Government reference documents
CTPAT reference library
The official CBP documents on CTPAT in one place: the security criteria, the risk assessment guide, sample forms and checklists, portal manuals and alerts. Search the list, open a PDF, or go to the CBP page of each document.
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.
Most used
Start here
CTPAT U.S. Importers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. importers: what an importer must do to join.
CBP date: Feb 202243 pages432 KB
CTPAT U.S. Customs Brokers MSC 2021
The current Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. customs brokers: 12 categories, with each "must" and "should".
CBP date: Feb 202233 pages360 KB
5-Step Risk Assessment Guide
The CBP method for a supply chain risk assessment, with worksheets. A security profile depends on it.
CBP date: Apr 202240 pages4.9 MB
CTPAT 101 Tear Sheet
Two-page overview: how CTPAT works, the stages and the benefits.
CBP date: May 20252 pages230 KB
Applying to CTPAT
Screen-by-screen guide to the CTPAT application in the portal.
CBP date: Dec 20144 pages257 KB
CTPAT 7 - Point Container Inspection Checklist
Sample 7-point checklist to inspect an empty container before loading.
CBP date: Nov 20212 pages357 KB
CTPAT Business Partner Screening & Monitoring Log Sample
Sample log to screen new business partners and monitor current ones.
CBP date: Feb 20228 pages392 KB
CTPAT's Warning Indicators
Warning signs of trade-based money laundering and terrorist financing in shipments and partners.
CBP date: Jul 20257 pages489 KB
Library
Customs brokers: criteria and alerts
The criteria that apply to a CTPAT customs broker, and the CBP alerts for brokers.
CTPAT Alert - Action Required - CBP Form 5106 Compliance and Enforcement
CBP can void an importer number with incorrect Form 5106 data. How to update the record.
CBP date: Sep 20261 pages114 KB
CTPAT Alert for Broker Responsibilities Under Executive Order 14411
Executive Order 14411: the vetting that CBP expects from CTPAT-validated brokers for foreign importers.
CBP date: Aug 20261 pages75 KB
Broker Cybersecurity Incident Procedures
Step-by-step procedure for a customs broker after a cyber incident.
CBP date: Mar 20246 pages190 KB
Cyber Incident Guidance for Customs Brokers
What a customs broker reports to CBP after a cyber incident, and how.
CBP date: Apr 20231 pages313 KB
CTPAT U.S. Customs Brokers MSC 2021
The current Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. customs brokers: 12 categories, with each "must" and "should".
CBP date: Feb 202233 pages360 KB
Library
Minimum Security Criteria by business type
The security criteria for each type of CTPAT company. Importers start with the criteria for U.S. importers.
CTPAT U.S. Importers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. importers: what an importer must do to join.
CBP date: Feb 202243 pages432 KB
CTPAT 3PLs MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for third-party logistics providers.
CBP date: Feb 202245 pages432 KB
CTPAT Air Carriers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for air carriers.
CBP date: Feb 202239 pages382 KB
CTPAT Consolidators MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for consolidators and ocean transportation intermediaries.
CBP date: Feb 202242 pages399 KB
CTPAT Foreign Manufacturers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers.
CBP date: Feb 202243 pages448 KB
CTPAT Highway Carriers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for highway carriers.
CBP date: Feb 202248 pages454 KB
CTPAT Marine Port Authority and Terminal Operators MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for port authorities and terminal operators.
CBP date: Feb 202234 pages343 KB
CTPAT Mexican Long Haul Highway Carriers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for Mexican long haul carriers.
CBP date: Feb 202246 pages436 KB
CTPAT Rail Carriers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for rail carriers.
CBP date: Feb 202241 pages405 KB
CTPAT Sea Carriers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for sea carriers.
CBP date: Feb 202239 pages404 KB
CTPAT U.S. Exporters MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. exporters.
CBP date: Feb 202243 pages452 KB
Library
Risk assessment, cybersecurity and security guidance
How to do the risk assessment, protect your systems and build your security program.
CTPAT's Warning Indicators
Warning signs of trade-based money laundering and terrorist financing in shipments and partners.
CBP date: Jul 20257 pages489 KB
The Importance of a Code of Conduct - July 2020
Why a company needs a written code of conduct, and what it should cover.
CBP date: Jun 20244 pages195 KB
Three Essential Components of a World- Class Supply Chain Security Program - June 2020
The three parts of a strong security program: management support, risk assessment and procedures.
CBP date: Jun 20244 pages186 KB
Agriculture Security Minimum Security Criteria 8.1 - July 2022
Agricultural criterion 8.1: keep pests, soil and contaminants out of cargo and wood packaging.
CBP date: Aug 20222 pages265 KB
5-Step Risk Assessment Guide
The CBP method for a supply chain risk assessment, with worksheets. A security profile depends on it.
CBP date: Apr 202240 pages4.9 MB
Security Training and Threat Awareness Mindmap
A one-page map of the topics for security and threat awareness training.
CBP date: Apr 20222 pages290 KB
CISA- Cyber Essentials- Your leadership!
CISA cybersecurity basics for company leaders.
CBP date: Oct 20213 pages681 KB
CTPAT Cyber Essentials
Basic cybersecurity steps for every company in the supply chain.
CBP date: Oct 20213 pages677 KB
CTPAT Best Practices Framework 2021
How CBP decides if a security practice is a best practice at validation.
CBP date: Jul 20213 pages604 KB
Library
Sample forms, logs and checklists
CBP samples that a company can adapt for its own procedures and records.
Conveyance Tracking & Monitoring Log Fact Sheet
Sample log to track a truck or container from pickup to delivery.
CBP date: Feb 20221 pages243 KB
CTPAT Business Partner Screening & Monitoring Log Sample
Sample log to screen new business partners and monitor current ones.
CBP date: Feb 20228 pages392 KB
Dispatch Log Sample - Fact Sheet
Sample dispatch log for carriers: driver, route, times and stops.
CBP date: Feb 20222 pages245 KB
CCTV Checklist Sample - Guidance
Sample checklist to inspect and test security cameras and recordings.
CBP date: Nov 20215 pages623 KB
Company Property Issuance Removal Checklist Sample - Guidance
Sample checklist to issue and recover keys, badges and devices.
CBP date: Nov 20211 pages176 KB
CTPAT 17-Point Inspection Checklist Sample
Sample 17-point inspection checklist for a tractor and trailer.
CBP date: Nov 20212 pages456 KB
CTPAT 7 - Point Container Inspection Checklist
Sample 7-point checklist to inspect an empty container before loading.
CBP date: Nov 20212 pages357 KB
CTPAT Driver Log Sample
Sample driver log for each trip.
CBP date: Nov 20211 pages187 KB
Cybersecurity Checklist Sample - Guidance
Sample checklist to review cybersecurity controls.
CBP date: Nov 20213 pages247 KB
Flatbed Trailer Inspection Checklist - Fact Sheet
Sample inspection checklist for a flatbed trailer.
CBP date: Nov 20212 pages256 KB
Master Seal Inventory & Audit Sample - Guidance
Sample log to control and audit the stock of high-security seals.
CBP date: Nov 20211 pages164 KB
Overage/Shortage/Discrepancy (OSD) Log Form
Sample log to record overages, shortages and other cargo discrepancies.
CBP date: Nov 20211 pages195 KB
Personnel Hiring Checklist Sample - Fact Sheet
Sample checklist to screen job applicants before hire.
CBP date: Nov 20215 pages288 KB
Personnel Training Checklist Sample - Guidance
Sample checklist to record security training of employees.
CBP date: Nov 20214 pages231 KB
Seal Security Procedures - Guidance
How to store, issue, apply, verify and record high-security seals.
CBP date: Nov 20215 pages251 KB
Virtual Validation Sample Agenda and Roadmap - Guidance
Sample agenda and plan for a CBP virtual validation.
CBP date: Nov 202113 pages514 KB
Visitor Log Sample
Sample visitor sign-in log.
CBP date: Nov 20211 pages159 KB
Internal Audit Sample - Guidance
Sample internal audit workbook to check the security program (Excel file).
378 KB
Library
Applying, the CTPAT Portal and program rules
How to apply, use the portal, prepare for validation, and the rules on benefits, logos and suspension.
CTPAT Small Business Logo
The CTPAT logo for small business partners and how to request it.
CBP date: Jul 20261 pages153 KB
CTPAT 2025 Impact Report
CBP report on CTPAT results in 2025.
CBP date: Jul 20266 pages1.9 MB
CTPAT Trade Compliance Portal 3.0 Manual
User manual for the Trade Compliance part of the CTPAT Portal.
CBP date: Sep 202529 pages2.9 MB
CTPAT Global Presence Map
Map of the countries where CTPAT validates partners.
CBP date: Jul 20251 pages606 KB
FDA VQIP Offers Additional Benefits for CTPAT Partners
FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program benefits for CTPAT partners.
CBP date: Jul 20251 pages134 KB
Mutual Recognition FAQs
Questions on mutual recognition of CTPAT by foreign customs programs.
CBP date: Jul 20256 pages195 KB
CTPAT 101 Tear Sheet
Two-page overview: how CTPAT works, the stages and the benefits.
CBP date: May 20252 pages230 KB
CTPAT Portal Manual
Current user manual of the CTPAT Portal.
CBP date: May 202537 pages3.4 MB
A Global Supply Chain Security Partnership - SCAN and CBP
CBP partnership with the Supply Chain Assurance Network (SCAN).
CBP date: Jun 20242 pages89 KB
CTPAT Partner Logo- April 2024
Rules for the CTPAT partner logo: validated partners only, under a CBP license.
CBP date: Jun 20242 pages116 KB
New Benefit as a Result of the CBP-World BASC Organization Action Plan: Business Partner Recognition
Recognition of World BASC certified companies as business partners.
CBP date: Apr 20242 pages232 KB
CTPAT and TC Portal 3.0 Login.gov Account Creation
How to make the Login.gov account that the CTPAT Portal needs.
CBP date: Mar 202413 pages1.2 MB
CTPAT Exporter Entity FAQ
Questions on CTPAT membership for U.S. exporters.
CBP date: Feb 20226 pages389 KB
CTPAT and Privacy Compliance FAQ
How CTPAT handles company and personal data.
CBP date: Jan 20225 pages336 KB
Suspension, Removal, Appeal and Reinstatement Process
How CBP suspends or removes a partner, and how to appeal or get reinstated.
CBP date: Jun 202110 pages369 KB
A Global Supply Chain Security Partnership WBO and CBP
CBP partnership with the World BASC Organization.
CBP date: Oct 20202 pages149 KB
CTPAT - Fast Lane Requirements
Requirements to use Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at land borders.
CBP date: Oct 20201 pages274 KB
Anyone Can Be a Hero CTPAT Fact Sheet
Poster: signs of suspicious activity and how to report it.
CBP date: Apr 20201 pages652 KB
Applying to CTPAT
Screen-by-screen guide to the CTPAT application in the portal.
CBP date: Dec 20144 pages257 KB
Partner Instructions: Annual Security Profile Review
How a partner completes the annual review of its security profile.
CBP date: Nov 20142 pages173 KB
CTPAT Exporter Entity Factsheet
Fact sheet on CTPAT for U.S. exporters.
CBP date: Sep 20142 pages174 KB
CTPAT Factsheet
Fact sheet: program history, process and benefits.
CBP date: May 20132 pages170 KB
Highway Carrier FAQs
Questions from highway carriers on CTPAT.
CBP date: Apr 20122 pages26 KB
Annual Security Profile Review FAQs
Questions on the annual security profile review.
CBP date: Mar 20124 pages18 KB
Applying for CTPAT FAQ
Questions on how to apply and what CBP expects.
CBP date: Mar 20123 pages11 KB
CTPAT Validation Process FAQ
Questions on the CBP validation visit.
CBP date: Mar 20123 pages11 KB
CTPAT Validation Process Overview
The steps of a CBP validation.
CBP date: Mar 20123 pages13 KB
Importer FAQs
Questions from importers on the security criteria.
CBP date: Mar 201213 pages39 KB
Library
CBP alerts and bulletins
Threats and trends that CBP tells CTPAT companies about.
Stopping Forced Labor in the Supply Chain
How to find and remove forced labor risk in a supply chain.
CBP date: Aug 202610 pages355 KB
CTPAT Alert- Kitchen Cabinets and Antidumping / Countervailing Duties
Alert on evasion of duties on kitchen cabinets.
CBP date: Jul 20262 pages91 KB
Illegal Narcotics in Refrigerated Containers
Alert on drugs hidden in refrigerated containers, with inspection points.
CBP date: Apr 20262 pages171 KB
Surge in Cargo Theft and Security Best Practices
Alert on cargo theft, with security practices to prevent it.
CBP date: Apr 20263 pages223 KB
Illegal Transshipping
Alert on goods sent through a third country to hide their origin.
CBP date: Dec 20254 pages421 KB
CTPAT Alert: Air Carrier Responsibilities in the Handling and Disposal of Bushmeat
Alert for air carriers on bushmeat found in cargo.
CBP date: Nov 20251 pages140 KB
CTPAT Alert: Cabotage Rules Violations and CTPAT
Alert on cabotage violations by carriers.
CBP date: Sep 20253 pages242 KB
E-Commerce: Awareness of Counterfeits in E-Commerce
Signs of counterfeit goods in e-commerce shipments.
CBP date: Oct 20241 pages133 KB
Fentanyl Pill Presses
Alert on pill presses and parts used to make fentanyl pills.
CBP date: Oct 20241 pages261 KB
Illegally Imported Fentanyl Pills
Alert on fentanyl pills in imported cargo.
CBP date: Oct 20241 pages217 KB
Cybersecurity: Passwords and Passphrases - May 2020
How to make strong passwords and passphrases.
CBP date: Jun 20243 pages188 KB
Cybersecurity: Threat of Phishing
How phishing works and how to stop it.
CBP date: Sep 20231 pages97 KB
Advanced Qualified Unlading Approval (AQUA Lane) Bulletin
The AQUA Lane benefit for CTPAT sea carriers.
CBP date: Jan 20224 pages460 KB
Cybersecurity - Stop Ransomware - U.S. Government Website
Where to find U.S. government help against ransomware.
CBP date: Jul 20211 pages329 KB
Cyber Threats - The Cloud and Remote Connections
Security risks of cloud services and remote work.
CBP date: Jan 20213 pages250 KB
Cybersecurity - Don't Take the Bait: How to Spot a Phish
How to recognize a phishing email.
CBP date: Oct 20202 pages228 KB
E-Commerce: The Price of Importing Counterfeit Goods
Risks and penalties of importing counterfeit goods.
CBP date: Oct 20201 pages295 KB
Keep the Supply Chain Free of Counterfeit and Illicit Goods this Holiday Season!
Holiday season alert on counterfeit and illegal goods.
CBP date: Oct 20202 pages206 KB
Increase of Narcotics Smuggling on the Northern Border
Alert on drug smuggling across the northern border.
CBP date: Aug 20202 pages186 KB
Responsible Business Practices on Forced Labor Risk
Business practices that reduce forced labor risk.
CBP date: Jun 20201 pages92 KB
Library
Trade Compliance program
The CTPAT program for importer trade compliance, open to CTPAT importers.
Trade Compliance 101
Two-page overview of the CTPAT Trade Compliance program.
CBP date: May 20262 pages88 KB
CTPAT Trade Compliance New Benefit
A new benefit for Trade Compliance partners (December 2025).
CBP date: Dec 20251 pages275 KB
Trade Compliance Handbook 5.0
Current handbook of the Trade Compliance program.
CBP date: Dec 202539 pages786 KB
Trade Compliance Program Requirements
Eligibility and requirements of the Trade Compliance program.
CBP date: Dec 20259 pages129 KB
CTPAT Trade Compliance Forced Labor Requirements FAQs
Questions on the forced labor requirements for Trade Compliance partners.
CBP date: Nov 20256 pages265 KB
FTZ Benefit for CTPAT Trade Compliance Partners
Foreign-trade zone benefit for Trade Compliance partners.
CBP date: Oct 20242 pages117 KB
CTPAT Trade Compliance Handbook
Full handbook of the Trade Compliance program (2023 edition).
CBP date: Sep 2023104 pages5.2 MB
CTPAT Trade Compliance Program FAQs
Questions on the Trade Compliance program.
CBP date: Jun 20237 pages163 KB
CTPAT Trade Compliance New Benefit: Phase 2
Phase 2 of a Trade Compliance benefit.
CBP date: May 20231 pages93 KB
CTPAT Trade Compliance New Benefit: Advanced Hold Notification
Advance notice of CBP holds for Trade Compliance partners.
CBP date: Apr 20231 pages162 KB
Library
Documents in other languages
CBP translations of the criteria and bulletins, for suppliers and carriers abroad.
CTPAT: Requisitos del Carril Rápido
FAST lane requirements, in Spanish.
CBP date: Apr 20241 pages301 KBSpanish
CTPAT U.S. Importers-Spanish 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. importers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Feb 202254 pages565 KBSpanish
Virtual Validation Sample Agenda and Roadmap - Spanish
Sample agenda for a virtual validation, in Spanish.
CBP date: Jan 202212 pages316 KBSpanish
Importer Minimum Security Criteria French
Minimum Security Criteria for importers, in French.
CBP date: Aug 202052 pages490 KBFrench
Chinese Traditional CTPAT Foreign Manufacturers MSC March 2020
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Traditional Chinese.
CBP date: Jul 202038 pages544 KBTraditional Chinese
Japanese Foreign Manufacturers MSC March 2020
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Japanese.
CBP date: Jul 202058 pages674 KBJapanese
Korean Foreign Manufacturers MSC March 2020
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Korean.
CBP date: Jul 202062 pages437 KBKorean
Vietnamese Foreign Manufacturers MSC March 2020
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Vietnamese.
CBP date: Jul 202045 pages586 KBVietnamese
CTPAT Foreign Manufacturers MSC 2020 French
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in French.
CBP date: Apr 202054 pages543 KBFrench
CTPAT Foreign Manufacturers MSC 2020 Portuguese
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Portuguese.
CBP date: Apr 202049 pages651 KBPortuguese
CTPAT Highway Carriers MSC 2020 French
Minimum Security Criteria for highway carriers, in French.
CBP date: Apr 202062 pages563 KBFrench
CTPAT Highway Carriers MSC 2020 Spanish
Minimum Security Criteria for highway carriers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Apr 202057 pages516 KBSpanish
Mexican Long Haul Highway Carriers MSC 2020 Spanish
Minimum Security Criteria for Mexican long haul carriers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Apr 202057 pages512 KBSpanish
Spanish-CTPAT Foreign Manufacturers MSC 2021
Minimum Security Criteria for foreign manufacturers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Apr 202051 pages565 KBSpanish
Boletin CTPAT Cumplimiento con los Estandares ISO 17712 Para Sellos de Alta Seguridad
ISO 17712 rules for high-security seals, in Spanish.
CBP date: Apr 20143 pages681 KBSpanish
Alianza Aduanas-Empresarial Contra el Terrorismo (CTPAT Criterios Minimors de Seguridad Transportista de Largo Recorrido de Mexico
Older security criteria for Mexican long haul carriers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Mar 201210 pages62 KBSpanish
U.S. Marine or Port Terminal Operator Security Criteria in Korean
Older security criteria for port terminal operators, in Korean.
CBP date: Mar 20127 pages112 KBKorean
Highway Carrier Security Criteria (Spanish)
Older security criteria for highway carriers, in Spanish.
CBP date: Jan 20128 pages113 KBSpanish
U.S. Marine or Port Terminal Operator Security Criteria in Japanese
Older security criteria for port terminal operators, in Japanese.
CBP date: Jan 201210 pages285 KBJapanese
Questions
Common questions
Are these the official CBP documents?
Yes. Each file is a copy of a document that CBP publishes on cbp.gov, downloaded on November 6, 2026. Some PDFs are compressed to load faster, with the same pages and text. CBP can update a document at any time, so the CBP page of each document has the newest version.
Which document does an importer read first?
Read the Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. importers, then the 5-step risk assessment guide. The CTPAT 101 tear sheet gives a two-page overview of the program.
Can my company use the sample forms?
Yes. CBP publishes the samples so that companies can adapt them. A sample is not a requirement in itself. Your procedures must fit your own business and risks.
Can I send these documents to my suppliers?
Yes. They are U.S. government documents. The section "Documents in other languages" has the criteria for foreign manufacturers in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese.
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.