Program has increased Supply Chain Security

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) advises the Department of Homeland Security to follow the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program as a model for a successful public-private partnership as it looks to advance cargo security.

In a letter submitted to Secretary Michael Chertoff, US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), RILA urged Chertoff to support the C-TPAT program, a critical component to increasing supply chain security globally, and a model example of how a public-private partnership works for both the government and industry participants.

"C-TPAT has become a globally recognized brand," said RILA's Jon Gold, vice president of global supply chain policy. "It is critical for the success of any supply chain security effort that there is global recognition and adoption of security measures. C-TPAT is one part of the overall global approach that will help accomplish this."

The C-TPAT program's risk-based approach allows participating companies to determine their security needs based upon their risk within individual countries. RILA members, as well as numerous other C-TPAT members, are diligently working to ensure compliance with the C-TPAT program including hiring additional staff to manage the program, educating company executives and business partners (including foreign suppliers) about the requirements of the program and working closely with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Commissioner Bonner for the leadership he has shown throughout his tenure as Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection," Gold continued. "We hope that the next commissioner will share the same approach as Commissioner Bonner, especially his engagement with the trade community."