Updates to the minimum security criteria for members of CTPAT will be effective on January 1, 2020. Though the changes aren’t available to the general public, members can view the full set of updates via CTPAT’s online portal. New criteria will cover the following areas:
- Management commitment to a culture of security throughout the organization
- Cyber security and protection for social engineering threats regarding the trade data they store or exchanges throughout the supply chain
- Agricultural security against contamination and pests
- Prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing in trade areas
Members are advised to look at their partners, suppliers, factories and representatives who might need to invest in security or technology upgrades to remain compliant in the new criteria. They may need to look at their current compliance and update as fit to cover the new criteria. US Customs and Border Patrol suggests that members start now, implementing the updates and new criteria to be ready for 2020, even if they aren’t scheduled for a validation in 2020. It’s crucial to start early with training and upgrades so there is nothing hanging over the new year. We at Everglory are working diligently to be ready well in advance of the deadline in an effort to protect our standing and be prepared for the first day of 2020. We agree with the directive that all members of CTPAT should communicate openly with all partners to ensure everyone in the supply chain is ready to work together to protect against terrorism.
CTPAT members will have the rest of 2019 to implement the new MSC internally, and CBP recommends that they do so under the following phased approach.
- Phase 1 – cybersecurity, conveyance and IIT security, and seal security
- Phase 2 – education, training, and awareness; business partner security; risk assessment
- Phase 3 – security vision and responsibility, physical security, physical access controls
- Phase 4 – agricultural security, personnel security, procedural security
We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to get ready for these updates.
