lev-os C-TPAT Security Profile
Produces a CBP-ready C-TPAT Security Profile grounded in documented, verifiable practices aligned with CBP Minimum Security Criteria.
Gather Inputs
- Corporate identifiers — legal name, EIN, DUNS, HQ, facility list, C-TPAT account/tier if enrolled
- Supply chain map — roles (importer/broker/forwarder), trade lanes, origin countries, products, volume
- Security governance — org chart, C-TPAT coordinator, reporting lines, authority
- Policies & SOPs — physical, personnel, procedural, conveyance, IT security procedures
- Risk assessment artifacts — methodology, frequency, recent assessments, mitigation plans
- Training records — onboarding, refresher, role-based, attendance logs
- Business partner vetting — questionnaires, audits, certifications, corrective actions
- Incident logs — security events, seal discrepancies, investigations, remediation
- Validation history — prior CBP validations, findings, corrective actions
Profile Sections
Draft each section using only verifiable, current practices. Never use future-tense promises.
1. Document Control
Version, date, preparer, approver, confidentiality marking.
2. Company Overview & Eligibility
Legal name, EIN, DUNS, HQ, facilities, C-TPAT account/tier, supply chain role, import volume, primary origins, product categories.
3. Governance & Organization
- C-TPAT coordinator — name, title, authority, reporting line
- Security team roles — physical, IT, compliance, operations
- Executive sponsor and review cadence
4. Risk Assessment Method
Framework, frequency, trigger events, scope, risk scoring, documentation approach.
5. Physical Security
- Perimeter controls (fencing, barriers, lighting)
- CCTV coverage map and retention
- Access controls for all zones
- Visitor management
- Loading dock controls
- Alarm/monitoring response
- Guard force staffing and training
6. Personnel Security
- Pre-employment screening scope
- Enhanced checks for sensitive roles
- Contractor/temp worker controls
- Security awareness training
- Termination and access revocation procedures
- Re-screening policy
7. Procedural Security & Supply Chain Integrity
- Business partner vetting and re-assessment
- Receiving procedures and discrepancy handling
- Cargo storage access controls
- Shipping documentation accuracy checks
- Recordkeeping controls
8. Conveyance Security
Seven-point inspection for containers/trailers: front wall, left side, right side, floor, ceiling/roof, inside/outside doors, outside/undercarriage. Document with logs and photos. Apply equivalent protocols for rail/other modes.
9. Seal Control
- High-security seals meet ISO 17712
- Seal inventory control
- Authorized applicators identified
- Seal number logging
- Verification at transfer points
- Discrepancy escalation procedure
10. IT Security
Cover access control (MFA/RBAC), network security (firewalls/IDS/segmentation), data protection (encryption/backup/DR), patch management, and incident response.
11. Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Annual self-assessments
- Corrective actions tracked with owners/dates
- CBP updates monitoring
- Training refresh cadence
12. Recordkeeping & Validation Readiness
- Evidence repository organized and indexed
- Retention periods documented
- Validation visit readiness plan
13. Statement of Commitment
Include signature block: "[Company] affirms its commitment to maintaining C-TPAT security standards, continuous improvement, and full cooperation with CBP validation activities." With signature, title, and date lines.
14. Appendices
Org chart, facility diagrams, sample inspection/seal logs, training records, risk assessment summary.
Pitfalls
- Unverifiable claims — never assert certifications or tier status without supporting documentation
- Omitted facilities/lanes — profile must cover all facilities and trade lanes; gaps trigger CBP scrutiny
- Inconsistency — cross-check facts across sections; contradictions undermine credibility
- Uncertain citations — mark any unverified regulatory references with
[VERIFY] - Confidentiality — align markings with company policy and CBP submission expectations