APL | APL | Safety: Ensuring the Supply Chain Security

In today’s world, the global supply chain is subject to ever evolving risks and threats. APL is committed to continually review our security procedures and protocols to ensure we respond instantly to any changes in regulatory requirements, or maritime and supply chain security threats. We are also dedicated to supporting pioneering initiatives and technologies designed to advance security in the supply chain while minimizing the impact on the flow of legitimate trade. You need a business partner that makes supply chain security a priority. APL is the business partner for you.

Supply Chain Security

Governments around the world have implemented a wide range of supply chain security initiatives to improve maritime and intermodal cargo and operator protection. APL meets all its global security requirements to ensure our vessels and your shipments do not suffer delays.

Through the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve United States border security. CTPAT is a voluntary public-private sector partnership program which recognizes that CBP can provide the highest level of cargo security only through close cooperation with the principle stakeholders of the international supply chain such as importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers. The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 provided a statutory framework for the CTPAT program and imposed strict program oversight requirements.

APL is a certified CTPAT member since 2002 and maintains security procedures that are consistent with CTPAT security criteria for sea carriers. APL has successfully completed all of its CTPAT revalidations, with our most recent revalidation in 2017.

As CTPAT members, APL is exempt from completing customer/business partner Security Questionnaires. To assist our customers meet their CTPAT compliance of screening and monitoring business partners, please send your request to monitor our status through the CTPAT Portal.

For more information on CTPAT, see links below:

Detailed program information - CBP CTPAT

CTPAT and Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs)

Risk Assessment Frequently Asked Questions

Sea Carrier Security Criteria

Mutual Recognition Frequently Asked Questions

International Ship and Port Facility Security - ISPS

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) was created by the International Maritime Organization to enhance ship and port facility security. International Ship Security Certificates (ISSC) are issued to vessels in compliance with ISPS Code requirements. APL complies with all relevant ISPS Code regulations.

High Security Seals

APL's current Container Bolt Seal inventory meets ISO 17712:2013 standard. The ISO 17712:2013 high security seal includes features that generate tell-tale evidence of tampering. Some evidence of tampering includes:

1. Clamping marks on any sections of the plasticized or plain pin or bush.
2. Signs of cutting and re-joining on the exposed shaft of the pin.
3. Signs of cutting and re-joining around the base section of the bush.

The current U.S. mandate requires that all maritime cargo containers destined for the United States be secured with a high-security ISO compliant seal.

All laden containers taken into APL’s custody must be secured with seals that meet or exceed ISO 17712 high security seal standards. Additionally, APL recommends that customers moving high value and/or sensitive cargo adopt an added level of security by using a theft deterrent barrier seal.

APL Container Bolt Seal Certificates

For certifications from APL seal suppliers, see links below.

Shanghai Jinxuan Container Seal Co., LTD - Seal Certificate

Shanghai Xinfan Industrial Corporation - Seal Certificate

TydenBrooks - Seal Certificate

Transportation Worker Identification Credentials - TWIC

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program is a U.S. requirement mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA). Compliance with TWIC requires that individuals needing unescorted access to regulated vessels and facilities obtain a TWIC. TWIC is a tamper-resistant biometric credential. The program is overseen by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Useful Links and Information

TWIC General and Enrollment Information - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website

Other Regulations & Resources

10 + 2 Program

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Security Filing regulation, commonly known as the 10+2 initiative, requires that importers and vessel operating carriers provide additional advance information on non-bulk cargo shipments arriving into the United States by vessel.

Importer Requirements

Importers need to electronically file an Importer Security Filing (ISF). This comprises the following data elements:

Manufacturer
Seller
Consolidator
Buyer and Ship To names and addresses
Container stuffing location
Importer and consignee record numbers
Country of origin of goods
Commodity harmonized tariff schedule number

Vessel Operating Carrier Requirements

Carriers need to submit:

Vessel Stowage Plans or BAPLIEs
Container Status Messages – CSM

Carriers also need to file five additional data elements for shipments consisting of foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), or intended to be transported in-bond as an immediate exportation (IE), or for transportation and exportation (T&E). The five data elements are: