(Tuesday, September 21, 2004)

WASHINGTON, D.C. U. S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner announced today that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) has reached a major milestone with over 7,000 members making it the largest voluntary partnership between government and the private sector in United States’ history. C-TPAT was launched in November 2001 with just seven partners in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and represents the commitment of government and business to secure and protect the United States from international terrorism. Today C-TPAT members include almost all major U.S. importers and cover over 50percent by value of maritime cargo. C-TPAT is a joint government-business initiative, designed not only to strengthen overall supply chain and border security but also to facilitate legitimate trade

The growth of C-TPAT has been nothing short of astonishing and proves the commitment the private sector has to combat international terrorism. By working with Customs and Border Protection to secure the supply chain we have additional eyes, ears, and technology working side by side with us to increase security from the factory to the loading docks, Commissioner Bonner said. CBP is using its expertise, authority, knowledge and its historic relationship with the private sector as part of an overall layered strategy for maritime security against the threat posed by global terrorism.