CTPAT Eligibility: Who Can Apply? The 11 Entity Types

Who can apply for CTPAT?

CTPAT membership is voluntary and free to apply for. It's open to businesses that play a direct role in the international supply chain. CBP recognizes eleven eligible entity types, from importers and carriers to customs brokers and logistics providers.

If your company moves, handles, or clears cross-border cargo, there's a strong chance you qualify. You also need a business presence in the U.S. or a covered country, plus a documented security program that meets CBP's minimum criteria. The eleven entity types are below.

CTPAT Entity Types

The eleven businesses eligible for CTPAT.

Find your role in the supply chain. If you see yourself here, you can likely apply.

📦

Importers

U.S. importers of record bringing goods into the country.

✈️

Air Carriers

Companies that transport cargo by air into or out of the U.S.

🚢

Sea Carriers

Vessel operators moving ocean freight across borders.

🚆

Rail Carriers

Operators hauling cargo by rail across U.S. borders.

🚚

Highway Carriers

U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico trucking companies.

🛻

Long-Haul Highway Carriers

Long-haul trucking operators based in Mexico.

📋

Consolidators

Air freight consolidators, OTIs, and NVOCCs.

🧾

Customs Brokers

Licensed U.S. customs brokers clearing cargo for clients.

⚓

Marine Port & Terminal Operators

U.S. marine port authorities and terminal operators.

🏭

Exporters & Foreign Manufacturers

Exporters and foreign manufacturers meeting CBP criteria.

🤝

Third-Party Logistics Providers

3PLs managing logistics and cargo for other companies.

CTPAT Eligibility Requirements

Being the right type of business is step one.

To get certified, you also need to meet CBP's baseline requirements.

✓An active business with a role in the international supply chain

✓A business presence in the U.S. or an eligible country

✓A designated company officer as your CTPAT point of contact

✓A written risk assessment of your international supply chain

✓Security procedures that meet CBP's minimum criteria for your entity type

✓A record clear of significant unresolved security incidents

✓A signed agreement to voluntarily maintain CTPAT standards

✓A completed security profile submitted through the CTPAT Portal

Common questions

CTPAT eligibility, answered.

Is CTPAT mandatory?

No. CTPAT is voluntary. But many importers and carriers now require it from the partners they work with, so it often becomes a condition of doing business.

Does it cost anything to apply?

CBP charges no application fee. Your real cost is the time and resources to build the security program and keep it current after you're certified.

Can a small company apply?

Yes. There's no minimum size or shipment volume. You need a genuine role in the supply chain and a security program that meets CBP's criteria for your entity type.

We import and act as a broker. Which entity type do we apply as?

You can hold more than one entity type. A specialist can map which categories fit your operation and how to structure the application.

How long does certification take?

Once you submit, CBP reviews your application, then schedules a validation. Prep time depends on how ready your evidence is. Veroot customers get there faster and pass the first time.