How can an importer begin the CTPAT journey?

• A. By initiating the application with CBP, submitting BPQ, and targeting a risk-based validation schedule.
• B. By completing only the BPQ.
• C. By waiting for CBP invitation.
• D. By hiring a consultant only.

Answer: (A)

Initiating the CTPAT enrollment with CBP by submitting the BPQ is the first essential step. The BPQ, or Business Partner Profile Questionnaire, is CBP’s way to collect your company’s basic security information and how your supply chain operates. Once you submit this questionnaire, CBP uses the data to assess risk and set a risk-based validation schedule, which determines when and how CBP will validate your security program (desk review or on-site visit).

This makes sense because CTPAT is a voluntary program that begins with you taking action and providing the required information to CBP. Simply completing the BPQ isn’t enough on its own; you must initiate the enrollment with CBP and submit the BPQ to trigger the validation process. Waiting for an invitation or hiring a consultant alone doesn’t start the process, since the enrollment is initiated through CBP with your BPQ submission.