C-TPAT Security Audit in Visakhapatnam

Product Description

CIL provides accredited C-TPAT security audit/inspection services in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. CIL is the only accredited inspection agency in India to conduct C-TPAT security audits. CIL is an ISO 17020 accredited inspection agency. One of the biggest initiatives has been a program called Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or CTPAT. Since the CBP is only able to inspect a small percentage of incoming containers, the agency introduced CTPAT as one of the efforts to ensure the security of as many of the 94 to 95percent of uninspected containers as possible. CTPAT was designed to build cooperative relationships that strengthen international supply chains and U.S. border security. It seeks to safeguard the worlds trade industry from terrorists while maintaining the economic health of the United States and its neighbours. This program is a voluntary government private sector partnership that encourages importers of record to secure their importing processes from overseas suppliers at their locations, so that containers arrive without potential problems. Once an importer feels its importing processes meet CBPs standards, it schedules a review for CTPAT eligibility. A representative from the CBP will meet with the importer to review the processes from all locations, identify needed improvements, and ultimately move toward registration of the importer. CTPAT Benefits the Supply Chain. The benefits of CTPAT for CBP is ensuring security of uninspected containers through best practice processes implemented and managed by importers of record. The benefits to the importer are reduced possibility of inspection, greater security of goods, reduction of supply chain disruptions, faster movement of its freight through ports and Mexican and Canadian borders, special port entry for type of product, possible lower insurance premiums, possible mitigation on Importer Security Filing liquidated damage claims, increase in public image, and a dedicated CBP liaison. As of July 2013, there were more than 10,000 certified CTPAT partners, including U.S. importers, U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico highway carriers, and licensed U.S. customs brokers. These companies account for more than half of the products imported into the United States. An organization interested in being registered in CTPAT voluntarily reviews and signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and then completes a Supply Chain Security Questionnaire. The next step for the importer is a self assessment using the C TPAT guidelines. This assessment includes are view of, Physical security, Listing of facilities, activities and hours of operation, security guards, perimeter security devices, locking devices, lighting, alarms, cameras/sensors, etc, employed at all locations. Physical access control,  Access control for employees, visitors, suppliers, and vehicles. Personnel security, Policies for hiring, citizenship verification, employee misconduct, background investigations, and termination procedures. Information security, Policies for use of ID, passwords, e mail, and Internet, as well as for hardware and software security. Procedural security, Policies for shipping and receiving hazardous materials, overages and shortages, warehouse security, document review, and record keeping. Security training and awareness, Policies related to CTPAT, safety and security training, and related procedures. Conveyance security, Policies for control of seals (locks on containers), container and seal inspection, and container storage. Business partner requirements, Policies relating to selection, management, and evaluation of brokers, carriers, suppliers, and warehouses.