Laredo has become the latest city to join a significant effort in securing America's supply chains with the opening of a new Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) field office. The facility, inaugurated on Nov. 1, marks the expansion of the program which now boasts seven field offices nationwide, according to a statement by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Diane J. Sabatino, the Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP's Office of Field Operations, expressed pride in the development, highlighting that the "CTPAT supply chain security specialists verify and ensure that applicants are taking appropriate measures to ensure the security of their supply chains and processes."
The strategic location of Laredo's field office is meant to provide ease of access for the international business community operating along the Southwest Border, allowing for a more efficient validation of CTPAT applications and risk assessments, Dina Amato the CTPAT Director, explained. The new office is positioned to support over 11,400 CTPAT certified partners that encompass a wide range of trade-related entities, including importers, exporters, and carriers across various transport modes. These partners are responsible for more than half, 52 percent (by value), of cargo entering the United States, marking a significant milestone since the program's creation in November 2001.
The CTPAT program is central to CBP's efforts in engaging with the private sector to strengthen international trade security. By becoming a certified partner, entities agree to collaborate with CBP in safeguarding the supply chain. These efforts cover an expansive array of security issues and require presenting detailed security profiles with plans to bring security measures in line across the supply chain process.
Since its inception, the CTPAT program has emphasized the importance of trust and cooperation between the government and the private sector in addressing trade security concerns. For more information about the program, interested parties and stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about CBP’s CTPAT Program via their official channels.
