- CTPAT Certified & Validated
Your Supply Chain Moves Through
A Vetted Partner
Kesco is a voluntarily certified and validated member of CBP’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. Certified and validated — not just enrolled. CBP has reviewed our operations on-site and confirmed we meet the Minimum Security Criteria.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
- CTPAT
What Is
CTPAT?
CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary CBP program in which supply chain participants — importers, carriers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders — commit to Minimum Security Criteria (MSC) across their operations and partner networks.
CTPAT certification means a company has been accepted into the program. CTPAT validation is the higher tier — it means CBP has conducted an on-site review and confirmed that the security practices in place actually meet the MSC. Kesco holds both.
Members receive benefits including reduced CBP examination rates and access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) expedited lane at the border. For importers, using CTPAT-validated service providers throughout the supply chain strengthens their own CTPAT standing with CBP.
- What It Means for Your Shipments
A Validated Partner
Across Your Supply Chain
Reduced CBP Exam Rates
CTPAT members are subject to lower examination rates than non-members. Using a validated forwarder is one factor that reduces the likelihood of your cargo being held for exam.
Strengthens Your Own CTPAT Standing
For importers who are CTPAT members, CBP expects security practices to extend through service providers. Using validated partners like Kesco supports your program's compliance posture.
Security Maintained, Not Just Promised
Validation means CBP reviewed our operations and confirmed the security standards. The status must be maintained — there are ongoing requirements, not a one-time certification.
- Minimum Security Criteria
The Standards Kesco Maintains
Business partner security vetting
Container and conveyance security
Physical access controls
Personnel security standards
Procedural security requirements
Information technology security
- FAQ
CTPAT Questions
What the certification means, the difference between certified and validated, and what it means for shippers.
CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a voluntary CBP program in which importers, carriers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders commit to Minimum Security Criteria across their operations and supply chains. Certified members are vetted by CBP and receive benefits including reduced exam rates and expedited cargo processing. Validated status means CBP has conducted an on-site review confirming the member meets those criteria.
CTPAT certification means a company has been accepted into the program and committed to meeting CBP's Minimum Security Criteria. CTPAT validation is the next tier — CBP has conducted an on-site review of the company's facilities and operations and confirmed that the security practices in place actually meet those criteria. Kesco holds both.
CTPAT members are subject to lower examination rates than non-members, and validated members receive additional benefits including access to the FAST expedited lane at the border. For importers with their own CTPAT membership, using validated service providers throughout the supply chain supports their compliance posture with CBP.
Yes. Kesco and its partners in commerce adhere to CTPAT-mandated Minimum Security Criteria throughout the supply chain, including requirements covering business partner vetting, container and trailer security, physical access controls, personnel security, and information technology security.