What is C-T PAT?

C-T PAT is a partnership program with US Customs that establishes clear supply chain security criteria that result in incentives and benefits such as expedited processing. C-TPAT seeks to extend the partnership anti‐terrorism principles globally through cooperation and coordination with the international community. In 2005, the World Customs Organization (WCO) created the Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, which complements and globalizes C-TPAT cargo security efforts.

C‐TPAT members are considered to be of low risk and are therefore less likely to be examined at a U.S. port of entry.

C-TPAT originated in November 2001 and has since grown to over 11,400 certified partners in the trade community. Partners include U.S. importers/exporters, U.S./Canada highway carriers; U.S./Mexico highway carriers; rail and sea carriers; licensed U.S. Customs brokers; U.S. marine port authority/terminal operators; U.S. freight consolidators; ocean transportation intermediaries and non‐operating common carriers; Mexican and Canadian manufacturers; and Mexican long‐haul carriers.

https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/c-tpat-customs-trade-partnership-against-terrorism