Washington – U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today the C-TPAT Year in Review highlighting key accomplishments. In 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program met key member certification and validation requirements, created a new enrollment sector, conducted first-ever joint validations in China, and signed two additional mutual recognition arrangements.

“The world remains a dangerous place and we must keep improving and innovating C-TPAT to secure the global supply chain against acts of terrorism,” said Bradd Skinner, C-TPAT director. “The strength of the program is the collaboration that takes place between trade members, CBP supply chain specialists and colleagues at home and abroad to strengthen cargo security at every level. Collectively we must remain focused on adhering to the C-TPAT security criteria and creating a barrier which will be difficult for would-be terrorists to penetrate.”

Established in 2001, C-TPAT is a voluntary government-business initiative to build cooperative relationships that strengthen and improve overall international supply chain and U.S. border security. C-TPAT recognizes that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. Through this initiative, CBP is asking businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate and verify the security guidelines of their business partners within the supply chain.

For more information on C-TPAT, including application information, and to see the full Year in Review please visit the CBP Web site. ( Trade )

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.