U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) works with the trade community, such as offering voluntary programs like C-TPAT. This means that CBP expects members to self police themselves and in turn allows certain benefits. Nonetheless, CBP adopts a “trust but verify” focus with all members.

For this reason, CBP has announced that actions will be taken for any C-TPAT members that do not comply with minimum security criteria.

C-TPAT Members may be removed or suspended from the program if any of the following occur:

-Narcotics seizures or other security related incidents

-Failed validations or lack of compliance with C-TPAT requirements

-Failure to provide required information or filing false or misleading information

-Actions or inaction that shows lack of commitment to the program

C-TPAT Headquarters Program Director makes the final decision to suspend or remove a member based on all information obtained.

Some of the reasons of which a company can be removed from the program are the following:

-Provided false information

-Demonstrated inadequate security

-Demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the program’s requirements

After an incident or violation to the program occurs, C-TPAT officials will determine the next step on a case-by case basis.

*Consequences after suspension and removal of program

Suspension of the FAST Lane benefit is one of the consequences of no longer being member, along with a post incident analysis to determine the circumstances that led to the violation.

*How to get back in

CBP mentions that in order to be reinstated into the program after incident or violation the company must agree to the following:

-A corrective plan which identifies specific objectives and time frames

-The company must consent to un-announced visits by C-TPAT staff to monitor progress

To learn more about the latest C-TPAT Enforcement and Appeal Process from CPB please visit http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/