6. TAPA FSR Certification/Re-Certification

FSR Classification Levels

Facilities are classified into one of three FSR Classification Levels, based on the level of protection needed:

 Level A = highest security protection

 Level B = mid-level security protection

 Level C = lowest security protection

LSPs/Applicants or Buyers may initially achieve certification at Level C, and then progress up to Level B or A, as improvements are made. Additionally, as negotiated between Buyer and LSP/Applicant, facilities located in high-risk countries may be classified at Level A, while all other countries are classified at Level B or C. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the Buyer to negotiate the Classification Level directly with the LSP/Applicant, depending on their specific cargo and risks.

A LSP/Applicant or Buyer may request re-certification if either party considers the Classification Level to have changed.

FSR Certification Options

To provide additional flexibility and encourage TAPA certifications, TAPA has developed 2 options to support certification.

*See Glossary Definitions: Authorized Auditor (AA)

These options are described in more detail below.

IAB Certification (Levels A, B, or C)

The IAB will advise TAPA of the audit scope and results. If the audit is completed successfully, the IAB issues a certificate indicating the LSP/Applicant is now TAPA FSR Certified.

The level of certification (Level A, B, or C) will be specified on the certificate.

Self-Certification (Level C Only)

Level C Self-Certifications must be performed by an Authorized Auditor (AA). An AA can be an internal employee / associate, trained and authorized by TAPA as a FSR AA. Regardless of which type of auditor is used to conduct the Self-Certification, the completed Audit Form must be submitted to TAPA to receive the FSR Level C certification.

General Information

The LSP/Applicant shall ensure the appropriate auditor, trained/qualified on the current FSR, is engaged to complete the audit and certification process. See Table 1 for options.

Before the certification audit is scheduled/commences, LSPs/Applicants must inform the AA which Classification Level they are seeking in their certification process.

The audit tool is the current FSR Audit Form.

TAPA FSR certifications are site/facility specific. If the TAPA FSR audit requirements are all met, the LSP/Applicant shall be deemed to have passed the audit and will be certified for that specific facility location.

An informal summary of the findings/results should be shared with the LSP/Applicant during the audit closing conference. The AA shall inform the LSP/Applicant of audit results within ten (10) business days following the completion of the audit. Any delays in issuing the audit results must be promptly communicated to the LSP/Applicant and negotiated between the IAB and LSP/Applicant.

Costs for TAPA certification are the responsibility of the LSP/Applicant, unless otherwise negotiated with the Buyer(s).

FSR Re-Certification