All C-TPAT participants will be required to enter, update, and maintain security information utilizing the new Security Link Portal, which Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will make available in May 2006. The new security link portal is a secure, full-service, Internet portal that enables C-TPAT participants and certified members to accomplish the following:

• Enter new applications (the online application process has been suspended)
• Update information previously supplied, as well as add new information
• Allows participants to maintain the supply chain security profile in "real-time" by updating the information as needed and re-certifying the information on a yearly basis
• Provides a vehicle to communicate directly with a company’s designated C-TPAT supply chain security specialists using a secure system
• Facilitates the receipt of information directly from CBP, such as cargo security alerts and sanitized intelligence information

Below is a schedule relative to when the security profile information updates must be submitted using this web portal. For most parties, the date is before July 1, 2006. The other date is before August 1, 2006.

Importers

U.S./Canada Highway Carriers

U.S./Mexico Highway Carriers

Rail Carriers

Sea Carriers

Air Carriers

U.S. Marine Port Authority/Terminal Operators

Air Freight Consolidators, Ocean TPT Intermediaries & Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs)

The portal account must be created or modified by the C-TPAT Participant’s Point of Contact (POC), who is the designated party referenced in the application. Subsequent to the establishment of the account, it is this individual's email address that will serve as the vehicle to create and maintain the supply chain security profile. It is important to note that regardless of whether your company is an existing C-TPAT participant or prospective participant, the use of this portal to enter or update information will be mandatory and will assist CBP in the verification of a company’s eligibility.

For further information, please consult the following URL on CBP's website