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 C-TPAT Security Link Portal - Questions and Answers
(07/03/2006)U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program announces the implementation of a new C-TPAT Internet Application and Communications Portal. The C-TPAT Security Link Portal is a significant advancement in the evolution of the C-TPAT program. It enhances and improves the processing and communication for all C-TPAT participants and certified C-TPAT members. The C-TPAT Security Link Internet Portal will be mandatory for all eligible Participants. The Security Link Portal will be available in May 2006. Specific implementation and access information will be provided to all current C-TPAT participants via e-mail. Questions & Answers| Q: | What is the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | The C-TPAT Security Link Portal is a secure, full-service, Internet web portal that will allow qualifying C-TPAT participants to:- Enter new applications.
- Instantly submit information updates and add new information.
- Maintain a “living” Supply Chain Security Profile that can be updated as needed and must be updated and re-certified on a yearly basis.
- Communicate directly with CBP C-TPAT and/or their designated C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Specialists using a secure system.
- Receive information directly from CBP to include cargo security alerts and sanitized intelligence information.
- Maintain a list of authorized users.
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| Q: | Are C-TPAT participants required to use the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | Yes. All C-TPAT participants will be required to use the C-TPAT Security Link Portal to ensure that all company information and Supply Security Profile information is accurate and complete. |
| Q: | What information will be required to create and maintain a C-TPAT Security Link Portal Account? | | A: | C-TPAT participants and certified members will be required to enter, update, and maintain several key fields of information to assist in the verification of program eligibility. This includes the posting of your current C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Profile and business profile information. |
| Q: | What kind of security is being used to protect my company information on the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | CBP is using 128 bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. SSL uses a system that uses two keys to encrypt data. Both Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer support SSL, and many Web sites use the protocol to obtain confidential user information, such as credit card numbers. |
| Q: | How long will C-TPAT participants have to provide their Supply Chain Security Profile information to CBP C-TPAT in the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | C-TPAT participants must access and update all C-TPAT Security Link Portal Account information, including their current C-TPAT Supply Chain Security Profile based on the following implementation schedule dates:| Importers | Before October 1, 2006 | | U.S./Canada Highway Carriers | Before October 1, 2006 | | U.S./Mexico Highway Carriers | Before October 1, 2006 | | Rail Carriers | Before October 1, 2006 | | Sea Carriers | Before October 1, 2006 | | Air Carriers | Before October 1, 2006 | | U.S. Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators | Before October 1, 2006 | | Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) | Before October 1, 2006 | | Foreign Manufacturers | Before October 1, 2006 | | Licensed Brokers | Before October 1, 2006 |
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| Q: | What happens if a C-TPAT participant fails to update this information by the date required? | | A: | The C-TPAT participant’s application will be considered withdrawn. All C-TPAT benefits, including reduced and expedited CBP exam processing and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane access, will be removed and the company would be required to re-apply for the C-TPAT program. |
| Q: | When is the C-TPAT Security Link Portal going to be available? | | A: | The Security Link Portal will be available May 2006. It will also be announced on the CBP web site with instructions accompanied by the URL. |
| Q: | What kind of computer access does a qualifying C-TPAT participant need to use the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | - Users must have access to the Internet. The C-TPAT Security Link Portal URL will be available on www.cbp.gov web site.
- All authorized users must also have a valid e-mail address that has been provided to CBP C-TPAT.
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| Q: | Who will be allowed to create or modify a C-TPAT Security Link Portal Account? | | A: | The account can only be created or modified by the C-TPAT participant’s point of contact (POC). At minimum, one of the POC must be a company officer with a valid e-mail address registered with CBP C-TPAT. |
| Q: | How will C-TPAT participants obtain access to the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | Using their e-mail address as a logon ID, the primary C-TPAT POC will be permitted access to create a C-TPAT portal account. The e-mail address must be currently on file with the C-TPAT program and belong to either a company employee or officer. The primary C-TPAT POC will be able add additional users for access to their company’s C-TPAT Security Link Portal account. Each user assigned by the primary C-TPAT POC will be required to have a valid e-mail address and create a unique password. |
| Q: | Who has access to my company information posted on the C-TPAT Security Link Portal? | | A: | Access is only permitted for: - CBP C-TPAT program personnel, and
- C-TPAT participant authorized users as controlled and designated by the primary C-TPAT POC.
Access to all C-TPAT participant information found in the C-TPAT Security Link Portal such as your company name, business information, supply chain security profile, etc. will be held as confidential within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), C-TPAT program and not shared unless it is authorized by the primary C-TPAT POC or one of the participant’s designated authorized users. CBP will not share this information without your permission. |
| Q: | Why is CBP making participation in the C-TPAT Security Link Portal mandatory? | | A: | CBP is making this mandatory to- Improve the communications between C-TPAT participants and Certified Members.
- Allow participants to receive information directly from CBP to include cargo security alerts and sanitized intelligence information.
- Create a uniform processing.
- Streamline C-TPAT application processing.
- Provide completely paperless process.
- Provide a structure to facilitate the construction and maintenance of the C-TPAT Supply Chain Security profile. The supply chain security profile outlines the participant’s commitment to C-TPAT criteria and/or guidelines.
- Ensure all C-TPAT participants update and maintain all C-TPAT information.
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