The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, is authorized to establish a voluntary government-private sector program (to be known as the “Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism” or “C–TPAT”) to strengthen and improve the overall security of the international supply chain and United States border security, and to facilitate the movement of secure cargo through the international supply chain, by providing benefits to participants meeting or exceeding the program requirements. Participants in C–TPAT shall include Tier 1 participants, Tier 2 participants, and Tier 3 participants.
The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall review the minimum security requirements of C–TPAT at least once every year and update such requirements as necessary.