On November 27, 2019 Customs uploaded the final version of the new CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) into their webpage and the CTPAT Portal. This is the culmination of a three-year effort to update the CTPAT criteria to fulfill legal mandates, adjust to a changing trade landscape, apply lessons learned, and adapt to ever-evolving terrorism and criminal threats.
The CTPAT MSC has been restructured into 12 security criteria categories and there are three new criteria categories:
For example, within the Procedural Security criteria category there is a new criterion to inspect cargo staging areas for visible pest contamination on a regular basis. In addition, the criteria for having accurate weights and measures on bills of lading has been upgraded from recommended to required.
Earlier this year Customs said they expected CTPAT members to transition to the new MSC in 2019. With the release of the final version the new MSC, they re-affirmed that they expected current members to comply in January 2020. Since members are on a four year-validation cycle, most members will not undergo a re-validation in 2020.
Tradewin has completed a detailed analysis of the changes to the CTPAT MSC. We are well prepared to help current CTPAT members understand the criteria changes and identify areas they need to address to become compliant. We can also manage the CTPAT application process for prospective members.
As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any customs compliance questions.