(a) ValidationThe Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall validate the security measures and supply chain security practices of a Tier 1 participant in accordance with the guidelines referred to in subsection (c). Such validation shall include on-site assessments at appropriate foreign locations utilized by the Tier 1 participant in its supply chain and shall, to the extent practicable, be completed not later than 1 year after certification as a Tier 1 participant.
(b) BenefitsThe Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall extend benefits to each C–TPAT participant that has been validated as a Tier 2 participant under this section, which may include—(1) reduced scores in the Automated Targeting System;
(2) reduced examinations of cargo; and
(3) priority searches of cargo.
(c) GuidelinesNot later than 180 days after October 13, 2006, the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall develop a schedule and update the guidelines for validating a participant’s security measures and supply chain security practices under this section.
Structure US Code
CHAPTER 3— SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT
SUBCHAPTER II— SECURITY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Part B— Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
§ 964. Tier 1 participants in C–TPAT
§ 965. Tier 2 participants in C–TPAT
§ 966. Tier 3 participants in C–TPAT
§ 967. Consequences for lack of compliance
§ 968. Third party validations