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CTPAT Compliance
CTPAT Compliance for Exporters to the USA
US buyer asked for CTPAT? We get your factory ready for the security audit, from gap check to closed findings.
- CBP security criteria
- Mock security audit
- Policies & records
- Staff training
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Overview
What Is CTPAT?
CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary supply chain security program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It aims to keep cargo shipped to the USA safe from tampering, smuggling and theft.
US importers in CTPAT must make sure their overseas suppliers follow its security rules. That’s why your buyer is asking.
Good to know: CBP does not issue CTPAT certificates to Indian factories. Membership is for US companies and certain Mexican and Canadian ones. Indian suppliers prove compliance, usually through a security audit their buyer accepts.
What Gets Checked
Key Security Areas
CBP’s Minimum Security Criteria cover 12 areas. The main ones for factories:
- Risk assessment
- Business partner checks
- Container & seal security
- Physical security & CCTV
- Access control
- Staff screening & training
- Cybersecurity
- Staff screening & training
How It Works
Simple 4-Step Process
01
Gap check
Site visit against the security criteria.
02
Fix & document
Policies, logs and site fixes.
03
Mock audit
Dry run with your security team.
04
Buyer audit
We support you on audit day and after.
FAQs
CTPAT FAQs
Can an Indian company get a CTPAT certificate from US Customs?
Under NPOP, only certification bodies accredited by APEDA can inspect and certify you. We prepare your farm or unit for that inspection.
Why does my US buyer ask for CTPAT?
Under NPOP, the normal conversion period is 2 years for annual crops and 3 years for perennial crops. The 8th edition allows this to be reduced in some cases, such as land with a proven chemical-free history.
How long does CTPAT preparation take?
After certification. For multi-ingredient products, at least 95% of the ingredients must be certified organic to use the organic label and India Organic logo.
Is CTPAT the same as a social compliance audit?
Yes. Organic certification does not replace FSSAI. Food businesses need FSSAI registration or a licence, and organic food sold in India must also follow FSSAI’s organic food rules.
US Buyer Asked For CTPAT?
Share the buyer’s request. We’ll tell you the scope, timeline and cost.