C-TPAT Audit for a Safe Supply Chain and Worry-Free Customs Inspections

Ensure strong security practices by meeting the security standards set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection

QIS's C-TPAT audit is an in-depth third-party assessment of your supply chain's security practices designed to identify security vulnerabilities within your supply chain. This service helps you safeguard your supply chain from terrorism, smuggling, and other illicit activities.

What is C-TPAT?

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is a voluntary supply chain security program implemented by US Customs and Border Protection in 2001. Since then, C-TPAT has certified over 11,400 members, focusing on strengthening US border security by supporting cooperative relationships between US Customs and Border Protection and manufacturers, importers, customs brokers, and others in the supply chain.

Through C-TPAT, businesses introduce and enforce strict security protocols throughout their supply chain. In return, participants are designated as low-risk and granted access to Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes for expedited customs clearance at US borders.

What is a C-TPAT audit?

QIS's C-TPAT audit is a comprehensive, impartial, third-party assessment that helps overseas manufacturers exporting to the United States evaluate, validate, and enforce security measures across their supply chain. The audit verifies compliance with C-TPAT guidelines and helps identify potential vulnerabilities so that they can be addressed and resolved. Audit findings contribute to the vulnerability and risk assessments required of C-TPAT members.

What's Included in QIS's C-TPAT Audit?

Qualified QIS C-TPAT auditors conduct an independent assessment of your manufacturing facilities and perform various checks based on C-TPAT criteria. These checks include:

• Personnel security
• Facility security
• Storage and distribution processes
• Shipment information control
• Information access controls
• Contractor controls
• Export logistics
• Records and documentation processes

At the end of the audit, we provide a corrective action plan outlining measures the facility must take to improve security measures, if necessary. Dates for implementation are also agreed upon with factory management.

What are the Benefits of Being a C-TPAT Member?

C-TPAT membership provides significant advantages for businesses involved in international trade:

• Evaluate and enforce security measures in your supply chains
• Reduce customs inspections and enjoy fast-track clearance
• Bring products to market faster
• Protect US border security
• Gain competitive advantage through expedited processing
• Demonstrate commitment to supply chain security
• Build trust with US customs authorities

Why Choose QIS for Your C-TPAT Audit?

Our experienced C-TPAT auditors understand the complexities of international supply chains and the specific security requirements for US market access. We provide thorough assessments that help you achieve and maintain C-TPAT compliance while strengthening your overall supply chain security posture.

Comprehensive Security Assessment

Our C-TPAT audits go beyond basic compliance checking. We provide a comprehensive security assessment that identifies vulnerabilities, evaluates current security measures, and provides actionable recommendations for improvement. This holistic approach ensures that your supply chain security measures are robust and effective.

QIS Benefits

• In-depth local knowledge with auditors attuned to the culture, laws and practices of their region
• Security experts receive regular training on C-TPAT regulations and best practices
• Global coverage across 100 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America
• Continuous improvement approach drives long-term change and empowers suppliers to act
• Online program management book audits, make payments, and download detailed reports
• Custom compliance dashboard to assess supplier performance, track progress and visualize your supply network
• Ranked #1 in the industry for customer satisfaction based on independent NPS measurement