Compliance
C-TPAT Certified Supply Chain Security
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary U.S. Customs and Border Protection program in which companies commit to a documented supply chain security program in exchange for reduced inspection rates and priority processing. Forward Systems Group is a C-TPAT partner under account 12723076, which means cargo moving through our supply chain benefits from lower examination scores and front-of-line treatment after a border disruption.
How Forward Systems Group runs c-tpat supply chain security
C-TPAT is not a certificate you buy. CBP publishes minimum security criteria, validates them on site, and suspends the benefits if they lapse. FSG participates under account 12723076, which means cargo moving through our chain carries a lower risk score in CBP's targeting system.
- 1
Secure the facility
Documented physical access controls at the Doral facility, with personnel screening and background verification for staff handling controlled cargo.
- 2
Vet the chain
Business partner security assessment through the chain, because a member's benefits depend on partners CBP has not validated directly.
- 3
Protect the conveyance
Container and conveyance inspection, seal integrity procedures, and cybersecurity controls over the trade data that accompanies the movement.
- 4
Maintain and remediate
The obligation is continuous: security profiles updated, staff trained on threat awareness, findings remediated, incidents reported.
The commercial benefit is the examination rate. C-TPAT cargo receives a materially lower risk score, which converts directly into fewer holds and less demurrage, plus priority processing when a border reopens after a disruption.
What C-TPAT requires
C-TPAT is not a certificate you buy. CBP publishes minimum security criteria covering physical security, personnel screening, procedural security, business partner vetting, and cybersecurity, and then validates them on site. For many members that includes validation of foreign business partners too.
The obligation is continuous. Members must maintain the program, update their security profile, and remediate findings, or the benefits are suspended.
- Documented physical access controls and facility security
- Personnel screening and background verification
- Business partner security vetting through the chain
- Container and conveyance inspection and seal integrity procedures
- Cybersecurity controls protecting trade data
- Security training and threat awareness for staff
What it delivers at the border
The benefit that matters commercially is exam rate. C-TPAT members receive a materially lower risk score in CBP's targeting system, which translates directly into fewer holds and less demurrage.
The second benefit shows up during disruption. After a border incident or port closure, C-TPAT cargo is prioritized for processing when normal operations resume. For a defense delivery against a fixed date, that can be the difference between meeting the schedule and missing it.
C-TPAT Supply Chain Security: frequently asked questions
What is C-TPAT?
C-TPAT is the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a voluntary public-private program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Members implement and maintain documented supply chain security measures against CBP's minimum security criteria, and CBP validates those measures on site. In return, members receive reduced inspection rates and priority processing.
How does C-TPAT benefit my shipment?
Cargo moving through a C-TPAT validated supply chain receives a lower risk score in CBP's targeting system, resulting in fewer examinations, shorter dwell times, and lower demurrage exposure. Members also receive priority processing when border operations resume after a disruption.
Is Forward Systems Group C-TPAT certified?
Yes. Forward Systems Group participates in C-TPAT under account number 12723076.
Need this confirmed against your contract?
Send us your clause list, DD Form 254, or licence position and we will confirm scope against your specific requirement before you commit to a shipment.