Life in the fast lane. Everyone wants to ensure the supply chain is secure while keeping a consistent flow of goods across U.S. borders. With that in mind, on April 17, 2002, the U.S. Customs Service began accepting applications from all importers to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Under the joint government/industry initiative, importers take steps to assess, evolve and communicate tighter security practices for cargo and the entire supply chain. In return, their goods and conveyances will receive expedited processing into the United States via dedicated lanes where possible, and they will be assigned account managers in Customs, and given reduced inspections and eligibility for automated payments.

"The message should be clear—if a business takes steps to secure its cargo against terrorism, we will give it the 'fast lane' through the border," said U.S. Customs Service Commissioner Robert C. Bonner.

dhannon@reedbusiness.com