CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) has always been guided by two core principles: voluntary participation and jointly developed security criteria. Becoming a member begins with meeting the Minimum Security Criteria, but that is only the starting point. As new threats emerge and security practices evolve, companies should continuously work to stay ahead. The most successful members go beyond minimum compliance by adopting strategies that strengthen both long-term security and operational efficiency.
These strategies are often referred to as CTPAT best practices. A best practice is not just a strong procedure—it is a security measure that is fully supported by upper management, fits the unique structure and scale of the business, is clearly documented, and can be verified in practice. It must be innovative for the company’s size and industry, and it should be tested or reviewed to confirm its effectiveness.
Although a Supply Chain Security Specialist may point out effective security measures during a validation, a best practice is not recognized based solely on their recommendation. The SCSS (Supply Chain Security Specialist) will forward their recommendation to a supervisor where it will then be determined if it is to be recognized as a best practice. For a practice to be considered a CTPAT best practice, it must meet CBP’s criteria for innovation, sustainability, and measurable success.
CBP has issued several resources over the years to help members better understand and develop best practices. In 2006, the agency released the Supply Chain Security Best Practices Catalog, followed by a Best Practices Update in 2009. These publications highlighted specific practices observed at member companies. In 2021, CBP released the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Best Practices Framework. Rather than listing examples, this framework described five core qualities that define a best practice, offering companies a flexible way to evaluate and design security measures appropriate to their structure and operations. A practice that works well for a large corporation may not be practical for a smaller company, and the framework allows for that difference while still maintaining high standards.
The framework emphasized that a best practice should be championed by leadership, tailored to the member’s specific business model, formally documented, part of an internal oversight process, and clearly implemented with evidence that it is working. This verification might take place during a validation or be reviewed through documentation. The overall message given in the framework was clear—CTPAT is not just a checklist. It is about building a forward-thinking security culture that any company, regardless of size, can commit to. For example, the Minimum Security Criteria states that companies should review their program at least once a year. A company seeking to go further might choose to hold regular security meetings every quarter or even monthly, especially after any incidents. This demonstrates an active and ongoing commitment to improvement.
Before trying to implement best practices, companies should first make sure they are fully meeting the Minimum Security Criteria for their specific CTPAT entity type. This includes conducting regular security audits to identify any vulnerabilities and confirm compliance. Once the foundation is in place, the next step is to ask whether the company could take additional steps to more effectively meet the intent of each requirement..
Take visitor control as an example. The requirement is that visitor identities must be verified and recorded at the time of entry. Using a log with paper and pen is a sufficient method, but a company looking to establish a best practice might instead use an electronic database. This system could track past visits, alert staff to restricted individuals, and offer better oversight with less manual effort.
Ultimately, CTPAT members are expected to foster a company-wide culture of security. That responsibility cannot fall only on compliance staff—it must be shared by everyone. Leading members do not treat validation as a one-time event. They integrate strong security practices into everyday operations, which results in more resilient supply chains and builds confidence among partners and regulators. During annual reviews or validations, members should be prepared to show how their company addresses the twelve core sections of the Minimum Security Criteria. The true goal is not just to remain compliant but to create a security framework built on trust, shared responsibility, and ongoing improvement.
If your company is considering joining CTPAT or is already a member looking to improve its approach, Veroot can support you. We offer support in implementing effective security measures, conducting tailored risk assessments, and can even provide automated tools for employee CTPAT training and business partner security questionnaires. Our goal is to help your company move beyond basic compliance and become a leader in supply chain security.