ONE Banana has formally become a member of the United States Border Patrol’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). “ONE’s membership is a recognition by US Customs of the company’s continued commitment to protecting its banana supply chain, identifying any possible security gaps, and uniformly implementing best security practices in the fight to reduce terrorism,” said Ana Cecilia Izquierdo with One Banana.Increased speed of freight and reduced fees
“C-TPAT is a voluntary customs and border protection program that should result in an increase in the speed of freight and a reduction of fees,” said Izquierdo. These benefits are assisted by:
- Access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at land borders.
- The ability to move to the front of inspection lines
- A lesser potential of customs and border examinations and an exemption from Stratified Exams (SEs).
- Shorter wait times at the border
- Access to the C-TPAT Status Verification Interface (SVI).
- A CBP Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) assigned to the company.
- Eligibility for other U.S. Government pilot programs such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Secure Supply Chain (SSC) program
- The potential to participate in the Importer Self-Assessment Program (ISA).
Certification aimed at US imports
The program has historically been oriented around imports into the United States. Air carriers, consolidators, cross-border highway carriers, marine port authorities, ocean carriers, rail carriers, terminal operators, third party logistics (3PLs) providers, customs brokers and importers are eligible for C-TPAT certification. The program is of key importance to importers who have derived benefits from the program. In Canada, cross-border or long-haul highway carriers and manufacturers may be C-TPAT certified. Mexican manufacturers and cross-border highway carriers may also be certified.
Over 54% of US imports are C-TPAT certified
“The program was established as a direct result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001,” mentioned Izquierdo. It was launched in November 2001 with seven major importers. Today, more than 10,650 companies—critical players in the global supply chain—have been certified as trusted Partners, and over 54% of all imports coming into the United States are C-TPAT certified.
For more information:
Allison Tebbano
Tel: (+1) 518-248-9899