Is New Penn certified for the C-TPAT, FAST and PIP programs?
Yes. View our certifications.
What is C-TPAT
C-TPAT stands for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a voluntary supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection focused on improving the security of private companies’ supply chains with respect to terrorism. C-TPAT-certified companies must have a process to identify and reduce risks in the international supply chain. In return, these companies enjoy expedited processing of their cargo, including fewer customs examinations.
How do I sign up? How difficult is it?
This depends on the size of your company and your existing security measures. Examples of security measures include: procedural security, trailer seals reconciliation, physical security, personnel security, education and training, manifest procedures and conveyance procedures. It’s mandatory for all eligible C-TPAT participants to use the C-TPAT Security Link Internet Portal for application and communication with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
What is New Penn’s C-TPAT SVI number?
619d1630-01be-4301-a072-e862003fdf21
What is PIP?
PIP stands for Partners in Protection, a cooperative program between private industry and the Canada Border Services Agency aimed at enhancing border and supply chain security. It streamlines border processes for low-risk, pre-approved businesses recognized as trusted traders.
What is FAST?
FAST stands the for Free and Secure Trade program, a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada, and the United States and Mexico that gives partnering importers expedited release at national borders when transportation is by truck. It is for qualifying commercial shipments through risk-management principles, supply-chain security, industry partnerships and advanced targeting. Obtain copies of our FAST certificates.
How do I sign up for FAST?
- You must first enroll in C-TPAT (for U.S. companies) or PIP (for Canadian companies).
- An officer of your company must sign and submit a Memorandum of Understanding to the government.
- Complete the supply-chain security profile questionnaire.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will provide a supply-chain security specialist to help you through your security process and identify any gaps. The government expects documented, verifiable security programs, consistent with C-TPAT minimum security criteria.
What is ACE
It is the Automated Commercial Environment, a US Customs and Border Protection system through which the trade community reports imports and exports and the government determines admissibility. It provides a “single window” for reporting that streamlines and automates manual processes. It eliminates paper and enables the trade community to more easily and efficiently comply with U.S. laws and regulations.
What is NCAP?
The National Customs Automation Program, an automated and electronic system for processing commercial imports.
What are the consequences of not signing up for C-TPAT and/or PIP?
Importers not approved for C-TPAT (U.S. companies) or PIP (Canadian companies) will lose their approved status for other customs programs even if they are already participating. Programs that require participants to be PIP- or C-TPAT-certified include: Customs existing programs such as Importer Self Assessment, Low Risk Importers, Customs Self Assessment (CSA), Free and Secure Trade (FAST), Advance Commercial Information, Automated Commercial Environment and National Customs Automation Program (ACE/NCAP).
Do C-TPAT and/or PIP eliminate the need for a broker?
No. When you sign the Memorandum of Understanding, you are committing to communicate that everyone in the supply chain has signed up. You must ask your broker to apply for participation in C-TPAT or PIP or find a broker who is already certified.
What are the advantages of being a FAST, C-TPAT or PIP importer?
- Creates a more secure supply chain
- Reduces number of inspections
- Shortens border clearance times
- Protects the reputation of shippers and transportation companies
- Reduces cost of compliance with customs requirements
- Demonstrates corporate citizenship and commitment to supply-chain security
- Provides dedicated lanes at designated crossing points for greater speed and efficiency in clearing FAST cross-border shipments. If there is another terrorism incident, FAST participants would be first in line for shipment clearance.
- Establishes strong and continuing partnership with Canada and U.S. Customs administrations
- Opens the door for future Customs programs
- Creates an opportunity to identify other certified supply-chain partners with whom you can do business
Can you quantify savings?
It’s difficult to precisely quantify savings, but participation in these programs clearly pays off in shorter and fewer delays during freight inspections. Access to FAST lanes ensures freight will be able to cross the border even in the event of a national security issue. Fewer inspections can reduce losses, damage and pilferage of your goods.
What’s the difference between how goods move today vs. in the future?
These programs are voluntary today. Those that don’t sign up will be in the “slow” line for customs clearance. Today, most Customs and Border Control processes are managed using paper and some information exchange via EDI. In the future, Canada and U.S. Customs will require electronic transmission of shipping information.
The U.S. and Canadian governments want to push the border back to the origin of the goods, and they want information pre-arrival to the border and pre-registration/certification. When customers sign up for C-TPAT or PIP, they can use any highway transportation provider that is FAST-certified and any other mode that is C-TPAT- or PIP-certified.
When must FDA receive prior notice?
You must submit the notice electronically, and the FDA must approve your shipment within no more than 5 days and no less than 8 hours for food arriving by water; 4 hours for food arriving by air or rail; and 2 hours for food arriving by truck before the food is at the arrival port.
Who can submit notice?
Any individual with knowledge of the required information may submit the notice, including, but not limited to, brokers, importers and U.S. agents.