WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection says the new Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program’s Internet Application and Communications Portal is the next significant system advancement, which will enhance and improve the processing and communication for all C-TPAT participants and certified C-TPAT members.

The portal, available in May 2006, will be mandatory for all eligible participants. U.S. and Canadian highway carriers must start using the portal by July 1, 2006. It is a secure, full-service, Internet web portal that will allow qualifying C-TPAT participants to:

Enter new applications; instantly submit information updates and add new information; maintain a “living” Supply Chain Security Profile that can be updated as needed and must be updated and re-certified on a yearly basis; communicate directly with CBP C-TPAT and/or their designated supply chain security specialists using a secure system; receive information directly from CBP to include cargo security alerts and sanitized intelligence information; maintain a list of authorized users.

All C-TPAT participants will be required to use the portal to ensure that all company information and Supply Security Profile information is accurate and complete.

C-TPAT participant failing to update this information in the portal will have their application considered to be withdrawn. All C-TPAT benefits, including reduced and expedited CBP exam processing and FAST lane access, will be removed and the company would be required to re-apply for the C-TPAT program.