TAPA Certification: A Comprehensive Guide
The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is a not-for-profit industry association founded in 1997. Its mission is to minimize cargo losses from supply chains by developing and promoting industry-wide security standards. TAPA certification demonstrates a company's commitment to protecting high-value, theft-targeted (HVTT) goods throughout the supply chain.
Who is TAPA Certification for?
TAPA certification is relevant for a wide range of businesses involved in the supply chain, including:
- Manufacturers: Companies that produce and ship goods.
- Shippers: Organizations responsible for transporting goods.
- Logistics Service Providers: Companies offering warehousing, transportation, and other logistics services (e.g., 3PLs, freight forwarders, trucking companies).
- Parking Place Operators (PPOs): Businesses providing secure parking facilities for trucks.
- Insurers: Companies offering cargo insurance.

Types of TAPA Certification:
TAPA EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) offers three primary industry standards:
1. Facility Security Requirements (FSR):
- Protects high-value goods within facilities like warehouses and distribution centers.
- Offers three certification levels (1, 2, and 3) based on the level of security required.
- Also includes a Multisite certification option for companies with multiple facilities.
- https://tapaemea.org/standards-trainings/facility-security-requirements/
2. Trucking Security Requirements (TSR):
- Addresses security risks during the transportation of goods by road.
- Focuses on preventing criminal attacks on vehicles, drivers, and cargo.
- Applicable to operators of various truck types, including hard-sided trucks, rigid vans, and sea container road transportations.
- https://tapaemea.org/standards-trainings/trucking-security-requirements/
3. Parking Security Requirements (PSR):
- Addresses the security of trucks parked in unclassified or unsecured locations, which are often targets for cargo theft.
- Offers three certification levels (1, 2, and 3) for Parking Place Operators (PPOs).
- Certified parking facilities are listed in TAPA EMEA's secure truck parking database, accessible through the TAPA Intelligence System (TIS).
- https://tapaemea.org/standards-trainings/parking-facility-security-requirements/
Finding a Qualified Company with TAPA Certification
1. Are you looking for a company to handle the storage or transportation of high-value goods?
Benefits of TAPA Certification:
- Reduced cargo theft risk: Implementing TAPA Standards significantly minimizes the likelihood of cargo theft incidents.
- Improved supply chain security: Enhances overall security throughout the supply chain, promoting resilience and minimizing disruptions.
- Enhanced reputation: Demonstrates a commitment to security best practices, building trust with customers and partners.
- Cost savings: Reduces financial losses associated with cargo theft, insurance premiums, and security incidents.
- Competitive advantage: Differentiates a company from competitors by showcasing its commitment to security excellence.
- Compliance with industry best practices: Aligns operations with globally recognized security standards.
- Access to TAPA resources and intelligence: Provides access to the TAPA Intelligence System (TIS), a valuable resource for incident reporting, alerts, and risk assessment.
How to Find a TAPA Certified Business:
TAPA EMEA members can access a database of certified companies through the TAPA Intelligence System (TIS). This database includes:
- FSR certified facilities: Listings of warehouses and distribution centers that meet TAPA FSR requirements.
- TSR certified trucking companies: Listings of trucking operators that comply with TAPA TSR standards.
- PSR certified parking facilities: Information on secure parking locations for trucks, including contact details and facility features.
Non-members can contact TAPA EMEA directly to inquire about certified companies in specific regions or sectors.
Our Zendeq company directory shows when businesses have a TAPA certification (see below).
Companies with TAPA certification
How to Get TAPA Certified:
- Choose the relevant standard: Determine which TAPA standard (FSR, TSR, or PSR) is applicable to your operations.
- Understand the requirements: Review the specific requirements of the chosen standard. These requirements are detailed on the TAPA EMEA website and are available in multiple languages.
- Implement the standards: Develop and implement security procedures and controls that meet the requirements of the chosen standard.
- Choose a certification path: Select either independent audit body (IAB) certification or self-certification.
- IAB certification: Involves an on-site audit by a TAPA EMEA-approved independent auditor.
- Self-certification: Requires a company to conduct its own audit and submit documentation to TAPA EMEA.
- Complete the audit: Undergo the audit process, either with an IAB or through self-certification.
- Receive certification: If the audit is successful, the company will receive TAPA certification, valid for a specific period (typically 3 years).
Maintaining TAPA Certification:
TAPA certification is not a one-time event. Certified companies must maintain compliance with the standards and undergo regular audits to ensure continued certification.
In conclusion, TAPA certification is a valuable asset for businesses involved in the logistics and supply chain industry. By demonstrating a commitment to security excellence, TAPA certified companies can minimize cargo theft risks, enhance supply chain resilience, and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.