Faster Borders

New Program Enacted

Staff Report

Commercial cargo should move through U.S. border checkpoints quicker under a new program enacted by U.S. Customs.

        The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, was announced recently by U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. It is an attempt to provide safeguards against terrorism while easing bottlenecks at U.S. Customs border crossings.

        C-TPAT is a joint initiative between government and business designed to protect the security of cargo entering the United States while improving the flow of trade. C-TPAT requires importers to take steps to assess, evolve and communicate new practices that ensure tighter security of cargo and enhanced security throughout the entire supply chain. In return, their goods and conveyances will receive expedited processing into the United States .

        Under the new program, commercial companies give the government advance information on the goods and the suppliers. About 15 minutes before a shipment arrives at the border, the company electronically notifies U.S. Customs that a truck is approaching the border and exactly what is on it. An on-board transponder will identify the shipment at the border.

        “The message should be clear-if a business takes steps to secure its cargo against terrorism, we will give it the ‘fast lane’ through the border,” said Bonner. “C-TPAT is a program through which businesses win, governments win, and most importantly, the American people win.”

        C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an active role in the war against terrorism. Through C-TPAT, Customs is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and...

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