U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Clause 2002
Overview
U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Clause 2002
BIMCO U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terroism (C-TPAT) Clause 2002
The Charterers have voluntarily signed the C-TPAT Agreement with the U.S. Customs Service. The Owners, Master and Crew will use reasonable efforts to assist the Charterers to comply with their obligations under the C-TPAT Agreement. However, under no circumstances shall the Owners, Master and Crew be liable for any delays, losses or damages howsoever arising out of any failure to meet the requirements of the C-TPAT Agreement signed by the Charterers.
The Charterers agree to indemnify and hold the Owners, Master and Crew harmless for any claims made against the Owners, Master and Crew or for any delays, losses, damages, expenses or penalties suffered by the Owners arising out of the C-TPAT Agreement signed by the Charterers.
Explanatory notes
In the wake of the events of 11 September 2001 the U.S. has been imposing on the shipping industry new security regulations and measures, which have caused increased expenses and delays to vessels calling in the U.S. In an effort to protect owners against the consequences of these new security measures, a set of standard clauses have been produced by BIMCO for incorporation into voyage and time charter parties, as appropriate.
The “U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) Clause”, was drafted to take into consideration the situation where the charterers have voluntarily signed the so-called C-TPAT Agreement, but the owners have not. Owners who wish to help the charterers comply with their obligations under the C-TPAT Agreement may use the Clause, although they are not legally bound to do so. (For more information on the C-TPAT Agreement, please refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website).
Originally published in BIMCO Special Circular No. 3, 4 December 2002 - U.S. Security Clauses to be used in voyage and time charter parties
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