Chicago, IL -  Berlin Packaging, a leader in Package Design and Global Sourcing, today announced that it has achieved Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification on behalf of its recently-acquired All-Pak division. In October, 2008, Berlin Packaging was named as a certified C-TPAT partner by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

Berlin Packaging’s successful integration of its All-Pak division into its C-TPAT validation benefits buyers of packaging containers and closures, as well as design, labeling, filling, and sourcing services, in the following ways:

• Improved on-time delivery. As a C-TPAT validated company, Berlin Packaging reduces the number of cargo inspections on full container loads. Berlin Packaging containers are almost 4.5 times less likely to be examined by Customs than a non-C-TPAT certified company.
• Expedited processing. In the event of a port shutdown due to terrorist activity, Berlin Packaging’s shipments will move through the ports and not be subject to scrutiny beyond a reasonable measure. Through self-assessments and external audits, Berlin Packaging has proven to Customs that its cargo is secure.

"Obtaining C-TPAT certification validates that our internal operational processes and facilities nationwide are efficient, secure and compliant," said Jason Mietus, Global Operations Manager, Berlin Packaging. "Completing the comprehensive processes to achieve C-TPAT certification on behalf of all of our divisions demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing customers, now and in the future, with the industry's most innovative global packaging solutions plus the highest quality service and security measures available."

As a C-TPAT partner, Berlin Packaging is committed to global supply chain security and agrees to make a vital contribution to help secure the United States' borders and ensure the continued free flow of international trade. C-TPAT is the first worldwide initiative in which participating organizations fully cooperate with U.S. Customs to establish acceptable security practices that are weaved into the operations of their entire supply chain to reduce the threat of terrorism. Eligible companies must submit a detailed application and conduct a comprehensive self-assessment of their supply chain security procedures using the C-TPAT guidelines developed by the CBP and the trade community.

Participation in the program provides companies with the assurance of a safe, secure and expeditious supply chain, benefiting their employees, internal operations, suppliers and customers. Obtaining C-TPAT certification offers businesses an opportunity to take an active role in improving national security. C-TPAT recognizes that Customs can provide the highest level of security only through close cooperation with the ultimate owners of the supply chain— importers, carriers, brokers, distributors and manufacturers. Through this initiative, Customs invites businesses to ensure the integrity of their security practices and communicate their security guidelines to their business partners within the supply chain.

Berlin Packaging is one of North America’s largest stocking suppliers of glass, plastic and metal containers and closures. Additionally, Berlin Packaging is the only rigid packaging distributor to be ISO 9001:2008 certified and to gain Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification. The company supplies billions of containers and closures to small and large customers nationwide. Its full service design division, Studio One Eleven, creates custom packages and graphics that “Stand Out.” With over 40 sales and warehouse locations across the United States, along with its headquarters in Chicago, Berlin Packaging supplies billions of containers and closures, as well as design, labeling, filling, and sourcing services to companies both small and large.

For more information regarding C-TPAT and other CBP security initiatives, please visit www.cbp.gov. For more information on Berlin Packaging or any of its products and services, please contact an Account Coordinator or Packaging Consultant at 1-800-2-BERLIN or visit www.BerlinPackaging.com.