Changes to Antiquated Customs Broker Regulations Pending

At the NCBFAA Conference in April, Commissioner Ralph Basham stated that some changes needed to be made to antiquated broker processes. First, there needs to be change to the process of filing the Triennial Status Report. Initiated prior to automated systems, the party who forgets to mail the administrative report could lose their license almost immediately, which results in a penalty disproportionate with the infraction. Second, CBP needs to be able to suspend the licenses of brokers whose illegal activities threaten national security and the health and safety of individuals in the U.S. Just last year, brokers were indicted and arrested for smuggling, but CBP could not suspend their licenses. Basham told the attendees that new draft legislation addresses both of these issues.