On October 24, 2017, the US House of Representatives passed the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Reauthorization Act of 2017. The stated purpose of C-TPAT is to strengthen security, facilitate cargo, ensure compliance with the law, and to serve as the Authorized Economic Operator program for the US.

With the passing of the C-TPAT Reauthorization Act in the House, the bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Barragan, in addressing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said, “This bill incorporates Democratic amendments, including one of my own that establishes a standard system for C-TPAT partners to report suspicious activity instead of the patchwork system that exists now. Another important amendment offered by my colleague, Mr. Correa, was adopted in committee to ensure that when CBP changes up the rules and security criteria for C-TPAT, stakeholders are given adequate notice to comply.”

There are more than 11,400 C-TPAT members in trade today.

The text of the bill may be found here:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/3551/text

The Congressional Record may be found here:

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2017/10/23/house-section/article/H8052-1