CBP Says New Criteria Added to Minimum Security Criteria

CBP recently uploaded the final versions of new Minimum Security Criteria for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, which includes some additional criteria since the previous version was posted in May, the agency said in a notice. The main change between the versions “is the addition of two new criteria that apply to all entities: the first one is that members must have a code of conduct in place (ID Number 11.5), and the second is that members must initiate their own internal investigation of a security breach as soon as they are aware of the incident (ID Number 7.37),” CBP said.

CBP also said “additional criteria were developed for the sea carrier members.” That additional criteria seems to be a subject of some concern within the carrier industry (see 1912050021). The World Shipping Council didn't comment.

The new requirements will take effect next month. “All CTPAT members will need to comply with the new requirements by January 2020,” it said. “Since members are on a four-year validation cycle, most members will not undergo a revalidation in 2020 –- but all members need to comply with the new requirements by January 2020.” The agency will use “Excel-based security profiles for each business entity eligible for CTPAT” until the CTPAT portal is updated, which is expected by June 2020. The portal security profiles will be unavailable from March 1 to June 1, and once the new security profile is updated, members will need to update their security profiles in the portal, CBP said.