Clients and business partners
Our security standards for clients and business partners
A customs broker in CTPAT must screen its business partners and keep client data accurate. These are the checks that we do before we file for you, and the care that we expect from you.
Our CTPAT status: not approved yet
Allied CHB Inc. has applied to CTPAT. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not approved our application yet, so we are not CTPAT certified or validated. We do not use the CTPAT logo, because CBP licenses it only to validated companies.
While CBP reviews our application, we apply the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for customs brokers to our own work. This section gives our standards for our staff, our clients and our business partners. We will update this page when CBP decides.
The reason
Why we check our clients
The CTPAT criteria for customs brokers require a written, risk-based process to screen new business partners and to monitor current ones (Broker MSC 3.1 and 3.7). The data that a broker sends to CBP must be complete, accurate and protected (Broker MSC 7.6).
Since September 18, 2026, CBP can void an importer number when the CBP Form 5106 data is incorrect or incomplete (Federal Register 2026-16911). Correct data does not guarantee that CBP keeps a number active, but incorrect data puts it at risk. The checks below are Allied's own policy.
Criminals use the names of real companies to import goods. Our checks protect your company name and your importer number from that abuse.
Before your first entry
Identity and power of attorney
The importer signs directly
We get the POA from the importer, never through a forwarder or another third party (19 CFR 111.36).
The signer has authority
The signer is an officer, owner or other person who can bind the company. We keep the evidence.
Photo ID and live selfie
The signer completes a government photo ID check with a live selfie. The name must match the signer, and the ID must be current.
Phone check
The signer types a code that we send by text message to the importer's phone.
Sanctions screening
We screen the importer and the signer against the U.S. Consolidated Screening List.
Renewal of older POAs
Clients with an older POA renew it through the portal, so that every record on file passes the same checks.
Open the POA portal to sign or renew your POA.
Your importer record
Accurate address and importer data
Your actual business location
CBP needs the street address where your business operates. A PO box, a virtual office, a registered agent, or the address of your broker or forwarder is not correct (Federal Register 2026-16911).
Your own email and phone
The email address and the phone number in your record must belong to your company.
Tell us about changes
Tell us when your address, name, ownership or officers change. We update your CBP Form 5106 record.
True commercial documents
Invoices, values, descriptions and countries of origin must be true and complete. We do not file data that we know is incorrect.
Fraud protection
Email and payment security
We never change our bank details by email
If you get an email that gives new payment instructions for Allied, do not pay and do not reply to it. Confirm the instructions through an Allied contact that you already know, not through a contact given in the message.
Our email addresses end in @alliedchb.com
Look at the full sender address. A similar domain is a sign of fraud.
Send documents to our addresses only
Send entry documents and identity documents to Allied addresses or through our portal.
Tell us about suspicious emails
If someone uses the Allied name to ask you for money or documents, report it to our CTPAT mailbox.
Carriers, forwarders and vendors
Standards for our business partners
Forwarders and carriers
A forwarder can send us shipping documents. It cannot sign the POA for the importer or change the importer's data.
IT and software vendors
We check the security of the vendors that hold our data, for example their security audit reports.
Visitors and service vendors
Visitors to our office sign in, show identification and stay with an employee.
Report what you see
We ask our partners to report suspicious activity that involves our shipments or our name.
Good practice
Security practices that we recommend to importers
Know your suppliers
Check the identity and the security practices of your manufacturers and shippers.
Container inspection and seals
Have your shipper inspect each container before it loads and use a high-security seal (ISO 17712).
Wood packaging
Use wood packaging that is treated and marked to ISPM 15, free of pests and soil.
Forced labor
Know the origin of your goods and their materials. CBP can detain goods made with forced labor.
What happens
If a check fails
If a check fails, we hold the POA and file no entry. A licensed customs broker reviews the file and decides. If the identity cannot be confirmed, we reject the POA and tell the importer in writing.
If we find signs of a crime, such as a false identity, we notify CBP or other authorities promptly when that is required (Broker MSC 7.23). We do not wait for full proof when prompt notice is required.
Questions
Common questions
Why do you need a selfie and a photo ID?
The check confirms that a real person with authority signs the POA for your company. It protects your company name and importer number from people who use stolen identities.
Can my freight forwarder sign the POA for us?
No. We get the POA directly from the importer. Your forwarder can send us your shipping documents.
Can I use my registered agent's address?
No. CBP needs the address where your business actually operates. A registered agent, a PO box or a virtual office address is not correct for the importer record.
Do I have to be in CTPAT to use Allied?
No. We file for importers in CTPAT and for importers that are not. From January 5, 2027, special rules apply to foreign importers of record (CBP Dec. 26-19).
Questions about CTPAT or supply chain security?
CTPAT and security mailbox: compliance@alliedchb.com
Last reviewed November 12, 2026. This page explains customs rules in general terms. It is not legal advice. Duty rates and CBP procedures change often, and we confirm the figures for your shipment in writing before you commit.