GSV C-TPAT Overseas Factory Security Recommendations

Overseas factories should establish and implement systematic security measures and implement them throughout the entire operation. This guideline is a general suggestion. Suppliers can implement this guideline according to the size and structure of their company, but it may not be applicable to all suppliers. When suppliers formulate their own security procedures, they should include the following points:

1. Access control: No unauthorized persons are allowed to enter the container loading, loading and cargo stacking areas. These controls include:
1. All employees, visitors and suppliers must be identified, recorded and tracked.
2. Establish procedures for handling unauthorized/unidentified personnel entry.

2. Physical security: All materials used in buildings should be able to prohibit illegal intrusion and prevent entry from the outside. Physical security must include the following:
1. There must be sufficient number of locks on internal and external doors, windows, gates and fences.
2. International, domestic, high value and dangerous goods must be labeled and stored separately in a secure fenced or walled area.
3. There must be adequate lighting inside and outside the factory, including parking areas.
4. Have external and internal communication systems to ensure communication with internal security personnel or local law enforcement agencies.
5. Private car areas should be separated from loading and unloading areas and cargo storage areas.

3. Procedural security: The handling of incoming and outgoing goods should include preventing someone from intentionally bringing in unqualified materials, exchanging existing materials or other materials. Security controls should include:
1. Assign special security personnel to supervise the entry and exit of goods.
2. Products must be properly labeled, weighed, counted and documented.
3. Procedures for installing, changing, recording, tracking, and authenticating seals on containers, trailers, and railcars.
4. Properly store empty/full containers or trailers to prevent the mixing of unauthorized items.
5. Timely tracking of incoming and outgoing goods movement procedures.
6. Detect and report under- or over-processing.
7. If the factory discovers or suspects any unusual or illegal activities, it should immediately report to customs or border inspection procedures.

4. Personnel Security: The factory shall audit and interview employees, regularly review their backgrounds, and verify their employment applications in accordance with appropriate regulations.

5. Education and Training: Provide employees with security awareness training, including guidance on how to recognize internal sabotage activities, maintain the integrity of goods, and detect and report unauthorized entry. Factories should encourage employees to actively participate in security control activities.

6. Anti-terrorism awareness: Establish an anti-terrorism system and make security personnel recognize and develop a sense of danger brought by terrorists and illegal smugglers, and implement it at every point in the overseas supply chain. This process must include daily work briefings and smuggling records, and the seizure and notification of terrorist activities in the supply chain.