions for establishing, improving, or amending, security procedures along the entire supply chain. Each set of recommendations applies to a specific segment of the import chain such as a carrier, broker, importer, or warehouse and is meant to serve as only a guide and not as an established standard. As the C-TPAT evolves, the advice may be adjusted to further reflect input by the trade community.

Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire include minimal elements that a company is expected to address as a part of the C-TPAT application process. These elements include physical, personnel, and informational security programs and procedures employed by the company and an indication of existing security weaknesses. The questionnaire also requests information on the security procedures used when selecting international service providers and the steps taken to ensure that those companies employ adequate safeguards against terrorist activity.

For additional info http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/enforcem/tpat.htm or e-mail to industry.partnership@customs.treas.gov