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News & Events
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.
With Ambassador Bridge in background, Commissioner Bonner announces the launch of Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)--a joint government/business initiative to strengthen overall supply chain and border security. The Commissioner was joined on the podium by supporters of C-TPAT, including (seated front row, l-r): Governor of Michigan, John Engler; Director of Homeland Security, Governor Tom Ridge; and Secretary of the Treasury, Paul O'Neill.
C-TPAT is a government/business initiative to increase cargo security while improving the flow of trade. Seven of America's Fortune 500 companies helped Customs develop the program: BP America, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Motorola, Sara Lee, and Target. More than 80 companies have already signed C-TPAT agreements with the Customs Service, and 100 more applications are pending. Under this program, businesses must conduct comprehensive self-assessments of their supply chain using the security guidelines developed jointly with the Customs Service, and they must familiarize companies in their supply chain with the guidelines and the program. In short, these businesses must provide Customs with specific and relevant information about their trucks, drivers, cargo, suppliers, and routes. As a C-TPAT member, companies may become eligible for expedited processing and reduced inspections. C-TPAT members are assigned a U.S. Customs account manager and may become eligible for monthly or bimonthly duty and fee payments. Said Commissioner Bonner at the unveiling, "The message should be clear. If a business takes steps to secure its cargo against terrorism, we will give it the 'fast lane' through the border. ...Business wins, government wins, and most importantly, the American people win."
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