Importer guide
What is CTPAT, and how does an importer apply?
CTPAT is a free, voluntary security program of CBP. A certified importer can qualify for fewer examinations and faster processing, under the conditions that CBP sets. This page gives the benefits, the eligibility rules and the application steps.
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 program
What CTPAT is
CTPAT is the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. CBP started it in November 2001. A company that joins agrees to work with CBP to protect its supply chain, find its security gaps and close them.
More than 11,400 certified companies take part. They include importers, carriers, customs brokers, consolidators and foreign manufacturers, and they account for more than 52 percent of the value of U.S. imports (CBP CTPAT page).
CBP publishes Minimum Security Criteria for each type of business. The criteria for importers cover risk assessment, business partners, cybersecurity, container and seal security, procedural, physical and personnel security, agricultural security, and training. A criterion that says "must" is a requirement. A criterion that says "should" is a strong recommendation.
Why importers join
Benefits for a CTPAT importer
Fewer CBP examinations
CBP considers CTPAT companies to be low risk.
Front of the line inspections
A selected container goes ahead of non-member cargo when possible.
Shorter wait times at the border
Includes access to Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes at land borders.
An assigned Supply Chain Security Specialist
A CBP specialist who helps you with security questions.
Mutual recognition abroad
Customs administrations with a mutual recognition arrangement can give reciprocal benefits.
Business resumption priority
Priority after a natural disaster or an attack.
The CTPAT Trade Compliance program
Importers in CTPAT can also apply for this compliance program and its benefits.
Other agency programs
For example the FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program considers CTPAT status.
Eligibility
Who can join as an importer
An active importer
A U.S. importer or a non-resident Canadian importer that imported goods into the United States in the past 12 months.
An active importer of record number
A Social Security number, an IRS number or a CBP-assigned importer number.
A continuous import bond
A valid continuous bond on file with CBP.
A staffed office
A business office with staff in the United States or Canada.
A company officer as the CTPAT contact
The primary contact for cargo security must be a company officer.
The partner agreement and a security profile
A company officer signs the agreement to participate. The company completes a security profile in the CTPAT Portal.
No unpaid final debt to CBP
No final bill or debt to CBP that is unpaid after all remedies.
Step by step
How to apply
- You
Read the criteria for importers
Read the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria for U.S. importers. Compare them with what your company does now.
- You
Do a risk assessment
Assess the risks of your supply chain. CBP publishes a 5-step risk assessment guide. Your security profile depends on it.
- Allied
Ask us for your import data
We can send you a list of your entries for the past 12 months: suppliers, countries, ports and carriers. The list helps you map your supply chain.
- You
Create the company profile
Open an account in the CTPAT Portal with a Login.gov sign-in. Enter your company, addresses and users. The primary contact must be a company officer.
- You
Complete the security profile
Answer each criterion with details, and upload evidence that your procedures are in use. If a criterion does not apply to your business, write "Not applicable" and the reason.
- You
Sign and submit
A company officer signs the CTPAT Partner Agreement to Voluntarily Participate. Then submit the security profile.
- You
CBP review and certification
A Supply Chain Security Specialist reviews your profile. CBP has up to 90 days to certify or reject the application.
- You
Validation
Within one year of certification, CBP validates your company and checks that your security program works as written.
CBP's portal guide gives the screens of the application. After certification, you review your security profile every year in the portal.
From applicant to validated
The three stages
| Stage | What happens | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant | The company submits its security profile. CBP vets the company. | None yet. |
| Certified | CBP accepts the security profile. | Benefits start. |
| Validated | Within one year, CBP checks on site that the security program works. | Full benefits. CBP revalidates the company on a regular cycle. |
Your customs broker
How Allied supports a CTPAT importer
Accurate importer data
We help you keep your CBP Form 5106 record correct and update it when you tell us about a change.
Your import history
We send you your entry data on request, for your risk assessment and your security profile.
Our own security standards
We follow the CTPAT criteria for customs brokers in our own work. You can name us as a business partner in your security profile.
Alerts
We publish important CTPAT alerts and rule changes in our Trade News.
Questions
Common questions
How much does CTPAT cost?
CBP charges no fee to join CTPAT. Your costs are your own time and any security improvements that your company decides to make.
Do I need a consultant to apply?
No. CBP says that a company does not need an intermediary to apply. Some importers use a consultant to prepare the security profile, but the company officer signs and is responsible for the answers.
How long does it take?
Your preparation time depends on your company. After you submit, CBP has up to 90 days to certify or reject the application. Validation follows within one year of certification.
Can a foreign company join CTPAT as an importer?
The importer category is for U.S. importers and non-resident Canadian importers, with a staffed office in the United States or Canada. From January 5, 2027, a foreign importer of record that is not validated in CTPAT must use a CTPAT-validated customs broker (CBP Dec. 26-19).
Will CBP tell other people that my company is in CTPAT?
CBP keeps the security information of applicants confidential and does not disclose a company's participation. A validated company can get a license from CBP to use the CTPAT logo.
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.