In the world of cargo security, the S.C. State Ports Authority has received the equivalent of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

After a four-month review by the Department of Homeland Security, the SPA became part of an anti-terrorism security pact Monday that members hope will set a standard for protecting internationally shipped goods.

Formally known as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the agreement is open to all shipping carriers, ports and private businesses willing to enforce their security precautions at a higher standard. Thousands have already joined.

"This is the benchmark for port security according to U.S. Customs," said Byron Miller, SPA spokesman.

The pact requires members to regularly assess their security, plug gaps and encourage their business partners to do the same as part of a collective effort to guard the nation's shipping system against a terrorist attack.

Companies wishing to conduct business in the United States are not required to join, but the program, which came in the aftermath of the 9-11 terror attacks, is quickly changing the face of the maritime industry as major retailers such as Wal-Mart and leading shipping lines such as Maersk-Sealand adopt the initiative's security standards.

In addition to making security more uniform -- a key advantage for any business, cargo carrier or port that joins the pact -- is that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection service promises to place their cargo on a fast track for terminal inspection, officials said.

"If you have a high level of confidence in the supply chain, then cargo is going to move quicker," Miller said. "If (a load of cargo) is not C-TPAT, it's going to raise a flag."

Being on the Customs service's preferred inspection list is a huge competitive advantage, added John Hassell, president of the Maritime Association of Charleston.

"They know the participants are committed to security," he said. "They don't have to spend unnecessary time checking up on them."

More than 5,730 companies have joined the C-TPAT agreement. Terminal operators, such as the SPA, are the latest group to be allowed membership. So far, 41 marine port authorities and terminal operators are members of C-TPAT, officials said.