C-TPAT is the difference between waiting in general inspection and rolling through the FAST lane. Assess your compliance free against all 110 official CBP criteria — bilingual, no signup, in minutes.
C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary partnership program between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and private industry, created to strengthen the security of the international supply chain.
It isn't a federal law or requirement — but a growing number of U.S. shippers require it as a condition for contracting a Mexican carrier. If you've been asked to "be C-TPAT certified" to keep or win a contract, this is the program.
The program evaluates 110 minimum security criteria grouped into 12 categories: from the physical security of your facilities and container seal integrity, to cybersecurity and personnel background screening.
Beyond the paperwork, C-TPAT changes how you cross the border every single day.
Priority crossing at land ports of entry for certified carriers and their certified business partners.
Documented reduction in physical inspection rate and wait times at the border.
Mutual Recognition Arrangement between C-TPAT and Mexico's OEA program since 2014.
Meets the requirement a growing number of U.S. shippers demand before they'll sign a contract.
C-TPAT distinguishes between two types of Mexican carrier, and not all 110 criteria apply to both equally.
Physically crosses the border into the United States.
Does not cross the border; handles the long-haul leg within Mexico up to the border point.
This isn't a generic checklist. Every one of the 110 criteria includes the official text and CBP's full implementation guidance — built to teach the criterion, not just check a box.
When the tool finds gaps, TRA Consulting helps you close them.
Expert analysis of your results with a risk-prioritized action plan — not just a to-do list.
Mock walkthroughs and document review before CBP schedules your site validation.
Periodic follow-up to keep your certification current as your operations change.
Not by law — but a growing number of U.S. shippers require it as a condition for contracting a carrier, and it provides real benefits like FAST lanes and fewer border inspections.
OEA (Operador Económico Autorizado) is Mexico's equivalent program. Since 2014 there's been a Mutual Recognition Arrangement between C-TPAT and OEA, so certification in one facilitates recognition in the other — though applications are independent processes with each authority.
An honest self-assessment against the 110 criteria usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Closing the gaps found can take 1 to 6 months, depending on how many criteria are missing and how deep your current processes go.
Yes. It's completely free, requires no signup or account, and any data you enter is stored only in your own browser — TRA Consulting never receives it unless you choose to share a report with us.
CBP notifies you of the gaps found and gives you the opportunity to remediate them. Identifying those gaps beforehand, with the self-assessment, significantly reduces the risk of a failed validation.
Assess your C-TPAT compliance right now — free, no signup, bilingual.
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