Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism finalizes update for Minimum Security Criteria

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials said the agency’s Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program has finalized its review and update of its Minimum Security Criteria (MSC).

The result stems from CBP formally requesting the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) establish a Working Group (WG) in early 2016 to discuss and recommend updates to the program’s MSC. The update ensured the effort reflected the current supply chain environment and threats the global supply chain faces today.

The joint endeavor has a resulted in the production of a series of MSC booklets, per authorities, adding there is one for each business entity type eligible for CTPAT membership, addressing both the eligibility requirements and the MSC for each of the 12 entities in CTPAT.

CBP seeks to establish a holistic approach to ensuring supply chain security, as well as an approach reflecting CBP’s overall mission.

Issues related to cybersecurity, the protection of the supply chain from agricultural contaminants and pests, the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and the proper use and management of security technology, such as intrusion alarms and security camera systems, have been incorporated into the program’s new criteria.

CTPAT will continue to engage its membership and the trade community at large to educate and socialize the new security requirements.