The threat of terrorism and heightened concerns regarding security are bringing about significant changes to international trade. "K" Line America gives a high priority to security and has traditionally supported industry and government efforts to improve supply chain security. "K" Line America has been a long time member of the Carrier Initiative Program (CIP), and moved quickly to become CTPAT certified and validated. In addition, we are a member of the World Shipping Council (WSC), a Washington, D.C. based trade association representing over 40 liner shipping companies. Through WSC, the liner industry has cooperated closely with the US government to provide critical feedback and develop effective supply chain security initiatives.
"K" Line has developed a Global Security Team drawing members from key locations in Asia and Europe. We ensure high standards of operational security by reviewing and updating our security programs regularly and by working with our customers, intermodal transportation partners, marine terminals and ship managers to improve security awareness.
"K" Line is proud to participate and take an active role in combating terrorism by ensuring a more secure supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with Customs, our customers and our service providers to ensure the utmost practical methods of security are implemented.
In December 2002, the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities. The initiatives are the foundation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) effective July 2004, which mainly consists of amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. "K" Line's vessel fleet for liner, car and bulk services and terminals utilized are in compliance with ISPS. For more information on ISPS please refer to IMO's website.
On July 22, 2002, "K" Line made the commitment to U.S. Customs Service by signing the Agreement
to Voluntarily Participate in Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). "K" Line submitted
our Executive Summary to U.S. Customs on September 24, 2002 regarding our business operations and how
they relate to CTPAT requirements. We are happy to announce that U.S. Customs advised "K" Line on
November
15, 2002 that we have successfully completed the process and are now considered full CTPAT
members and we have received the U.S. Customs signed returned Agreement. Our official
Customs Certification
can be viewed on this site for your convenience and confirmation of "K" Line's official
partnership. Additionally, in July 2004, "K" Line successfully completed its CTPAT validation.
In March of 2006, after CBP announced the revised sea carrier security criteria, we modified our CTPAT program and placed all of our security criteria onto CBP's secure web portal well in advance of the CBP deadline.
While our security details cannot be distributed as they contains proprietary information, you can be assured that "K" Line is committed to the CTPAT security recommendations and we require the same awareness, commitment and participation from our partners and service providers to continue to strive towards enhancing the integrity of security procedures in the supply chain.
Customs and Boarder Patrol CTPAT Department is quoted as stating"... that we must not compromise our security process by providing detailed information to customers or other entitles seeking background. Importers or other customers seeking information for their CTPAT applications need only provide the carrier name and whether the carrier participates in the CTPAT program or not." Therefore, "K" Line supports Customs and Border Patrol's assertions, and cannot, as a matter of policy make public the security questionnaire submitted to USCS, and will refrain from responding to other security questionnaire/documents as prepared by other entities.
For more information regarding CTPAT, please see the links below:
AND/OR the Customs Border Patrol website links below:
"K" Line has implemented a security screening procedure for any first time, unknown shipper with "K" Line to whom "K" Line will issue a Bill of Lading.
All first time shippers will be asked to complete and return a "K" Line Customer Profile - New Shipper Questionnaire. The local "K" Line office, supported by members of "K" Line's Global Security Team, will evaluate and screen each new shipper. This security screening process may be escalated and extended based on a dynamic risk assessment model.
In cases where some doubt about the legitimacy of a shipper cannot be alleviated, bookings from that shipper would only be taken subject to the following provisions: