Summary
Starts a test program to see if letting certain shipping companies join the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) will improve supply chain safety.
What problem does this solve?
The government is unsure if letting more types of shipping companies into a key security program will help or hurt security. This law creates a small, temporary test to find out if it's a good idea before making a permanent change.
Who does this affect?
- Third-party logistics providers
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Importers and Exporters
What does this law do?
Establishes a pilot program
Creates a temporary program to test if letting third-party logistics providers (3PLs) join the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) improves security.
Limits program participation
Allows no more than 10 non-asset-based 3PLs and 10 asset-based 3PLs to join the voluntary test program.
Requires a report on CTPAT effectiveness
Orders the Comptroller General to study how well the entire CTPAT program has worked over the last five years and suggest improvements.
Sets a timeline for the program
Requires the program to run for at least one year and be shut down no more than five years after it starts.
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens supply chain security
Tests whether including more types of shipping and logistics companies in a trusted partner program can help find and stop security threats like terrorism and smuggling before they reach the U.S.
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Gathers data for future policy
Creates a limited, controlled experiment to see if expanding the CTPAT program is effective. The results will help lawmakers decide whether to make the change permanent for all similar companies.
When does this start?
This law sets several deadlines for reports and program actions that will happen over the next few years.
Pilot program requirements published
Within one year of the law's signing, the Secretary of Homeland Security must publish the rules for the pilot program in the Federal Register.
CTPAT effectiveness report
Within one year of the law's signing, the Comptroller General must give Congress a report on how well the CTPAT program is working.