CUSTOMS TO BEGIN SECOND PHASE OF C-TPAT JULY 15

CUSTOMS TO BEGIN SECOND PHASE OF C-TPAT JULY 15    U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert Bonner said the agency will begin accept applications July 15 from foreign companies for in its public-private program, the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
   C-TPAT was launched in April to enhance supply chain security through building relationships between government and industry. To date, more than 230 importers have agreed to participate, Customs said.
   “This marks the next step in our plan to join forces with the private sector,” Bonner said. “The international business community has a tremendous stake in the success of this program.”
   C-TPAT calls upon importing businesses to establish policies to enhance their security practices and those of their business partners. In return, imports by these businesses are given expedited processing at American ports of entry.
   Ultimately, C-TPAT membership will be open to customs brokers, warehouse operators and manufacturers. Customs based C-TPAT on programs similar to C-TPAT in the mid-1990s to'enlist help from the private sector to curb drug smuggling.