C-TPAT and the Impact on Canadian Exporters
If you are shipping to the United States, you need to understand how C-TPAT can affect your business. Are you missing out on sales opportunities because you are not C-TPAT approved? Can your business survive if your shipments get delayed at the border?About C-TPAT
Impact on Canadian Exporters
EDC’s response to C-TPAT
The Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) was launched by the U.S. in 2001 to strengthen overall supply chain and border security by encouraging companies to enhance their security programs.
The C-TPAT program allows the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to designate companies as low risk and therefore less likely to be examined at border crossings. This designation is based on a company's past customs compliance history, and a validation of its supply chain security profile.
Although C-TPAT is voluntary program, some business opportunities in the U.S. are being restricted to those with a C-TPAT certification. Some of the other benefits of being C-TPAT compliant are:
- Reductions in border inspections;
- Reductions in border clearance times allowing for predictable transit times and transportation costs;
- Priority movement across the border even during a red alert;
- Reduced compliance costs with customs requirements;
- Access to the FAST lanes at the Canadian/US border;
- Improved security in the work place;
- Reductions in cargo theft.
Security enhancements to property, personnel and procedures may be required in order for exporters to become C-TPAT-compliant. EDC has developed a Security Compliance Loan to help Canadian companies finance the upgrades required to meet C-TPAT security standards.
More information:
Free and Secure Trade Program (Canada/US)Canada’s Partners in Protection
Grant program offered in Quebec (MDEIE) – French only
United States Customs and Border Protection
Frequently Asked Questions about C-TPAT
