C-TPAT certified companies have quickly learned that that CBP is very rigid when responding to a breach in supply chain security. All C-TPAT certified participants in the supply chain will immediately lose their C-TPAT certification status when their shipments are found to contain illicit merchandise. The consequence is immediate suspension. Several companies have argued that it is unfair to suspend all C-TPAT participants when only one party is responsible for the incident. Usually the breach occurs at the point of loading or in-transit.

CBP has made it a point that all C-TPAT certified companies must practice supply chain security every day with every shipment. The failure to properly secure even one part of your supply chain can easily lead to a breach in security and immediate suspension from the program. All parties in the supply chain must insure that all cargo is carefully screened and monitored at all times to avoid unauthorized access and manipulation. If each point of the supply chain commits to this, no violations should occur.

In our experience practicing supply chain security every day with every shipment is the best method for preventing a violation and protecting your C-TPAT status. At the very least it is also the best method to defend your security practices and secure quick reinstatement back into the program. U.S. Customs is committed to working with those companies who are equally committed to the program.