SAFE Port Act of 2006

It codified the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism with tiered benefits, wrote the Container Security Initiative into law and required CBP to collect additional advance cargo data, leading to the Importer Security Filing (10+2) rule, effective 2009, with liquidated damages of $5,000 per violation. It also required radiation screening of containers at major US ports. A 2007 law added a goal of scanning all US-bound containers abroad, which DHS has repeatedly deferred.

The SAFE Port Act is why US importers must file ISF data at least 24 hours before ocean cargo is loaded abroad, and why C-TPAT membership can mean fewer exams. For a brand importing containers to a 3PL warehouse, a late ISF can bring a $5,000 liquidated damages claim and extra holds that delay receiving. C-TPAT certification has practical value: certified importers generally face lower examination rates, so their containers reach the warehouse faster.

• Importer Security FilingISFOcean import filing due before loading
• Customs Trade Partnership Against TerrorismCTPATCBP security program with fewer inspections
• Customs ExamCBP inspection of an import shipment

• Container Security Initiative (CSI)2002 · US officers screen containers at foreign ports

• 24-Hour Rule2002, enforced 2003 · US rule to file ocean cargo data before foreign loading
• Trade Act of 20022002 · US law mandating advance electronic cargo data
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)1976 · US rules controlling defense articles and services

1. H.R. 4954, SAFE Port Act (Congress.gov) congress.gov
2. CBP: Importer Security Filing 10+2 Program FAQs cbp.gov