What is C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism)?

C-TPAT — recently rebranded by CBP to CTPAT — is a voluntary public-private partnership in which importers, brokers, carriers, and other supply chain operators meet defined security standards in exchange for benefits like reduced exam rates and front-of-line treatment. CTPAT is a foundational trade compliance and security program for serious importers.