U.S. ports vulnerable to terrorists
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Department of Homeland Security program to strengthen port security has gaps that terrorists could exploit to smuggle weapons of mass destruction in cargo containers, congressional investigators have found.

Important Notice on Canada's Upcoming Partners in Protection (PIP) Program Changes
As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment under the Security and Prosperity Partnership, the Partners in Protection (PIP) program will be undergoing changes in the coming months. The Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) goal is to implement these changes and introduce a modernized program by June 2008.

CBP to Soon Issue Container Security Device Criteria, Opposes 100 Percent Scanning


Major Cargo Security Draft Bill Available
Cargo security enhancement act of 2005 draft available

Container Security
Current Efforts to Detect Nuclear Materials, New Initiatives and New Challenges

Ships and ports are terrorism's new frontier


America’s ports still vulnerable to attack
Experts push for more container inspections to thwart terrorism

Intertek Philippines Signs an MOA with GTEB on CTPAT Assistance Program
Intertek Philippines established a joint cooperation with the Philippine’s Department of Trade and Industry through its garment regulatory agency  – the Garments & Textiles Export Board (GTEB).  This partnership is geared towards the promotion of  the United States program on Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) certification as one of the keys in order to develop, enhance and maintain effective security guidelines and procedures among the Garment Manufacturers and Exporters (GMEs).

Socialization of C-TPAT Seminar Held in Bandung, Indonesia
In partnership with the “Indonesian Textile Development Association” (YPTI), Intertek Indonesia co-organized an half-day C-TPAT (Custom and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) seminar on 13 October 2004 at the Grand Hotel Preanger, Bandung, Indonesia.

New C-TPAT Security Standards Published
Customs & Border Patrol has just issued its "final draft" of its new C-TPAT Security Standards for Importers, reprinted below.

"Importers must conduct a comprehensive assessment of their international supply chains based upon the following C-TPAT security criteria. Where an importer outsources or contracts elements of their supply chain, such as a foreign facility, conveyance, domestic warehouse, or other elements, the importer must work with these business partners to ensure that pertinent security measures are in place and adhered to throughout their supply chain. The supply chain for C-TPAT purposes is defined from point of origin (manufacturer/supplier/vendor) through to point of distribution - and recognizes the diverse business models C-TPAT members employ.

Supply Chain Security for the Electronics Industry
A delivery truck backs up to the loading dock of a distribution warehouse somewhere in the United States at its regular pickup time of 9:30 p.m. When the shipping bay opens, armed thugs jump out of the truck and force two dozen employees to the ground at gunpoint, then make off with close to $1 million worth of microprocessors.

DHS to require import container seals
NEW YORK -- The Department of Homeland Security plans to require the use of non-electronic seals on all marine containers entering the United States.

Supply-Chain Security Will Take More Than RFID
Industry leaders call for standards and warn that the cost of a security breach could dwarf the cost of investing in protection. By Larry Greenemeier

Potential Port Security / Shipping Security Threat
Chatter has recently increased worldwide, consistently referring to potential terrorist activities and attacks, directed at both CONUS and US-related OCONUS assets. Specific mention has been made for these operations to coincide with national holidays, other symbolic dates, as well as on dates which precede federal elections.

Leading Business Group Honors Commissioner Robert Bonner
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today received the Excellence in Government Award for 2004 from the joint Industry Group (JIG), a coalition of prominent companies and professionals invloved in global trade.

CBP Sets New Compliance Dates for Air Cargo Data
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today in the Federal Register revised implementation dates for the transmission of inbound air cargo data required under its Trade Act of 2002 cargo security rules. The original implementation date is March 4, 2004.

Malaysia Lets U.S. Run Anti-Terror Cargo Checks
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner and Datuk Abdul Halil Bin Abdul Mutalib, Director-General of Customs of the Government of Malaysia, today announced the implementation of the U.S. - Malaysia Container Security Initiative at the port of Klang, Malaysia

Bonner Acceptance Remarks at Joint Industry Group
Why did we see these substantial economic impacts on September 11th and during the days that followed? Because we did not have a system in place to secure our borders while at the same time facilitating legitimate trade. As a result, since September 11th, I have been working to build such a system - a system that is not only more secure against terrorism, but that allows legitimate commerce to move into the United States even at times of heightened alert. We cannot attain greater national security at the cost of our economy.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism - Supply Chain Best Practices
Andrew Maner, Chief of Staff, Office of the Commissioner discussed the importance of partnering to help prevent future terrorist attacks. Customs has partnered with the Congress, with foreign governments (for example, the Container Security Initiative), with other U.S. Government agencies, and especially with the trade community through initiatives like C-TPAT.

C-TPAT: Life in the Fast Lane
Commissioner Bonner, Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill, and Director of Homeland Security, Governor Tom Ridge, unveiled Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) on April 16 at the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, the busiest border crossing in North America.

Customs Set to Begin Phase 2 of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced that Customs will begin taking applications in mid-July from the global transportation community for membership in the agency's C-TPAT program. C-TPAT or Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program is an initiative between business and government to protect global commerce from terrorism

Customs Set to Begin Phase 3 of Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced that Customs will begin taking applications as of August 26, 2002, from brokers, freight forwarders, and non-vessel operating common carriers for membership in the Customs-Trade Partnership program.

CBP Plans to Ramp Up C-TPAT Validations
At the February 6 COAC meeting, Under Secretary Hutchinson said that CBP is planning to increase the number of validations of participants in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). CBP uses validations to ensure that the supply chain security measures contained in the C-TPAT participant's security profile have been implemented and are being followed.