CBP is planning several public Webinars during the summer of 2012 to solicit comment and input on all facets of the broker regulations (19 CFR Part 111). This is part of CBP’s Role of the Broker Initiative, which looks to meaningfully transform the relationship between the customs broker and CBP. One key element of this initiative is to modernize the broker’s role by overhauling regulations. The goal is to update the broker regulations to better reflect modern and efficient trade practices, and encourage brokers to be force multipliers for CBP’s trade facilitation efforts.

CBP’s planned Webinars are intended to reach the widest possible audience, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. A schedule of these Webinars follows below:

Broker Regulation Webinars
Date	Topic
June 7th	Overview of the Part 111 rewrite and the  Role of the Broker Trade Transformation Initiative
June 21st	Establishing "bona fides"
June 28th	To be determined
July 12th	To be determined
July 26th	To be determined
August 9th	To be determined
August 23rd	To be determined
September 6th	To be determined
September 20th	To be determined

In addition to these Webinars, CBP will meet with local and regional broker associations throughout the summer to assure that we receive meaningful insights that are unique to certain ports and border regions. Primary topics of interest include:

• Continuing education for licensed brokers;
  
• Due process proceedings for brokers, including penalties and suspension and revocation of licenses;
  
• Establishing bona fides and broker relationships with unlicensed parties; and
  
• “Business model alignment” between the trade and CBP, which includes conducting customs business within the geographic bounds of the United States and rethinking the district permitting requirements in the modern business environment.