C-TPAT Security Audit In Hyderabad

CIL provides accredited C-TPAT security audit/inspection services in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. CIL is the only accredited inspection agency in India to conduct C-TPAT security audits. CIL is an ISO 17020 accredited inspection agency. Contact us for C-TPAT certification services in India. 

CDG Inspection Limited is a leading inspection & testing company of India. We follow ISO 17020:12 standarc in all our inspection activities & ISO 17025:2017 standard in test lab services. We provide inspection & testing services in wide range of areas / products.

What is C-TPAT? 

C-TPAT means Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. C-TPAT is a voluntary program that was designed to enable collaboration between the government and independent organizations in ensuring the security of customs and trade processes against terrorism. The program hopes to encourage legitimate activities with the help of the Customs as well as the business community.

The program was launched in November 2001. As a United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program, C-TPAT is an initiative supported by the Department of Homeland Security. At its onset, there were 7 participating organization. These organizations were all large organizations based in the US.  C-TPAT is one of the programs aimed at the security of the borders. 

C-TPAT was initiated with the goal of involving independent organizations in keeping the borders safe and ensuring the security of supply processes. Thus, the program is aimed at identifying security gaps, monitoring processes and implementing measures for preventing terrorism and illegitimate activities. Participants in the program include importers, brokers and carriers. C-TPAT is a global initiative. 

Organizations that seek C-TPAT certification undergo a documented process that examines their supply chain. A C-TPAT certification confirms that an organization has implemented low-risk supply chain procedures. 

Benefits are attached to C-TPAT certification. These benefits include lesser wait times at borders and fewer inspections. C-TPAT members who are specialists also serve as training and inspection liaisons for the CBP. There are also designed FAST lanes for C-TPAT members who are carriers reducing the time spent on inspection of these carriers on the Canadian and Mexican border. Importers who have C-TPAT certification enjoy benefits such as eligibility for the Importer Self-Assessment Program which substitutes for Focused Assessment. Containers of organizations that are C-TPAT-certified also receive priority treatment.

Requirements of C-TPAT Audit 

Organizations with C-TPAT certification are expected to carry out an audit of their supply chain process as part of the activities the agreement commits them to. According to the C-TPAT guidelines, the self-assessment carried out by organizations seeking certification should include area such as Business Partner Security, Physical Access Controls, Procedural Security, Personnel Security, Security Training and Threat Awareness, Container Security, Physical Security, and Information Technology Security. 

These organizations are also expected to conduct a 5-step risk assessment of their supply chain activity. This assessment includes conducting threat and vulnerability assessment as well as mapping cargo flow, preparing an action plan and documenting the entire process. 

C-TPAT-certified organizations are also expected to complete a questionnaire and develop supply chain processes according to established guidelines as well as validate their premise and the premises of their foreign suppliers.