6 U.S.C. § 966: Tier 3 participants in C–TPAT

The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall establish a third tier of C–TPAT participation that offers additional benefits to participants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to maintaining security measures and supply chain security practices that exceed the guidelines established for validation as a Tier 2 participant in C–TPAT under section 965 of this title . compliance with any additional guidelines established by the Secretary that exceed the guidelines established pursuant to section 965 of this title for validating a C–TPAT participant as a Tier 2 participant, particularly with respect to controls over access to cargo throughout the supply chain; submission of additional information regarding cargo prior to loading, as determined by the Secretary; utilization of container security devices, technologies, policies, or practices that meet standards and criteria established by the Secretary; and compliance with any other cargo requirements established by the Secretary. the expedited release of a Tier 3 participant’s cargo in destination ports within the United States during all threat levels designated by the Secretary; further reduction in examinations of cargo; priority for examinations of cargo; and further reduction in the risk score assigned pursuant to the Automated Targeting System; and inclusion in joint incident management exercises, as appropriate. Not later than 2 years after October 13, 2006 , the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner, shall designate appropriate criteria pursuant to subsection (b) and provide benefits to validated Tier 3 participants pursuant to subsection (c).