"The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program is one layer in U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) multi-layered cargo enforcement strategy. Through this program, CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security; in exchange, CBP affords C-TPAT Partners certain benefits, including reduced examination rates and access to the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lanes. Launched in November 2001 with seven major importers as a direct result of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the program now includes more than 10,700 Partner companies, and covers the gamut of the trade community to include importers; exporters; bordercrossing highway carriers; rail, air, and sea carriers; licensed U.S. Customs brokers; U.S. marine port authority/ terminal operators; U.S. freight consolidators; Mexican and Canadian manufacturers; and Mexican long‐haul highway carriers. One vitally important aspect of the minimum security criteria Partners must address to maintain the security of their shipments is a documented risk assessment process. As a voluntary public-private sector partnership program, C-TPAT recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principal stakeholders of the international supply chain. Those companies that become C-TPAT Partners are expected to meet and maintain the security standards of the program. Part of that criteria is the requirement for Partners to conduct and document for C-TPAT's review a risk assessment of their international supply chains. The risk assessment process is critically important as it allows Partners to truly understand their supply chains, where the vulnerabilities lie within those supply chains, and determine what to do in order to mitigate any risks identified."