Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent (CBP BPA) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide for Exam Success

The correct sequence of steps that follows the initial examination when processing merchandise involves ensuring access to the cargo, examining it thoroughly, and utilizing the necessary tools and technology to conduct a comprehensive assessment. It is essential to have access to the cargo first, as this allows inspectors to perform the subsequent steps effectively.

Once access is ensured, examining a representative sample of the cargo—often set at a certain percentage, such as 20%—is a standard practice for assessing compliance with regulations and safety standards. The use of various tools, whether they be manual or technological, aids in this examination process by enhancing the inspector's ability to identify any potential issues or irregularities within the merchandise.

This systematic approach of first ensuring access, followed by a focused examination and the utilization of technology, is crucial for thorough and efficient processing of merchandise in customs operations.