U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has inaugurated a new office for its Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Program in Laredo, Texas. The office, which opened on November 1, 2024, is the seventh of its kind in the United States and serves as an important link for facilitating lawful trade while ensuring that trusted traders secure their supply chains.

Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino from CBP's Office of Field Operations stated, "We are incredibly proud and honored to announce that our newest CTPAT office formally opens today in Laredo." She emphasized the role of CTPAT supply chain security specialists in verifying and ensuring that applicants take appropriate measures to secure their supply chains.

Dina Amato, Director of the CTPAT and Trusted Trade Partnership Division, noted the strategic importance of the new location: "Having our seventh CTPAT office located right here in Laredo allows closer access for both the international trade community and for our CBP supply chain security specialists to validate CTPAT applications and review risk assessments."

Since its inception in November 2001, CTPAT has grown significantly. Currently, more than 11,400 certified partners participate in the program. These partners include U.S. importers/exporters; highway carriers from both U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico; rail and sea carriers; licensed U.S. Customs brokers; marine port authority/terminal operators; freight consolidators; ocean transportation intermediaries; non-operating common carriers; Mexican and Canadian manufacturers; as well as Mexican long-haul carriers. Collectively, they account for over 52 percent by value of cargo imported into the United States.

Entities joining CTPAT agree to collaborate with CBP to protect supply chains by identifying security gaps and implementing specific security measures along with best practices. Applicants must address a range of security topics and present action plans to ensure alignment throughout their supply chains.

For further information about CBP’s CTPAT Program or updates from CBP’s Laredo Field Office, interested parties can follow them on social media platforms such as X at @DFOLaredo or Instagram at @dfolaredo.

CBP remains America's frontline defense as the largest law enforcement organization dedicated to unified border management globally. With over 65,000 personnel working across various domains—land, air, sea—the agency focuses on facilitating safe travel and trade while enhancing national security through innovation and collaboration.