Navigate CTPAT Certification with Confidence.

We handle every step of the CTPAT Certification process so you can achieve compliance with confidence, clarity, and zero guesswork.
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Secure Your Trade Operations with the CTPAT Certification

Becoming CTPAT certified is a strategic investment. At Secure Trade Advisors, we guide your team through every phase of certification ensuring your program meets CBP’s standards and your company earns recognition as a trusted partner.

What is the CTPAT Certification?

Created by CBP in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, the CTPAT program strengthens supply chain security while facilitating legitimate trade. Certification signals your company’s commitment to secure, efficient global operations and earns recognition as a trusted partner.

Benefits of CTPAT Certification

  • Strengthened reputation as a secure and trusted partner in international trade.
  • Reduced frequency of CBP inspections, leading to smoother and faster trade operations.
  • Access to expedited processing at ports of entry, enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Access to the exclusive Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes located throughout most of the northern and southern ports of entry allowing for expedited processing
  • Front of the line pass if selected for a CBP examination
  • Improved security measures that minimize risks in your supply chain.
  • Shorter wait times at the border
  • Priority processing of your exports by foreign Customs agencies that have a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with CBP.
  • Maintain business relationships with customers that require your Company to be certified
  • Priority consideration at CBP’s industry-focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise
  • Reduce the likelihood of security breaches.
  • Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
  • Your very own Supply Chain Security Specialist at CBP
  • Eligibility to become a certified member of the CTPAT Trade Compliance Program (for U.S. importers only).

Eligible Companies

CTPAT certification is open to a wide range of companies involved in cross-border trade and logistics, including:
  1. Air Carriers
  2. Consolidators (Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean Transport Intermediaries, and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC))
  3. U.S. Customs Brokers
  4. U.S. Exporters
  5. Foreign Based Marine Port Terminal Operators
  6. Manufacturers in Canada and Mexico
  7. Highway Carriers in Canada, Mexico and U.S.
  8. U.S. Importers
  9. Long Haul Highway Carriers in Mexico
  10. Marine Port Authority and Terminal Operators
  11. Rail Carriers
  12. Sea Carriers
  13. Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs)
Find Out If Your Company is Eligible

Our CTPAT Certification Process

Our approach to securing the CTPAT certification for your business is meticulous.

Meeting With Key Personnel

We begin the process by speaking with the individuals who manage HR, IT, physical security, access controls, purchasing and receiving/shipping/logistics. These conversations allow us to clearly understand how your operations align with the Minimum Security Criteria (MSC).

This transparency is essential. It ensures we can provide precise, actionable guidance on what your company must improve, implement, or refine to fully meet the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria so you achieve compliance confidently, efficiently, and ultimately obtain the CTPAT certification.

Companies applying to CTPAT must have written policies and procedures as required throughout the CTPAT MSC. We perform a detailed review of your policies, procedures, forms, and training material to ensure:

  • They contain the required language
  • They comply with the MSC applicable to your entity type
  • Any missing elements or deficiencies are identified

If your documents are incomplete or partially compliant, we identify exactly what needs to be changed.

We evaluate procedural compliance, physical security, security systems, and access controls at your facility (or facilities). This assessment is typically performed remotely but may also be conducted on-site when appropriate.

Sites that need to be assessed: Headquarters and any location that receives direct international shipments.

You receive a clear, prioritized CAP that outlines:
  • Specific gaps
  • Required corrective actions
  • Recommendations
  • Responsible parties and target timelines

We provide the specific language needed to update your existing policies, procedures, forms, and training materials so they comply with the applicable MSC.

If you are missing required policies, procedures, or forms, we draft them for you.

We verify completion of your CAP tasks, review evidence of implementation, and provide ongoing guidance throughout the process to ensure all corrective actions are fully addressed.

For business partners that are not certified members of CTPAT or of a supply chain security program with a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) your company must assess each partner’s compliance with the CTPAT MSC.

We evaluate those partners for MSC compliance, develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) and verify implementation.

We prepare the CTPAT Risk Assessment Report so it reflects current threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation measures across your supply chain(s).

We develop the Security Profile that aligns with the most recent CTPAT MSC applicable to your company type and ensure it accurately reflects your current operations, policies, procedures, practices and systems.

We create a CTPAT Portal account for your Company.

We upload the Security Profile responses, the policies, procedures, documentary evidence and training material to the corresponding sections of your Security Profile.

Once your company is in compliance with the CTPAT MSC; the Security Profile along with the risk assessment report, foreign supplier audit reports, written policies, procedures and completed forms/checklists/logs/reports can be filed with CBP.

We assist with filing the Security Profile, Risk Assessment Report, written policies and procedures, and supporting documentation to CBP.

We provide ongoing consulting support on all issues related to your CTPAT certification, including direct communication with CBP on your behalf up until your Company receives the CTPAT certification.

CBP's Certification Process

Upon filing, your account will be assigned to a CBP CTPAT Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS).

The SCSS has up to 90 days to approve or reject the request to obtain the CTPAT Certification.

A company is considered a Tier 1 CTPAT certified member when the SCSS accepts the Security Profile responses and the documentary evidence provided.

Upon receiving the certification, the benefits begin within 1-2 weeks.

Companies are obligated to become a Tier 2 CTPAT certified member in order to maintain the certification.

CBP will conduct an on-site CTPAT Validation to verify your Company’s compliance with the CTPAT MSC and everything that was submitted. The CTPAT Validation will take place within 12 months after your Company receives the CTPAT Certification.

CBP provides at least 30 days advance notice before conducting a CTPAT Validation at your facility.

Upon successfully passing the Validation, the company will be designated a Tier 2 CTPAT Certified member.

CBP requires all certified companies to advance to Tier 2 to maintain active CTPAT certification status.

Why Choose Secure Trade Advisors?

With over two decades of global experience, Secure Trade Advisors is your trusted partner in the CTPAT certification journey. Our dedicated team provides the guidance and support your company needs to achieve certification efficiently — and maintain lasting compliance every day. We don’t just guide you through the process; we prepare your team for ongoing compliance, validation readiness, and confidence in your CTPAT program. Contact us today to begin your path toward certification and experience the benefits of a secure, trusted, and efficient global supply chain.