As a voluntary supply chain security program based on trust, CTPAT is open to members of the trade community who can demonstrate excellence in supply chain security practices and who have had no significant security related events. While each application to the CTPAT program is considered on an individual basis, applicants need to take into account that if issues of concern do exist, they may result in CBP determining the applicant to be ineligible for participation in the program.
Highway Carrier Eligibility Requirements
- Be an active international border crossing U.S./Mexico or U.S./Canada Highway Carrier. When applying, carriers will be designated as either Mexican or Canadian based on where the company crosses goods. If your company crosses freight on both borders, you should apply under the Mexican Carrier designation.
- If applicable, Mexican based companies must provide the business’ “Acta Constitutiva”, which lists the full legal name of the company, and the full name of each owner or officer within the company.
- Mexican based companies must provide the RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes), issued by the Mexican Tax Administration Service or SAT. The RFC is the unique business/tax identifier made up of letters and numbers. RFCs are 12 characters long for companies, LLCs and partnerships (Persona Moral); or 13 characters long for persons or proprietorships (Persona Física).
- Have a business office staffed in the U.S., Mexico or Canada.
- Have an active U.S. National Motor Freight Traffic Association Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC Code / four Alpha Characters) and a U.S. Department of Transportation Number (DOT Number / six digits).
- Designate a company officer that will be the primary cargo security officer responsible for CTPAT.
- Sign the “CTPAT-Partner Agreement to Voluntarily Participate” and demonstrate commitment to the obligations outlined in this Agreement. This document is signed by a Company officer when the company applies for CTPAT membership via the CTPAT Portal.
- Complete a supply chain security profile in the CTPAT Portal, identifying how the company meets and maintains the Program’s MSC for U.S. Highway Carriers.
- Maintain no evidence of financial debt to CBP for which the responsible party has exhausted all administrative and judicial remedies for relief, a final judgment or administrative disposition has been rendered, and the final bill or debt remains unpaid at the time of the initial application or annual renewal.