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CTPAT & Compliance

Our Commitment to Secure and Compliant Trade

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Supply Chain Security & Informed Compliance

Importer Responsibilities & Reasonable Care
U.S. Importers of Record are responsible for exercising reasonable care by ensuring that all import information provided to CBP is:

  • Accurate, complete, and truthful

  • Supported by proper commercial documentation

  • Retained in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements

  • Updated promptly when changes occur

Importers must review entry data and supporting documentation and notify ACM Logistics & Consulting Inc. of any corrections or changes prior to the statement date.
ACM requires importers to acknowledge these responsibilities through its Informed Compliance Questionnaire as part of onboarding and ongoing compliance efforts .
📄 Informed Compliance Questionnaire (ACM)

Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) Awareness
 
CBP and the Department of Homeland Security identify Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) as a significant supply chain risk.
Importers should be alert to red flags such as:

  • Unusual pricing or payment terms

  • Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

  • Unexplained routing changes

  • Discrepancies between invoices and goods

🔗 CBP Trade-Based Money Laundering Information
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/tbml

Agriculture Security & Wood Packaging Materials (ISPM-15)

Agriculture security is a critical component of CBP enforcement and a high-risk area identified during CTPAT validations.
Importers are responsible for ensuring:

  • Wood Packaging Materials (WPM) comply with ISPM-15

  • WPM displays a valid IPPC stamp

  • Shipments are free of visible pest contamination

📄 CTPAT Agriculture Security Bulletin (MSC 8.1) - https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2022-Aug/Agricultural%20Security%20Bulletin%20MSC%208.1_1.pdf
📄 ISPM-15 Guidance (USDA / IPPC) - https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/ispms/
Failure to comply may result in cargo delays, re-export, or mandatory treatment.

Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) Awareness
 
CBP and the Department of Homeland Security identify Trade-Based Money Laundering (TBML) as a significant supply chain risk.
Importers should be alert to red flags such as:

  • Unusual pricing or payment terms

  • Inconsistent or incomplete documentation

  • Unexplained routing changes

  • Discrepancies between invoices and goods

🔗 CBP Trade-Based Money Laundering Information - https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/ctpats_warning_indicators_july_2025_508.pdf

Container Seal Security (CTPAT Awareness)
 

Container seal integrity is a key component of supply chain security under the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program. Importers and their supply chain partners are responsible for ensuring containers are sealed at the point of stuffing using high-security seals that meet ISO 17712 standards, and that seal numbers are documented and verified throughout the supply chain.

Broken, missing, or mismatched seals should be treated as security incidents and reported promptly to the appropriate parties, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when required.
 

🔗 CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria – Seal Security - https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/ctpat/ctpat-minimum-security-criteria

🔗 CBP Ports of Entry Contact Information - https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact/ports

Cybersecurity & Data Protection Awareness
 
Protecting trade data is a critical part of modern supply chain security. Importers are encouraged to:

  • Secure credentials and trade documentation

  • Use secure communication methods

  • Remain alert to phishing and cyber threats

  • Notify ACM immediately of suspected data compromise

Cybersecurity controls are a required element of the CTPAT Minimum Security Criteria.
🔗 CBP Trade Cybersecurity & Data Protection Guidance - https://www.cbp.gov/trade/trade-community-awareness/cybersecurity

Reporting Changes & Suspicious Activity
 

Importers must promptly notify ACM Logistics & Consulting Inc. of:

  • Changes to suppliers, sourcing, or merchandise

  • Ownership or corporate structure changes

  • Documentation discrepancies

  • Suspicious or irregular activity affecting shipments

Timely reporting supports compliance and supply chain security.

Helpful CBP Resources

🔗 CBP Reasonable Care Guidance
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/rulings/informed-compliance-publications
🔗 CBP Ports of Entry Contact Information
https://www.cbp.gov/about/contact/ports
🔗 ACE & Importer Resources
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated

Our Role as Your Customs Broker
 
ACM Logistics & Consulting Inc. provides customs brokerage services, compliance guidance, and educational resources to support informed compliance. Importers remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of information submitted to CBP.
Through collaboration, transparency, and education, ACM works with its clients to maintain a secure and compliant international supply chain.

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