Supply Chain Security
Trustworthiness open doors.

Supply chain security programs prove to customs authorities that you’re a trustworthy trade partner. Livingston has helped hundreds of importers achieve this valuable status.

Why It Matters

Customs authorities are looking for importers with a high degree of corporate responsibility in their supply chain. As an importer-of-record, you’ll gain access to “fast lanes” at border crossings. You’ll also be a more attractive business partner for other companies in the program.

C-TPAT Certification

CTPAT-certified importers are five times less likely to undergo Customs examinations.

Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)

Certify organizational health and process integrity in the EU and Mexico.

Partners in Protection (PIP)

Enhance your reputation under Canada Border Services Agency’s PIP program.

Security Assurance

Strengthening the Chain

When you apply to supply chain security programs in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe, Livingston experts will assess your security, identify gaps and improvements, guide the application process, and validate your supply chain partners. We specialize in these three programs:

United States

Customs Trade
Partnership
Against
Terrorism
C-TPAT

Through C-TPAT certification, your business earns trusted trader status with customs authorities, expediting customs clearance and reducing inspections. Livingston’s expert guidance ensures a smooth certification process while helping you maintain the highest security standards.


C-TPAT Program Application

The comprehensive C-TPAT application process requires detailed preparation. We’ll guide you through these five steps:

Application Management

We handle the complete C-TPAT portal submission process, including company and security profiles documentation. This eliminates the burden of complex paperwork while ensuring your application meets CBP's stringent requirements for expedited customs processing.

Security Assessment

We conduct thorough evaluations of your security practices against C-TPAT's minimum criteria and prepare comprehensive documentation. This detailed preparation maximizes your chances of successful validation and helps secure your Tier II partner status for reduced border inspections.

Profile Development

We create and maintain your comprehensive security profile, the cornerstone document that CBP uses to evaluate your program eligibility and compliance. Your profile establishes your company as a trusted trade partner deserving of expedited customs clearance. 

Validation Preparation

We coordinate and prepare your organization for CBP's validation process and site visits, including staff training and documentation management. This systematic preparation helps ensure a smooth validation process and faster access to C-TPAT benefits.

Compliance Documentation

We develop and maintain your security protocols and trade compliance documentation required by CBP. This creates a clear audit trail while demonstrating your commitment to supply chain security, further enhancing your reputation.

How you’ll benefit:

  • FAST Program Access - Priority processing and expedited border crossings.
  • Rapid Clearance - Reduced inspections and streamlined customs process.
  • Enhanced Security - Improved risk management and supply chain protection.
  • Reputation Protection - Recognition as a trusted international trader.

Supplier Validation

Ongoing C-TPAT membership requires systematic supplier monitoring, validation, and communication about security activities within your supply chain. Livingston takes over this labor-intensive process, ensuring that your suppliers are compliant and your supply chain meets required security standards.

Database Management

We implement and maintain a centralized digital system to track your suppliers' compliance documents and certification statuses in real-time. This saves your team many hours on administrative work while providing ready proof of compliance for auditors and authorities.

Compliance Verification

We regularly validate each supplier's C-TPAT membership and WCO program participation to maintain your qualified supplier network. This proactive verification prevents supply chain disruptions and customs delays.

Communication Management

We manage all supplier communications and documentation requests, ensuring timely responses and updates. This systematic approach strengthens your supplier relationships while creating a clear audit trail.

Ongoing Monitoring

We conduct continuous oversight through scheduled reviews, automated alerts, and spot checks of your supplier network. This prevents compliance issues from escalating and keeps your business audit ready.

How you’ll benefit:

  • Lower Operational Costs - Time and money saved through outsourcing and automation.
  • Supply Chain Visibility - Complete monitoring of suppliers and compliance activities.
  • Audit Readiness - Maintained documentation ensures ongoing compliance.
  • Market Leadership - Demonstrated excellence attracts new business partners.
Europe & Mexico

Authorized
Economic
Operator
AEO

AEO certification is the gold standard for international trade safety and compliance. It demonstrates that governments trust your business to maintain secure import/export operations and follow customs rules. Our expert guidance helps you meet these high standards. 

To qualify for AEO, your company must keep detailed records of all shipping and accounting activities, show three years of financial stability, and follow strict security measures. Our methodical certification process guides you through five critical phases:


Compliance Assessment

We review your customs history, accounting methods, and business operations to see how they align with AEO requirements. This detailed review shows where improvements are needed, both in paperwork and daily operations.

Systems Enhancement

We help you improve your accounting and shipping systems to track all operations and standardize customs procedures. Our team helps set up the right technology and monitoring systems to maintain compliance.

Security Implementation

We create security measures based on risk assessment and gap analysis, making sure your facility security, staff procedures, and shipping processes meet AEO requirements.

Validation Preparation

We prepare you for the application process and any subsequent security reviews. This includes training your staff and reviewing all documentation to ensure you're ready for official visits.

Certification Maintenance

We help you keep your AEO status with regular reviews and updates. Our team makes sure you continue to meet all requirements as regulations change.

How you'll benefit:

  • Streamlined Clearance - Expedited clearance and fewer physical inspections.
  • Reduced Costs - Lower financial guarantees and security requirements.
  • Supply Chain Efficiency - Reduced transit times and fewer products held in customs.
  • Enhanced Reputation - Simplified procedures with international customs authorities.
Canada

Partners in Protection
PIP

Partners in Protection (PIP) is a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) program designed to enlist the co-operation of the private industry to enhance border security, combat organized crime and terrorism, increase awareness of customs compliance issues, and help detect and prevent contraband smuggling.

The PIP program is available to importers, carriers, brokers, warehouse operators, associations, freight forwarders, and shipping agents that own or operate facilities in Canada, are directly involved in the importation and exportation of commercial goods and are in good standing with CBSA.


We guide your organization through these four steps to achieve and maintain trusted trader status:

Application Portal Management

We manage your complete Trusted Trader Portal submission process, handling all aspects of GCKey and Sign-in Partner registration. Our team completes your security profile documentation and CADI form for international information sharing, while ensuring all business verification documents meet CBSA standards.

Security Profile Development

Our team prepares your comprehensive security assessment documentation by evaluating physical security measures and developing procedural protocols. We prepare thorough security plans that meet all CBSA requirements, helping you get approved.

Validation Preparation

We coordinate your entire CBSA validation process, preparing your facility and staff for site visits and security measure demonstrations. This includes coaching for staff interviews and organizing documentation to showcase your security commitment and readiness.

Compliance Management

We maintain your ongoing program compliance through established CBSA communication protocols and incident reporting procedures. Our team monitors security standards and keeps documentation current, ensuring your trusted trader status remains active.

How you'll benefit:

  • Expedited Clearance - Priority processing and fewer border inspections.
  • Cost Savings - Reduced transport and inventory costs from faster processing.
  • Special Resources - Dedicated CBSA support and streamlined procedures.
  • Global Recognition - Trusted status among international trade partners.
Talk to us

Talk to a Livingston trade management expert.
No strings. Just solutions.

Remove the guesswork from global trade. Don’t leave money on the table. Make compliance processes your strength. Starting today.