Following the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001, supply chain security became a priority for our northern neighbor and its main trading partners: Mexico and Canada.
In response to this fact, in November 2001 the US government promoted the creation of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) . “This is a joint initiative between the government and private companies whose objective is to build a relationship of commercial cooperation that strengthens and improves the business value chain ; due to this initiative, Mexican companies must be certified and thus strengthen their security systems not only in their company but also throughout their supply chain,” explained the Mexican Institute of Transport (IMT) in its research Impacts and benefits of the CTPAT program, in the competitiveness of exporting companies .
In turn, the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) reported on its official website that to date there are more than 11,400 certified partners covering the entire spectrum of the commercial community. It detailed that these partners include American importers and exporters, road transporters between the United States and Canada, as well as road transporters between the United States and Mexico. Mexican and Canadian manufacturers are also considered; and Mexican long-distance transporters, which represent more than 52% of the cargo imported to the United States.
To continue the program and further strengthen the border, the official opening of the new CTPAT office at the World Trade Bridge (WTB) port of entry in Laredo, Texas, was announced.
National freight transport companies with operations on the border were invited to the inauguration. “This opening marks a significant moment for the logistics community and strengthens collaboration in our operations,” the Palos Garza company said in a statement.
The new office’s activities will include reviewing CTPAT program applications, as well as assessing eligibility requirements, certifying and validating new members , and ongoing account maintenance and revalidation of CTPAT members in accordance with the Safe Harbors Act of 2006.
“I am pleased to announce the official opening of this critical office. Laredo is the nation’s number one port of entry, and we need all available resources to ensure it is not only secure, but also able to process trade efficiently. I look forward to working with CBP to ensure this project is successful and that we continue to have the resources necessary to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.
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