WASHINGTON –U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) filed legislation to create a pilot program to strengthen the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program:
“Ensuring America’s trade policies bolster our strong economy is crucial for long-term growth.” said Sen. Cornyn. “By providing additional options for which vendor trusted trading partners can use to transport their cargo, we can ensure resiliency in our global supply-chains. In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports remain open and commerce flows freely while protecting against illegal goods, national security threats, and unfair trade practices.”
C-TPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to ten trusted non-asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become C-TPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become C-TPAT certified by participating in actions like more security requirements and inspections throughout the cargo transit process.