Since its inception, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program has sought to enhance supply chain security throughout the international supply chain, from point of stuffing, up to the first U.S. port of arrival. As required by the SAFE Port Act of 2006, CBP has expanded the enrollment sectors to include other entities which can strengthen security along these critical points. Long haul Mexican highway carriers and foreign marine terminal operators were the first two new entities to be added to C-TPAT, each of which can provide tangible security benefits at key points in the international supply chain. The creation of the Third Party Logistics Provider (3PL) enrollment sector is part of the continuing evolution of the C-TPAT program and its efforts to include those supply chain sectors that add value to CBP’s efforts to protect the supply chain, while also continuing to be cautious to not duplicate existing efforts or enrollment sectors.

As has been the case with previously created enrollment sectors, C-TPAT will provide for an implementation period to accept applications. The automated application process will take approximately 90 days to come on-line. In an effort to allow those entities interested in applying for this new enrollment sector to review the criteria and prepare their applications, C-TPAT has decided to release the approved minimum-security criteria at this time (copy attached). C-TPAT strongly recommends that any entity wishing to apply review these criteria in advance in an effort to confirm their eligibility and expedite the eventual application process.

The following is a high level review of the 3PL minimum-security criteria and prospective applicants should thoroughly review the complete criteria before actual application:

Definition: A Third Party Logistics Provider (abbreviated “3PL”) is a firm that provides outsourced or “third party” logistics services to companies for part, or sometimes all of their supply chain management function. Third party logistics providers typically specialize in integrated warehousing and transportation services that can be scaled and customized to customer’s needs based on market conditions and the demands and delivery service requirements for their products and materials. Typical outsourced logistics functions include inbound freight, customs and freight consolidation, and warehousing.

For those wishing to apply as a Third Party Logistics Provider to the C-TPAT program, all the outlined minimum-security criteria must be properly addressed within their submitted application and security profile before it will be processed.

C-TPAT Third Party Logistics Providers identified minimum-security criteria areas include but are not limited to:

• Business Partner Requirements
  1. Service provider screening and selection
  2. Customer screening
• Security procedures
• Container/Trailer Inspection, Seals, Storage, Security (where applicable)
• Physical Security and Access Controls
• Procedural Security
  1. Document processing
  2. Manifesting
  3. Shipping & receiving
  4. Discrepancies
• Information Technology Security
• Security Training and Threat Awareness
• All eligibility requirements must be met

These new minimum-security criteria solidifies membership expectations, and clearly defines and establishes the baseline level of security measures, which must be employed by Third Party Logistics Providers. These minimum-security criteria will be effective as of January 1, 2009.

CERTIFICATIONS: It will be understood that Third Party Logistics Providers must meet or exceed these baseline security criteria to apply for this sector. CBP will continue to use validations to gauge whether or not Third Party Logistics Providers have adopted these security criteria. Those Third Party Logistics Providers found to be deficient, may be suspended, or be removed from the program entirely.