The C-TPAT programme is a joint initiative of the US government and all crucial parties to the logistics chain, designed to protect global commerce from terrorism. Panalpina filed its C-TPAT application and submitted its Executive Summary of the security profile questionnaire responses last year. Having reviewed the submitted security profile, US Customs officially certified Panalpina as a member of the C-TPAT programme. It approved Panalpina in the categories Licensed Broker, Air Freight Consolidator, Ocean Transportation Intermediary, and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC).

To participate in the C-TPAT programme, members must develop and implement comprehensive security programmes to enhance security both internally and among their partners and customers. Panalpina developed and maintains a complete and detailed security plan in line with US Customs security guidelines. "We have undertaken major efforts to build up and further develop a secure network," says Juerg Meier, head of Panalpina Corporate Security, "C-TPAT allows us to review and reinforce our security policies throughout our organization."

As the C-TPAT guidelines include all parties in the supply chain, such as importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers, Panalpina is determined to communicate the C-TPAT security requirements to its service suppliers and customers. As Panalpina works with selected first-class carriers, most of these service suppliers have applied for membership or already obtained the C-TPAT member status.

As a member of the C-TPAT programme, Panalpina is able to benefit from a reduced number of inspections and faster processing of consignments at the border. US Customs will assign to Panalpina a dedicated point of contact and regularly share information to enhance security throughout the company. The close cooperation with US Customs minimizes delays and guarantees optimal transit times for Panalpina's consignments.