Customs and Border Protect Issues General Notice on CTPAT Pilot Program

Updates and Application Process – Time Sensitive

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced a Federal Register notice launching a five-year pilot program that, for the first time, opens the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) to both freight brokers and warehouse-based third-party logistics providers (3PLs).

Established in 2001, CTPAT aims to strengthen supply chain security and prevent terrorism and smuggling by partnering with private industry. Certified members receive benefits such as fewer inspections and faster processing for meeting CBP’s minimum security standards. Until recently, DOT licensed non-asset-based brokers were excluded from participation. That changed following the enactment of the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023 (Public Law 118-98), passed in fall 2024, a hard-fought victory for the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA).

Under the pilot program, CBP will admit up to 10 freight brokers and 10 warehouse facilities ona first-come, first-served basis. Interested organizations must email CBP using the designated address and subject line provided in the notice. Approved applicants will then complete an online application through the CTPAT Portal as a Third Party Logistics Provider.

The application process has two parts: the Company Profile and the Security Profile. Once both are submitted, CBP assigns each applicant a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) to review the materials. The SCSS will assess whether the applicant meets the pilot’s eligibility requirements and the Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) for 3PLs. If deficiencies are identified, the SCSS will coordinate with the applicant to resolve them or notify the applicant if it does not qualify. Successful applicants will receive certification through the CTPAT Portal, and their status will move from “Applicant” to “Certified,” triggering access to CTPAT benefits.

Within one year of certification, each participant’s assigned SCSS will conduct an on-site validation to verify the accuracy of the submitted Security Profile and ensure compliance with 3PL MSC standards. Participants who pass validation will continue in the pilot program and receive the full benefits available to validated 3PL partners under CTPAT.

Interested in Participating? Follow These Steps:

• Read the full Federal Register Notice   
• Applicants who wish to participate in the CTPAT Pilot Program must send an email to ofo-industrypartnership@cbp.dhs.gov, and indicate if they wish to participate as a non-asset-based third party logistics provider (3PL) or an asset-based 3PL. In the subject line of the email, please use “CTPAT 3PL Pilot Program Interest.”
• Approved applicants will be directed via email to Complete online application, applying as a Third Party Logistics Provider
• Written comments concerning program, policy, and technical issues may also be submitted via email to ofo-industrypartnership@cbp.dhs.gov. In the subject line of the email, please use “Comment on CTPAT Pilot Program”.

For additional information contact:

• Peter Touhy, CTPAT-Miami, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, via email at Peter.C.Touhy@cbp.dhs.gov.

If you have any questions or would like to talk through the process with TIA staff please email advocacy@tianet.org. Our team is here to support our members so please do not hesitate to reach out.