CIL provides accredited C-TPAT security audit/inspection services in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu, India. CIL is the only accredited inspection agency in India to conduct C-TPAT security audits. CIL is an ISO 17020 accredited inspection agency. The CTPAT certification is an abbreviation for Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism, a voluntary certification for security of the respective supply chain systems of private companies and international companies that import goods and services into America. The CTPAT Certification is required for increasing the amount of security when it comes to compliance related to Anti Terrorist Laws. Package inclusions, Assistance with Application related to the C-TPAT Certification. Mutual Recognition Agreements under the C-TPAT Certification process. Supply Chain Improvement. US Customs and Border Protection Compliance. Benefits of CTPAT Certification. CTPAT certification stands for Customers Trade Partnership against Terrorism. This compliance is required for supply chain management for firms sending goods into the US. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)brought out this certification to ensure that security compliance is maintained for private sector companies that supply/ import goods and services in America. This certification was introduced in 2001 with several industrial participants to ensure compliance is maintained under several anti terrorist laws. The C TPAT Certification would apply to producers of goods and services within the USA. It would also apply to goods that are produced outside the USA. However, this certification is not a mandatory requirement for companies. It has been stressed that such certification is taken by private companies voluntarily. Benefits of having the C-TPAT Certification, Improved Compliance against terrorism and risk compliance. Border Control Reduction for Goods which are supplied within the USA. Companies can attend customs and border protection seminars that are conducted. Compliance with the Certification will ensure that there are sufficient levels of appeals when it comes to the reduction of penalties. Priority Status of Applications related to Customs and Border Protection Protocols. Mutual Recognition amongst other exporters taking part in the CBP. Regulatory Authority for the C-TPAT Certification, The primary regulatory authority for C TPAT Certification is the US Customs and Border Protection. The CTPAT certification allows the exporter to secure the benefits of different programs provided by other customs and border protection authorities. As the certification is voluntary, the requirements for the CTPAT are assessed on a case to case basis. Procedure for Application for a CTPAT Certification, The application process is done through an online CTPAT Certification portal. The designated officer will fill in the application in the CTPAT portal. The Company Portal Section will ask for information such as address and relevant contact information of the company. Once this is completed, the "Submit" button must be clicked. When this is finished, an account is created on the CTPAT certification portal. The designated officer must fill the company information in the designated Security Profile. In the security profile, there is a section known as the Supply Chain Security Specialist(SCSS), which will check the requirement if the company or entity meets the eligibility criteria for the certification. Once this is done, the company will become a member of the CTPAT. THE SCSS will contact your company to conduct an information audit to understand if the requirements have been complied with for the CTPAT certification. If the SCSS finds the practices adopted by your company meet the minimum security requirements, then Tier II status will be granted to your company. After this is carried out, your company can enjoy the full benefits of the CTPAT certification.