7-Point CTPAT Container Inspection Checklist Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

7-Point CTPAT Container Inspection Checklist: Key Details and Compliance Guide

The C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program is a voluntary supply chain security initiative administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Companies enrolled in this program must complete a 7-point container inspection before sealing and shipping any cargo. Failure to follow this protocol can result in shipment delays, penalties, or loss of CTPAT certification.

The 7 CTPAT Container Inspection Areas

Each inspection covers a distinct area of the shipping container. The inspector must check all seven points and document findings on the form:

1. Outside/Undercarriage: Examine the underside of the container for attached packages, foreign objects, or false compartments. Tap the surface to detect hollow areas that differ from the original structure.
2. Front Wall: Check for false walls, unusual bulges, soft spots, or holes. Use a hammer to tap the front wall and identify any hollow sections that suggest hidden storage.
3. Left Side: Inspect the exterior left panel for damage, unauthorized repairs, pinholes, or structural modifications that deviate from the original container design.
4. Right Side: Perform the same thorough examination on the right side as conducted on the left side panel, noting any irregularities.
5. Ceiling/Roof: Look for soft spots, pinholes, unusual patches, or repairs that may indicate tampering. Unusual discoloration or new welds are also signs of modification.
6. Inside/Outside Doors: Verify that door seals are intact, hinges are secure, and locking mechanisms function correctly. Look for evidence of forced entry or seal tampering.
7. Interior Floor: Check the floor for unusual items, uneven surfaces, or signs of a false floor. Look for areas that appear visually or texturally different from the rest of the floor.

How to Complete the CTPAT Inspection Form

The inspector must record the container number, seal number, and inspection date at the top of the form. For each of the seven areas, mark either an acceptable or unacceptable condition. If any area is unacceptable, describe the issue in the comments field. The form must be signed and dated by the person who performed the inspection. All inspection records should be retained for a minimum of one year for audit purposes.

Related Shipping and Inspection Documents

Companies engaged in international freight operations often need additional compliance forms. Use our air cargo manifest to document shipment contents or our shipping manifest form to record cargo details. For fleet and vehicle compliance, see the pre-trip inspection checklist and the 4-point inspection form.