The CTPAT standard in goods security and its application

CTPAT standard in goods  security
Being mindful of the importance of meeting different standards, many businesses are aiming to achieve various international standards in their production line, which ensures the quality and safety of their products.

Paper packaging is also among many products with many applicable standards today, such as paper boxes, bags, POSM, notebooks, books... Today, we would like to introduce you to CTPAT standards and their application in packaging production.

1. What does CTPAT mean?

CTPAT stands for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. The standard was set up by the US government and business people. The goal of the standard is to build collaboration among businesses to improve international supply chain security.

To meet CTPAT certification, businesses must comply with security practices regulated by the US customs and borders. Goods produced by CTPAT-certified packaging companies will take longer for customs clearance when they cross the US border.

2. What does the CTPAT standard include?

According to CTPAT, corporate participants will sign the agreement contract to undertake the following activities:
 
1. Comprehensive guide to self-assessment of supply chain security using CTPAT security instructions. Review guidelines on the Customs website cover the following areas:

• Procedural security
• Physical security
• Human security
• Education and training
• Access check
• Procedures for goods declaration on board
• Transport security

2. Submit a brief questionnaire about supply chain security to Customs.
3. Through supply chains that are compliant with CTPAT instructions, develop and implement a program to enhance security by CTPAT guidelines.  

3. Practice CTPAT standards in packaging production

Packaging companies certified with CTPAT should comply with the following commitments as agreed:

• Self-assessment of supply chain security

Supply chain security applies to many different regions. The CTPAT standard will have specific appropriate and risk-based security measures for each region. Written and verifiable procedures are needed to select business partners, including transporters, manufacturers, and raw material suppliers.
 

• CTPAT procedural security

CTPAT-certified packaging companies must present documents that show which of their business partner have been certified with the CTPAT and which have not. In case of a lack of CTPAT certification, these businesses must meet the criteria of CTPAT, which is verified through a written / electronic confirmation based on the risk assessment process.
 
To ensure packaging integrity according to CTPAT standards, businesses must periodically review their partner's processes and facilities. Security standards must be maintained at regular intervals.
 

• Physical security

CTPAT physical security is controlled by staff, visitors, and deliveries to prevent unauthorized access to production facilities. Employees will only have access to the area required by their task. This is controlled by fingerprints, badges and staff cards.

Visitors must present a valid identification method with a photo and there must be an escort when they enter the production facility. Likewise, for the shipper, the shipper ID is required. Packages need to be thoroughly inspected before entering the facility.

• Human security

Develop a process of periodically checking employees and screening for prospective candidates. Employees at all stages of entry must have full identification and previous work experience.

After being recruited, there should be an inspection and re-investigation process depending on the employee's position in the business. After employees quit, their permission to access vehicles and the system must be readjusted in time.
 

• Education and training

Employees must be trained about the threats from outside to their jobs throughout the process. All employees must know the procedure to deal with specific situations and reports. Especially staff in the reception and shipping areas
 

• Access Checks

All personnel's means of access should be controlled and periodically checked. There must be different access rights and full training in various positions to prevent illegal access, which can affect corporate security.
 

• Commodity declaration

This procedure is intended to combat the presence of material or unauthorized people. There should be a control process from the material input stage with a specific person in charge. The strict control system prevents harmful and malicious effects on CTPAT packaging production.
 

• Submit the Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire

Submit questions and answers specific to the supply chain to maintain strict security control between the stages. These questions are only public in agencies directly related to each other and should be kept confidential.
 

• Developing and implementing a security enhancement program

According to CTPAT, each business will have different operation and production process modes. Based on the specific CTPAT standard for the best performance in enhancing security according to CTPAT. This process should be documented and verifiable to identify particular supply chain risks.
 
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4. Benefits of applying CTPAT

CTPAT standards bring many different benefits to both businesses and consumers. That is also the reason why more and more companies are pursuing this standard in their production.

4.1 Benefits for CTPAT-certified companies

Meeting CTPAT in the packaging and other products is pretty much a passport enabling a company's commodity to infiltrate the international market, especially big markets like the US and Europe.

• Improving the brand and reputation of the business: As an international standard, CTPAT is now being adopted in many countries. Products using CTPAT standard packaging are highly appreciated by consumers and partners. Products with that certification are also favored more.
• Reduce supply chain disruptions: With strict requirements to follow in CTPAT certification, businesses can reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions. There will be no problem with goods being delayed or returned, especially reducing the time for inspection when passing customs and border checks.
• Cost reduction: Through the CTPAT standard, businesses understand and improve labor safety, thereby reducing the risk and compensation for the industry. Prompt commodity circulation will help companies save much money for goods backlog and slow turnover.
• Increased predictability in the movement of goods: There is also a reduction in port inspection procedures, which makes it easier for businesses to forecast the transit time of goods. This contributes to bringing the product supply chain to work on schedule.

 
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4.2 CTPAT standard for customers

According to CTPAT standards, goods are strictly controlled, so customers are assured of quality and origin, especially with imported goods.
 
CTPAT minimizes circulation time to provide customers with the best quality and prices. CTPAT is also a sign for customers to recognize the brand's prestige. From there, having the right choice contributes to improving the quality of life.
   
Above is some information about the CTPAT standard and its application in packaging production. Let Khang Thanh solve your packaging needs with a safe and quality packaging solution:
 
KHANG THANH - HOUSE OF PACKAGING
Hotline: (+84) 77 8878 222
Email: info@khangthanh.com