Anti-terrorism Factory Inspection

Anti-terrorism Factory Inspection

Anti-terrorism factory inspection is also known as GSV certification or C-TPAT certification. GSV stands for Global Security Verification, which is one of the three parts of Walmart’s factory inspection! This means that this part focuses on anti-terrorism! The inspection mainly involves factory security, warehouse, packaging, loading, and related stages! After passing the GSV evaluation, the factory will receive a GSV certificate issued by U.S. Customs!

Main Benefits of Participating in C-TPAT

The main benefit of participating in C-TPAT is the ability to speed up the processing of goods. Over time, as the number of C-TPAT members increases, factories that do not participate in C-TPAT will face more inspections and detailed verification, and the processing time will not be guaranteed.

Explanation: C-TPAT stands for Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. This is a voluntary program initiated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection after the 9/11 incident and officially implemented on April 16, 2002. Through the security proposals of C-TPAT, CBP hopes to cooperate with related industries to build a supply chain security management system to ensure the safety of transportation from the starting point to the endpoint, the flow of security information, and the safety of goods, thereby preventing the infiltration of terrorists.

Currently, C-TPAT (Anti-Terrorism/GSV) has established security recommendations in 9 fields:

1. Importers
2. Air Carriers
3. Sea Carriers
4. Rail Carriers
5. Freight Forwarders / Ocean Transport Intermediaries / NVOCCs
6. U.S. Marine Port Authorities / Terminal Operators
7. Foreign Manufacturers

Origin of Anti-Terrorism Factory Inspection (GSV/C-TPAT)

After the “911” incident, the United States implemented global anti-terrorism measures from the sea, land, and air. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection encouraged importers and the international logistics industry to promote the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). Currently, U.S. Customs only recognizes ITS’s GSV, namely Global Security Verification.

The Role of Anti-Terrorism Factory Inspection

1. Establish a management system that meets international standards, improve international competitiveness, and compete with well-known brands.
2. Create positive consumer feelings about the product.
3. Stabilize cooperation with buyers and expand new markets, laying a solid foundation for long-term development.
4. Improve the management system, enhance employee relations, thereby increasing productivity and profits.
5. Reduce potential business risks, such as work accidents, even deaths, legal disputes, or loss of orders.
6. Develop new markets and customers: Companies with social responsibility will stand out from competitors.

Main Points of Anti-Terrorism Factory Inspection

1. Security Management System
1.01 Is there someone responsible for security equipment? If so, please provide the name and contact number. Mandatory.
1.02 Is there a written security policy and procedures covering physical security, door control management, personnel security, education and training, container security, transportation security, and cargo management to identify whether there is overloading, shortage, foreign or illegal items? Mandatory.
1.03 Are emergency contact numbers prepared and updated for law enforcement agencies, company management, customers, and contractors? Mandatory.
1.04 Do the contracts with export freight companies and other service providers include the minimum security requirements of C-TPAT? Mandatory.
1.05 Is the identity of the person issuing items and mail verified? Mandatory.

2. Physical Security and Door Control Management

2.01 Is there a written physical security procedure prepared? Mandatory.
2.02 Are fences or natural barriers installed around the operational area and cargo storage areas (such as container areas and loading areas) to prevent unauthorized access? Mandatory.
2.03 Is the area around and inside the fences cleared of debris (such as bushes, trees, or other vegetation) to ensure that security personnel’s line of sight is not obstructed, preventing people from hiding or climbing without timely detection?
2.04 Are the empty spaces around and inside the fences regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition? Mandatory.
2.05 Are all entrances monitored to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering or leaving the factory area, at least in the cargo handling area, warehouse, loading area, and cargo storage area? Mandatory.
2.06 Are measures taken to verify the valid identity of drivers receiving and delivering goods (such as ID cards or driver’s licenses)? Mandatory.
2.07 Are adequate door control devices (such as security personnel arrangements, electronic door control devices, or surveillance camera systems) set up to prevent unauthorized access to the factory area, especially in the cargo handling and storage areas? Mandatory.
2.08 Do employees wear work badges, and are those without badges checked? Mandatory.
2.09 Are all visitors or business partners approved by the management, and are their identification documents checked by security at the door? Mandatory.
2.10 Does the factory’s interior, including lobbies and loading areas, have lighting? Mandatory.
2.11 Is the lighting at entrances and exits, emergency exits, loading areas, and parking areas adequate? Mandatory.
2.12 Are all buildings sturdy enough to prevent illegal entry and regularly inspected? Mandatory.
2.13 Are windows and doors kept closed to prevent unauthorized access? Mandatory.
2.14 Is a computer security system installed to prevent unauthorized access to computer systems? Are user passwords required, firewalls installed, antivirus software, and secure servers used? Mandatory.
2.15 Is there a written policy for issuing, retrieving, and changing access tools (such as keys, electronic door cards, etc.)? Mandatory.
2.16 Are keys managed by management personnel or provided with sufficient security measures? Mandatory.

3. Personnel Security, Education, and Training

3.01 Are background checks conducted for new employees, including criminal record checks and registration record verification?
3.02 Are regular or re-checks conducted for those in sensitive positions?
3.03 Are background checks conducted for temporary and contract workers?
3.04 Is drug testing conducted for everyone?
3.05 Are employee registration records (such as references, previous employers, and citizenship status) verified? Mandatory.
3.06 Are employees trained and aware of how to report suspicious or illegal behavior? Mandatory.
3.07 Is there a policy for retrieving work badges and other employee property upon resignation or termination, and changing door or computer passwords (if applicable)? Mandatory.

4. Container Security

4.01 Is there a written procedure guiding how to check and verify the integrity of the container before loading goods, and ensuring that container locking devices are secure? Mandatory.
4.02 Does the inspection process include seven points (front, left, right, bottom, top inside-outside, door inside-outside, bottom outside)? Mandatory.
4.03 Are security seals meeting or exceeding PAS ISO 17712 standards used, and are they locked immediately after loading goods? Mandatory.
4.04 Is there a written policy for storing and using those seals? Mandatory.
4.05 Does the policy include identifying seals and reporting to customs and local authorities if they are not compliant? Mandatory.
4.06 Is the seal number recorded on the bill of lading? Mandatory.
4.07 Are the seals securely stored, and only authorized personnel are allowed to use them? Mandatory.
4.08 Are all containers or trailers sturdy and in good condition? Mandatory.

5. Procedures, Documentation, Bills of Lading, and Information Security

5.01 Are security measures provided to ensure the safety of goods during transportation, handling, and storage? Mandatory.
5.02 Are procedures provided to ensure that the cargo transaction documents are clear, complete, and accurate; prevent loss or incorrect submission of documents; and notify customs in a timely manner? Mandatory.
5.03 Are procedures provided to ensure that the cargo transaction documents received from the trading party are accurate and timely? Mandatory.
5.04 Is a person responsible for and regularly changing passwords for the automated customs declaration system or the dedicated computer for processing cargo documents? Mandatory.
5.05 Is there a written computer system security policy? Mandatory.
5.06 Are employees trained in IT security? Mandatory.
5.07 Is software installed that can detect unauthorized access to the company’s IT network, attempts to alter or modify business data? Mandatory.
5.08 Are appropriate penalties applied to unauthorized intruders? Mandatory.

6. Shipping and Receiving

6.01 Is there a written security procedure including measures for handling goods to prevent illegal items from being mixed, swapped, or lost? Mandatory.
6.02 Are there procedures in place to ensure that unauthorized or unidentified persons are prevented from entering the factory, loading areas, and container loading areas? Mandatory.
6.03 Are bills of lading and packing slips compared, and any excess, shortage, damage, or anomalies reported to management in a timely manner? Mandatory.
6.04 Is there a procedure for detecting and reporting inaccurate or missing seals, as well as excess, shortage, foreign objects, damage, or anomalies? Are emergency contact numbers prepared to report these issues? Mandatory.
6.05 Is there a procedure for reporting unauthorized persons, foreign materials, or illegal activities? Mandatory.
6.06 Are empty or loaded containers safely stored to prevent unauthorized items or contraband from being placed in them, or goods being stolen from the container? Mandatory.