CBP ANNOUNCES NEW CTPAT PILOT PROGRAM
December 15, 2025
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On November 21, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced a new Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (“CTPAT”) pilot program for third party logistics providers (“3PLs”). The new pilot program will determine whether asset-based 3PLs (i.e., entities owning or leasing transportation assets) and non-asset-based 3PLs (i.e., entities owning no assets but rather partnering with other carriers and/or providers) should both be permitted to participate in the CTPAT program. Historically, participation of non-asset-based 3PLs has been limited despite those entities playing an integral role in the safety of global supply chains. In 2023, lawmakers therefore directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program to assess whether allowing both non-asset-based 3PLs and asset-based 3PLs to participate in CTPAT would enhance port security, combat terrorism, and prevent international supply chain security breaches. The new program will begin no earlier than December 1, 2025, and continue for no more than five years. Eligible applicants seeking to participate in the pilot program can apply via email (OFO-INDUSTRYPARTNERSHIP@CBP.DHS.GOV).
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