Title 6, Domestic SecurityRelease 119-110

§966 Tier 3 Participants in C–tpat

Title 6 › CHAPTER 3 — SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT › SUBCHAPTER II — SECURITY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN › Part B — Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism › § 966

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

Creates a third C–TPAT tier that gives extra benefits to members who keep security stronger than Tier 2. The Secretary, through the Commissioner, must set the rules for Tier 3. The rules can require stricter cargo access controls, extra cargo information before loading, use of approved container security devices or technology, and other cargo requirements. Tier 3 benefits can include faster cargo release at U.S. ports at any threat level, fewer and prioritized inspections, a lower Automated Targeting System risk score, and participation in joint incident exercises. The rules and benefits had to be in place within two years after October 13, 2006.

Full Legal Text

Title 6, §966

Domestic Security, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall establish a third tier of C–TPAT participation that offers additional benefits to participants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to maintaining security measures and supply chain security practices that exceed the guidelines established for validation as a Tier 2 participant in C–TPAT under section 965 of this title.

(b)Criteria

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall designate criteria for validating a C–TPAT participant as a Tier 3 participant under this section. Such criteria may include—

(1)compliance with any additional guidelines established by the Secretary that exceed the guidelines established pursuant to section 965 of this title for validating a C–TPAT participant as a Tier 2 participant, particularly with respect to controls over access to cargo throughout the supply chain;

(2)submission of additional information regarding cargo prior to loading, as determined by the Secretary;

(3)utilization of container security devices, technologies, policies, or practices that meet standards and criteria established by the Secretary; and

(4)compliance with any other cargo requirements established by the Secretary.

(c)Benefits

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, in consultation with the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee and the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, shall extend benefits to each C–TPAT participant that has been validated as a Tier 3 participant under this section, which may include—

(1)the expedited release of a Tier 3 participant’s cargo in destination ports within the United States during all threat levels designated by the Secretary;

(2)further reduction in examinations of cargo;

(3)priority for examinations of cargo; and

(4)further reduction in the risk score assigned pursuant to the Automated Targeting System; and

(5)inclusion in joint incident management exercises, as appropriate.

(d)Deadline

Not later than 2 years after October 13, 2006, the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall designate appropriate criteria pursuant to subsection (b) and provide benefits to validated Tier 3 participants pursuant to subsection (c).

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

6 U.S.C. § 966

Title 6, Domestic Security

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110