Voluntary Self- Disclosure

A Voluntary Self- Disclosure (VSD) is a narrative account with supporting documentation that sufficiently describes suspected violations of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).  A VSD reflects due diligence in detecting, and correcting potential violation(s) when required information was not reported or when incorrect information was provided that violates the FTR.  The Foreign Trade Division (FTD) strongly encourages the submission of VSDs by parties that have violated or potentially violated the FTR.

Chief, Foreign Trade Division
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road, Room 6K032
Washington, DC 20233-6700

VSD letters should include:

(i) The type of violation (i.e. failure to file EEI, failure to correct fatal errors or failure to file timely corrections);
(ii) A description of all data required to be reported under the FTR that was either not reported or reported incorrectly;
(iii) An explanation of when and how the violations occurred;
(iv) The complete identities and addresses of all individuals and organizations, whether foreign or domestic, involved in the activities giving rise to the violations;
(v) A description of any mitigating circumstances; and,
(vi) The corrective measures taken.