Removal of Social Security Numbers from AESDirect

This message is for:

• Filers with a Filer ID Type that is currently a Social Security Number (SSN) or
• U.S. Authorized Agents who file on behalf of USPPIs with ID Type SSN.

Effective September 4, 2009, AES will eliminate the collection of the Social Security Number (SSN). There will be a 90 day transition period ending December 3, 2009, after which NO SSNs will be accepted by the system.

All USPPIs who currently report an SSN when filing in the AES must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). All U.S. Authorized Agents who report an SSN when filing in the AES must provide an EIN or Dun and Bradstreet Number (D-U-N-S). More information on EINs is available online. To obtain a D-U-N-S please visit the Dun & Bradstreet website.

For further information or questions, contact the U.S. Census Bureau's AES Branch at 1-800-549-0595, menu option 1 or at askaes@census.gov or online at www.census.gov/trade