When was the Final Rule eliminating the collection of the Social Security Number (SSN) published?
The Final Rule eliminating the SSN was published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2010. The Federal Register states that the effective date is March 24, 2010. The SSN cannot be used to register for the AES or AESDirect or used for identification purposes when reporting the USPPI or Freight Forwarder in AES or AESDirect.
Why was the Social Security Number (SSN) eliminated?
The Office of Management and Budget has mandated the Census Bureau to eliminate the collection of the SSN for the Automated Export System purposes. This rule is being implemented to ensure that a U. S. Principal Party in Interest’s or U.S. Authorized Agent’s SSN is protected in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, Title 5, United States Code, Section 552a. The Census Bureauwas mandated to comply with this federal law by eliminating the use of the SSN. Information on how to obtain an EIN on-line, by phone, fax or mail can be found at the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov) or at the Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division website (http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/index.html).
What does the Interim Final Rule mean for the Automated Export System (AES) filers?
As a result of the Interim Final Rule, AES filers will no longer be able to submit a Social Security Number for registering in the AES. In addition, filers will not be allowed to use a Social Security Number in the United States Principal Party in Interest or the Freight Forwarder field in AESDirect or AESPcLink. Filers must obtain an Employee Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service, or a Dun & Bradstreet number to use as an identification number.
How do you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and how long will it take to obtain an EIN?
Applying for an EIN can be done on-line at our website http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/roeb_obtaining_an_ein.pdf [PDF, 379k], by phone, fax or mail. See the chart below for information on the methods for applying for an EIN.
Method |
How |
Process Timeframe |
Online |
http://www.irs.gov, under ‘Online Services’, click on ‘Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online’ |
Approximately 15 |
Toll-Free Call |
(800) 829-4933 |
Approximately 15 |
Apply By FAX |
(859) 669-5760 (Need Form SS-4) |
4 business days |
Apply By Mail |
Internal Revenue Service |
4 weeks |
Can an individual apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) on behalf of another individual?
A person can serve as a third party designee and apply for an EIN on behalf of an individual. Before applying online, the third party must have a completed and signed Form SS-4. The third party must keep the signed Form SS-4 in the company’s permanent files. (See step-by-step instructions www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/roeb_obtaining_an_ein_3rd_party.ppt [PPT, 471k].)
What information should be reported in the U. S. Principal Party In Interest (USPPI) Identification field if a Social Security Number cannot be used?
The USPPI shall report its own Employer Identification Number in the USPPI identification field in the Automated Export System. If the USPPI is a foreign entity it shall report a DUNS number, border crossing number, passport number, or any number assigned by the Customs and Border Protection.
If a customer ships his/her personal items or ships very seldom, does he/she have to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
The Social Security Number is no longer acceptable after December 3, 2009.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) site states that an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is for use in connection with business activity only. It further states, do not use your EIN in place of a Social Security Number (SSN). The information provided by the Census Bureau and the IRS is conflicting.
The IRS publication titled “Understanding Your EIN” which is located on their webpage (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1635.pdf [external link]) states that "...Employer Identification Number (EIN) is for use in connection with business activity only, do not use your EIN in place of a SSN" The IRS's intention of this statement is to ensure that individuals do not use their EIN in lieu of their SSN. For example, the IRS does not want an individual who is filing their Federal income tax to use their EIN in place of their SSN. The two numbers are not interchangeable. However, for the purposes of registering or filing in the AES you should use your EIN. While it is not specifically stated, an EIN can be obtained for government reporting purposes even when a person does not own a business. (See step-by-step instructions http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/roeb_obtaining_an_ein.pdf [PDF, 379k].)
A civil penalty is a monetary penalty imposed on a U.S. Principal Party in Interest, authorized agent, carrier, or other parties to the transaction for violating any part of the FTR. The penalties range from $1,100 to $10,000. Civil penalties imposed under the FTR may be remitted or mitigated, if the penalties were incurred without willful negligence or fraud or other circumstances exist that justify a remission or mitigation.
A criminal penalty is when any person willfully violates or attempts to violate any part of the FTR. The criminal penalty includes fines not to exceed $10,000, and/or imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, and/or forfeitures.
Is the carrier subject to a penalty once the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) has filed the information in the Automated Export System (AES)? (FTR section 30.45)
The carrier will be subject to fines and penalties if it does not ensure that a shipment has the required AES proof of filing or exemption citation(s). In addition, the carrier must notify the USPPI, or their authorized filing agent, of any changes related to the shipment. An example would be if the date of export was changed. See FTR section 30.45.
For goods going by vessel directly to and by aircraft going directly or indirectly to the countries identified in U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 4.75(c) the electronic export information is required to be filed in the Automated Export System prior to export and postdeparture filing citation may not be used. See U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 122.74(b)(2).
Transactions which fall outside of the scope of the FTR and are excluded from filing the EEI are located in the FTR section 30.2 (d) and Appendix C.
In-transit shipments of goods from one foreign country to another where such goods do not enter the consumption channels of the United States are excluded from filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) per section 30.2 (d)(1). Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers has suspended the requirement to file the Form 7513, Shippers Export Declaration (SED) for In-transit Goods leaving the United States via vessel. Currently, there are no filing requirements for in-transit shipments. Merchandise not intended to enter the consumption channels of the United States but is formally entered via the CB Form 7501 or through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), an Automated Export System (AES) record must be completed at the time of export, if the value is over $2,500 per Schedule B or when a license is required.
Yes, shipments moving under a carnet are exempt from EEI filing. There are two exemption citations that can be used. Use Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) section 30.37 (q) if the goods shipped under the carnet are being exported and are scheduled to return to the United States within a year. Or if the goods shipped under a carnet were temporarily imported into the United States and are being returned to a foreign country, use FTR section 30.37 (r). The citation may read NOEEI 30.37(q) or NOEEI 30.37(r). Be sure to use the correct section citation.
Starting with exemption item 8 and continuing through exemption item 21, the citations are off by one letter. For example, the citation for exemption number 8 should be 30.37 (g) and not 30.37 (h), and the citation for exemption number 9 should be 30.37 (h), not 30.37 (i). Therefore, when selecting the proper citation refer to FTR section 30.37 rather than Appendix C. The Census Bureau will correct the error in a future amendment to the FTR.
No. Appendix D was not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The complete list of exclusions can be found in Section 30.2(d) of the Foreign Trade Regulations.
The Automated Export System Filing Citations, Exemptions are found in Appendix D of the FTR. Filing procedures and deadlines for presenting these statements are found in FTR section 30.4.
Currently there is no exemption in the FTR that addresses technical data subject to ITAR 123.22(b)(3). However, FTR 30.37(k) should be used in the interim. While this exemption does not specifically pertain to licensed shipments of technical data, this exemption can be applied and is acceptable. The Census Bureau will update the FTR to reflect this exemption.
The ITN is an Automated Export System (AES) generated number assigned to a shipment confirming that the Electronic Export Information (EEI) was accepted and is on file in the AES. This number should be placed on any loading document to allow the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer the ability to retrieve the shipment, if needed. Examples of loading documents include bill of lading, manifest, airway bill, or any commercial document as required by the specific industry to be presented to the carrier. See FTR section 30.1(c).
No. As of October 1, 2008, the XTN is no longer an acceptable proof of filing citation. All parties involved in the export transaction may be subject to fines and penalties if the XTN is used for exporting a shipment.
No. The merchandise did not enter the commerce of the United States and as a result, the shipment is not considered an export. An ITN or exemption citation is not required when the merchandise is rejected and has not cleared by CBP for importation into the U.S.
No. As of October 1, 2008, the Foreign Trade Regulations were implemented and U.S. Principal Parties In Interest, or their filing agents, must use the new citations and exemption legends.
No. The exporting carrier should not accept cargo with an incomplete legend. The proper postdeparture citation should read:
If a USPPI is filing AESPOST USPPI EIN mm/dd/yyyyFor shipments requiring an export license, report the value designated on the export license that corresponds to the commodity being exported.
If inland freight including insurance is not separated from the total transportation cost, the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or their authorized agent must make an effort to obtain a good estimate of the transportation costs when these costs are not known. As a last resort, the USPPI or their agent may take 3% of the total cost to determine the inland freight.
For products that are being returned that have a market value, report the market value. If the product has no market value due to poor quality (i.e. spoiled fruits), then report the import value of the product.
The data elements are located in the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) section 30.6. The data elements identified as “mandatory” shall be reported for each transaction. The data elements identified as “conditional” shall be reported if required for or apply to the specific shipment. The data elements identified as “optional” may be reported at the discretion of the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or authorized agent. See below for a complete list of mandatory, conditional, and optional data elements.
Mandatory data elements
|
The TRN is a reservation number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the carrier for cargo being shipped. The TRN is also known as the booking number for vessel shipments; the master air waybill number for air shipments; the bill of lading number for rail shipments’ and the freight or pro bill for truck shipments. See FTR section 30.6 (b)(14).
Currently due to system support, the shipment reference number must be a unique and never repeated (see FTR Letter No. 2). The Census Bureau is reviewing system enhancements to allow the reuse of the SRN.
All parties to the export transaction (owners and operators of the exporting carriers, U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs), Foreign Principal Parties in Interest (FPPIs), and/or authorized agents) shall retain documents pertaining to the export shipment for five (5) years from the date of export. In addition, all parties must adhere to other government agencies retention requirements if it differs from the Census Bureau’s requirements. See FTR section 30.10.
Any shipment of goods donated for relief or charity valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or that requires a license must be filed in the Automated Export System (AES). However, if the shipment is valued less than $2,500 per Schedule B number and does not require a license, then the low value exemption (NOEEI FTR 30.37(a)) is used.
If an AES record is required then there are four Schedule B numbers that can be used. Those numbers are found in chapter 98 of the Schedule B book under subheading 9802.
Schedule B Number |
Description |
Unit of Measurement |
|
|
|
9802.20.0000 |
Medicinal and pharmaceutical products |
x no unit required |
9802.30.0000 |
Wearing apparel (including footwear and headwear) |
x no unit required |
9802.40.0000 |
Donated articles, not elsewhere specified |
x no unit required |
The Export Information Code to be reported is "CH" for shipments of goods donated for relief or charity. The value to be reported is the market value. If that value is not known, estimate how much you would receive if the goods were sold.
No. Shipments made to foreign embassies located within the United States are considered domestic transactions and therefore do not require an EEI filing. Although the U.S. Department of State (State Department) considers an ITAR shipment to a foreign embassy located in the United States an export shipment. The Census Bureau does not capture this information in the Automated Export System. Contact the State Department, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls on (202) 663-1282 or at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov for guidance on how to report these types of shipments State Department.
Public Law 107-228 authorized the Secretary of Commerce, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to publish regulations mandating that all persons who are required to file export information under Chapter 9 of Title 13, United States Code file such information through the Automated Export System (AES). The Census Bureau uses the information filed in the Automated Export System to collect, compile, and publish the monthly balance of trade figures for the United States. In addition, law enforcement agencies use the information to monitor exports and enforce U.S. trade laws.
The EEI is used for compiling the official U.S. export statistics for the United States and for export control purposes. The regulatory provisions for preparing and filing the EEI are contained in the Foreign Trade Regulations, Title 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 30.
The EEI is confidential and used solely for official purposes authorized by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with Title 13 United States Code section 301 (g). Neither the EEI nor its contents may be disclosed to anyone except the United States Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or the authorized agent. The EEI must not be disclosed to foreign governments or foreign entities. The EEI is exempt from public disclosure unless the Census Bureau Director determines that such exemption would be contrary to the national interest. The confidentiality provisions of the EEI can be found in FTR section 30.60.
The EEI shall be filed through the Automated Export System by the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), the USPPI’s authorized agent, or the authorized U.S. agent of the Foreign Principal Party in Interest. For information regarding the filing requirements refer to FTR section 30.2 (a).
Shipped From |
To |
United States |
Canada (if a license is required) |
United States |
Foreign Countries |
United States |
Puerto Rico |
United States |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
Puerto Rico |
United States |
Puerto Rico |
Foreign Countries |
Puerto Rico |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
Foreign countries |
U.S. Foreign Trade Zones |
Foreign Countries/ Puerto Rico |
Shipped From |
To |
United States |
Canada (unless an export license is required) |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
United States |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
Puerto Rico |
United States/Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands |
Other U.S. Territories** |
Other U.S. Territories** |
United States |
Other U.S. Territories** |
Foreign Countries |
Other U.S. Territories** |
Other U.S. Territories** |
** American Samoa, Baker Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingmen Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and the Wake Island. (Appendix C).
No, shipments that are entered into the U.S.from a foreign country with an ultimate destination of Puerto Rico, are not required to be filed in the Automated Export System. Transactions of this nature appear in our import statistics with the U.S. port as the port of entry and Puerto Rico as the port of unlading.
Yes. In general, merchandise traveling in-bond on an Immediate Transportation (IT), a Transportation and Exportation (T&E), or Immediate Export (IE) is not required to be filed in the AES. However, in this situation since the goods were placed in a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone pending export, the shipment must be filed in the AES. By placing the goods in a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone, there is a break in the in-bond movement and a proof of filing citation or exemption legend is required.
The Department of State has filing timeframe requirements for U.S. Munitions List (USML) shipments and the Trade Act of 2002 specifies requirements for all other for non-USML shipments. The time frames vary by method of transportation. The filing timeframes for non-USML shipments are located in the FTR section 30.4. The filing timeframe for USML shipments are located in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 CFR 123.22(b)(1)). See below for both non-USML and USML shipments.
For non-USML shipments: (30.4(b)(2))
Vessel cargo |
24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is loading |
Air cargo |
2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft |
Truck cargo |
1 hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the U.S. border to go foreign |
Rail cargo |
2 hours prior to the time the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign |
2 hours prior to departure of exporting carrier |
|
Pipeline |
Within 4 calendar days following the end of the month |
For USML shipments: (30.4(b)(1))
Vessel cargo |
24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is loading |
Rail cargo |
24 hours prior to the time the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign |
Truck cargo |
8 hours prior to the arrival of the truck at the U.S. border to go foreign |
Air cargo |
8 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft |
No. However, all exporters, including bulk cargo are permitted to provide estimated cargo information prior to loading. Once the complete cargo information is known, the U.S. Principal Party in Interest, or authorized agent must correct the Automated Export System record with the accurate information. See FTR section 30.9.
The mandatory Automated Export System (AES) AES filing requirements established by the Foreign Trade Regulations do not affect the document requirements for vehicles intended for export. Exportation of a vehicle will be permitted only upon compliance with the requirements as described in 19 CFR Part 192.
The Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) requires that items of domestic or foreign origin under the same commodity classification number be reported separately in the Automated Export System (AES) if either is valued over $2,500. If the value is less than $2,500 for either the domestic originated portion of the shipment or the foreign originated portion, it does not require an AES filing and the following citation should be used No EEI 30.37(a) domestic or No EEI 30.37(a) foreign.
If you are unable to identify which portion of your shipment is domestic and foreign, provide the best estimate.
The AES is the system used for collecting Electronic Export Information (EEI) from persons exporting goods from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; between Puerto Rico and the United States; and to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States or Puerto Rico. See FTR section 30.1 (c).
AESDirect is a free Internet based application supported by the U.S. Census Bureau that allows the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), its authorized agent, or the authorized agent of the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) to transmit Electronic Export Information through the Automated Export System via the Internet at www.aesdirect.gov. See FTR section 30.1(c).
For Non-United States Munitions List (USML) shipments:
If the AES participant’s system is unavailable, the filer must delay the export of goods or find an alternative filing method. See FTR section 30.4 (b)(3). If the AES or AESDirect is unavailable, the goods may be exported and the filer must provide the appropriate filing citation as described in FTR section 30.7(b) and Appendix D when notified via AES Broadcast Message that the downtime policy is in effect. The Electronic Export Information (EEI) must be reported at the first opportunity the AES is available. A follow up message will be sent via AES Broadcast when the system is running and the policy is no longer in effect. The downtime citation format is AESDOWN Filer ID mm/dd/yyyy.
For United Stated Munitions List (USML) shipments:
If the AES participant’s system is unavailable, the filer must delay the export of goods or find an alternative filing method. If the AES or AESDirect is unavailable, the filer shall not export until AES is operating and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is acquired. See FTR section 30.4 (b)(1).
Broadcast messages from the Automated Export System (AES) are sent via e-mail to all AES registered filers. If you are not an AES registered filer and would like to receive the AES broadcast messages, please send an e-mail to AskAES@census.gov requesting to be added to the AES list. Your e-mail message should include the e-mail address where you would like to receive broadcast AES messages as they are distributed.
Fatal error messages are sent to filers when Electronic Export Information (EEI) is not accepted in the AES. These errors must be corrected and the EEI resubmitted prior to export for shipments filed predeparture and as soon as possible for shipments filed postdeparture but no later than ten calendar days after departure. If you have problems correcting an AES error, contact the AES Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 1. See FTR section 30.9.
The cost to implement the AES will vary depending on the size and needs of your organization. There are several options available to you. You can use AESDirect or AESPcLink, which is the Census Bureau’s FREE Internet based filing method. Another option is to develop your own software from the specifications found in the AES Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR). The AESTIR can be found on the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/aes/tech_docs/aestir/. You may also purchase a software package from an AES certified vendor, which has been tested and approved by the Census Bureau and CBP. Lastly, you may transmit your export information through a service center, port authority or an authorized agent filing on your behalf. The cost will be proportionate to the sophistication of the system you choose.
The AES was not designed to be an enforcement system. It is simply an electronic tool that supports the enforcement system already in place.
The privilege to file Electronic Export Information (EEI) on a postdeparture basis is granted to approved U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs) to file their export information up to 10 calendar days after the date of export, i.e., the date the goods are scheduled to cross the U.S. border. Currently, the moratorium placed on new postdeparture filers in August 2003 remains in effect pending further review of the program. See FTR section 30.4 (c).
Household goods and personal effects require limited reporting of Electronic Export Information (EEI) when goods are shipped under a bill of lading or an air waybill. The total value and the shipping weight of the cargo are always required in the EEI. The Schedule B or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States of America (HTSUSA) commodity classification codes, quantities, and domestic/foreign indicator are not required. Report the export information code “HH” when reporting household goods. See FTR section 30.38.
For example, Company A located in Muleshoe, Texas leases a warehouse in Norman, Oklahoma from which the goods are released for export. When reporting the electronic export information in the AES, Company A would report their name and Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the address of the warehouse in Oklahoma.
If a company has goods leaving from multiple locations and are consolidated for export, the address to be reported is the location from which the commodity with the greatest value began its journey to the port of export. If such information is not known, report the address in the state in which the commodities are consolidated for export.
The U. S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) is the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction. Generally, that person or entity is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, or order party, or the foreign entity while in the United States when purchasing or obtaining the goods for export. See FTR section 30.3.
If a customs broker or foreign person is listed as the importer of record when entering goods into the United States for immediate consumption or warehousing entry, the customs broker may be listed as the USPPI in the Electronic Export Information (EEI) if the goods are subsequently exported without change or enhancement.
The U.S. broker or agent acting as importer of record on behalf of the foreign entity shall be listed as the USPPI for Automated Export System (AES) filing purposes. See FTR section 30.3 (b)(2)(iv) and (v).
Note: In a routed export transaction, the USPPI is not required to provide the U.S. agent of the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) with a power of attorney or written authorization. The FPPI is responsible for providing a power of attorney or written authorization to the U.S. agent.
No. All data that is collected by the U.S. Census Bureau is confidential under United States Code (USC) Title 13 and to be used solely for official purposes as authorized by the Secretary of Commerce. This information is exempt from public disclosure unless the Secretary of Commerce determines under the provisions of Title 13, USC, Chapter 9, Section 301(g),that such exemption would be contrary to the national interest.
The policy and procedures for voluntarily disclosing violations or suspected violations of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) can be found in section 30.74 or at www.census.gov/trade.
No. Title 13, United States Code, Chapter 9, Section 301(g) prohibits the publication or release of any information that could identify any particular company, individual, or household.
Yes. The EEI may be supplied to the U.S. Principal Party in Interest and authorized U.S. agents for compliance and auditing purposes. The EEI may also be supplied to federal agencies for official purposes when deemed to be in the national interest pursuant to Title 13, United States Code, Chapter 9, Section 301(g).
Official purposes are defined to include but are not limited to:
Published company information typically comes from the shipping manifest. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides this information upon request. In addition, data providers collect this information and compile it for distribution. If you need more information please contact the Privacy Act and Policy and Procedures Branch at CBP at (202) 325-0280.
No. The shipping manifest is a document in the public domain and can be viewed by anyone.
You can contact the Privacy Act and Policy and Procedures Branch at Customs and Border Protection and request confidential treatment of manifest information at (202) 325-0280.
For shipments requiring an export license, report the value designated on the export license that corresponds to the commodity being exported.
ECCN stands for Export Control Classification Number. An ECCN is an alphanumeric classification used in the Commerce Control List (CCL) to identify items for export control purposes. All ECCN’s will have 5 characters, for example, 1A001, 4B994, or 9D001. There are 10 categories on the CCL. The first number of the ECCN identifies the category to which it belongs, for example, 1 = Nuclear Materials Facilities and Equipment, 4 = Computers, 9 = Propulsion Systems, Space Vehicles and Related Equipment. There is a process for determining the proper ECCN for your item. The Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) Office of Exporter Services have counselors available in Washington, DC Headquarters on (202) 482-4811 and in their Western Regional Office in California on (949) 660-0144 or (408) 998-8806 for guidance on determining your ECCN using the CCL. The CCL is found in Supplement 1 to Part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and is available on-line at http://www.access.gpo.gov/bis/ear/ear_data.html. BIS cannot provide official classification determinations by phone. However, BIS can help guide you through the classification determination process.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce implements and enforces the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The EAR regulates the export and re-export of most commercial items. The items that BIS regulates are often referred to as "dual-use" items because they have both commercial and military or proliferation applications, but purely commercial items without an obvious military use also are subject to the EAR.
EAR99 is a classification for an item. It indicates that a particular item is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), but not specifically described by an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) on the Commerce Control List (CCL). While the classification describes the item, the authorization for shipment of that item may change, depending on the circumstances of the transaction. NLR stands for the "No License Required" designation. NLR may be used for either EAR99 items, or items on the CCL that do not require a license for the destination. However, exports of an EAR99 item to an embargoed country, an end-user of concern or in support of a prohibited end-use may require an export license.
You must enter the correct ECCN in the AES for licensed, license exception shipments, and for "no license required" (NLR) shipments of items on the Commerce Control List having a reason for control other than or in addition to anti-terrorism (AT). The only exception to this requirement is the return of unwanted foreign origin items, meeting the provisions of License Exception TMP, under §740.9(b)(3) of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). See 15 CFR 758.1 (g) (as amended July 10, 2000).
While the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) can provide oral advice and guidance on classifying your item on the Commerce Control List (CCL), BIS cannot give definitive classification decisions over the phone. The Office of Exporter Services has counselors available from their Washington, DC headquarters at (202) 482-4811 and their Western Regional Office in California at (949) 660-0144 or (408) 998-8806 to provide you guidance on determining your Export Control Classification Number and license requirements.
No. Shipments to Puerto Rico do not require a license. A shipment to Puerto Rico is not defined as an export or re-export under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). However, the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) is required to file an Electronic Export Information via the Automated Export System. If the shipment is going through Puerto Rico and the final destination is a foreign country, the exporter must follow the required procedures for obtaining an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) in order to ascertain whether a license is required for the shipment.
No, shipments that are unloaded at a U.S. port to ship to Puerto Rico, do not require an AES filing.
Export controls are administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) in the U.S. Department of Commerce, and are described in detail in the official publication U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Whenever there is any doubt about how to comply with export regulations and licensing procedures, the Department of Commerce officials or qualified professional consultants should be contacted for assistance at (202) 482-4811.
Where you may or may not ship your goods varies with each transaction and depends on the nature of the goods, the identity of the proposed recipient of the goods, and the activity or activities in which the recipient is involved. You must determine that information before you can decide whether you need an export license. In some situations, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requires an export license for shipments to any country in the world (even Canada, in rare circumstances). Part 746 of the EAR lists countries that are subject to embargoes or other special controls. A list of embargoed countries can also be found on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) website at: www.treas.gov/ofac
The embargo against Iran is still in place, while the embargo against Sudan has been modified to exempt certain areas of the country. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Department of the Treasury administers both. Exports and reexports subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that are not subject to the OFAC’s Iranian Transactions Regulations may require authorization from Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). If you are exporting or reexporting items to Sudan, you should check with OFAC to determine if the destination of your items is in the areas of Sudan that are still under embargo, or if it is in the areas of Sudan that have been exempted from the embargo. In addition, BIS continues to maintain licensing requirements under the EAR on exports and reexports to all areas of Sudan.
The Department of Commerce Trade Information Center can assist you with obtaining this information. The Center can be reached on 1(800) USA-Trade (872-8723).
A freight forwarder can be listed as the USPPI when:
A tariff or duty is a tax levied by governments on the value of imported products. The tariff is assessed at the time of importation along with any other applicable taxes/fees. Tariffs raise the prices of imported goods, thus making them less competitive within the market of the importing country. For more information on tariffs you can contact the International Trade Administration on (800) 872-8723.
The Department of Commerce Trade Information Center can assist you with obtaining this information. The Center can be reached on 1(800) USA-Trade (872-8723).
A restriction on specific goods that a country permits to be imported during a specified time before the imposition of added duties or can refer to a total restriction on a particular good entering a country. For example, Japan may allow the importation of 5,000 U.S. cars at a reduced or waived duty rate. Once car number 5,001 enters, either no more can enter or a significantly increased duty rate will apply. For more information please contact the International Trade Commission on (800) 872-8723.
The Harmonized System is a method of classifying goods for international trade developed by the Customs Cooperation Council (now the World Customs Organization).
An organized listing of goods and the duty rates, developed by the U.S. International Trade Commission, which is used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as the basis for classifying imported products, including establishing the duty to be charged and providing statistical information about imports and exports.
A Schedule B number is the Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities exported from the United States. These 10-digit commodity classification numbers are administered by the U.S. Census Bureau and cover everything from live animals and food products to computers and airplanes. To find a Schedule B number please refer to the Schedule B Search Engine found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html. If additional assistance is needed, please call the Commodity Analysis Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 2.
To obtain your Schedule B number and official description, visit the Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division website which provides a complete listing of the Schedule B numbers and descriptions at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html. If additional assistance is needed, please call the Commodity Analysis Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 2.
For goods that were previously imported for repairs, the Schedule B number to report at the time of export is 9801.10.0000. The value to be reported in the Automated Export System is the total cost of the parts and labor. The value of the original product shall not be included. If goods were replaced under warranty, the Schedule B number of the replacement item would be listed and the value reported is the cost of the new item. If the value reported in the Automated Export System is different from the value on the bill of lading, invoice, etc. include the statement “Product replaced under warranty, value for EEI purposes.”
Report the description of the goods shipped in English in sufficient detail to permit verification of the Schedule B or HTSUSA number. Clearly and fully state the name of the commodity in terms that can be identified or associated with the language used in Schedule B or HTSUSA (usually the commercial name of the commodity), and any and all characteristics of the commodity that distinguish it from commodities of the same name covered by other Schedule B or HTSUSA.
Yes. One AES record can be filed for multiple invoices. Based on the Foreign Trade Regulations 30.1(c), a shipment is all goods being sent from one U.S. Principal Party in Interest to one consignee to a single country of destination on a single conveyance and on the same day.
The EEI is not required for shipments that do not enter the commerce of the United States. A filing citation or exemption legend is not required for in-bond shipments because these shipments are out of scope of the FTR.
The Army Corps of Engineers has suspended the requirement to file the Form 7513. Currently, there are no filing requirements for in-transit shipments. For more information, please refer to http://www.usace.army.mil/.
If there are several bookings on one bill of lading, an ITN or exemption citation is required for each shipment from one U.S. Principal Party of Interest to one ultimate consignee.
The exporting carrier may proceed to load as long as they have an Internal Transaction Number for each shipment from one United States Principal Party in Interest to one ultimate consignee.
When the carrier has split a shipment additional Automated Export System (AES) filings are not required. However, “SPLIT SHIPMENT” should clearly be marked on the manifest and each subsequent shipments manifest. On the last portion of the shipment “SPLIT SHIPMENT, FINAL” should be reported. In addition, under the “number of packages” column shall show the portion of the shipment with reference to the total that is being shipped, i.e. 1 of 3 or 1/3. The original Internal Transaction Number should be used for each shipment. If the shipment is split, and part leaves on one day and part on another day, the original AES record must be corrected to show the part of the shipment exported on the first day and a new AES record must be filed to show the part of the shipment exported on the next day. See definition of a shipment in FTR section 30.1. (See FTR section 30.28)
Yes. Split shipments may apply to all modes of transportation. However, in order to file one Automated Export System (AES) record for the shipment, it must be booked for the export on one aircraft, vessel, train or truck but split by the carrier and sent on two or more of the selected modes of transportations of the same carrier on the same day. If the shipment is split, and part leaves on one day and part on another day, the original AES record must be corrected to show the part of the shipment exported on the first day and a new AES record must be filed to show the part of the shipment exported on the next day. See definition of a shipment in FTR section 30.1.
Shipping documents can include but are not limited to commercial invoices, export shipping instructions, packing lists, bill of ladings and air waybills.
If a manifest is not required, citations should be annotated on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions or other commercial loading documents.
No. When containers are moving, either loaded or empty, without transfer of ownership or title, in their capacity as carriers of goods or as instruments of such carriers, they are not required to be filed. However, if ownership of such containers is transferred, electronic export information would need to be filed.
Contact the Regulations, Outreach and Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division (FTD), Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 3. Seminars are held in locations all over the U.S. Visit the Census Bureau’s website for the latest seminars: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/meetingsandpresentations/index.html#presentations
The FTD offers several different training opportunities in addition to the seminar program. The FTD provides webinars in English and in Spanish. These Webinars are hosted by the International Trade Administration and speakers from the U.S. Census Bureau’s FTD participate in topics such as what the filing requirements are for export transactions, export commodity classification, Automated Export System overviews and how to use AESPCLink. There is also a speaker from Customs and Border Protection that discusses enforcement. The FTD also provides company training at the request of a company. Presentations are geared towards company’s concerns or issues that they would like addressed. The FTD also has an AES Compliance Review Program where staff visits companies to observe their internal processes with export transactions and the FTD provides guidance on how to increase or maintain compliance with the FTR.
The FTR can be found at our website located at www.census.gov/trade. Questions concerning the FTR may be directed to the Regulations, Outreach and Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 3 or via email askregs@census.gov.
Many common software products have encryption capability, subjecting them to special export controls. Internet software, office software, and many financial software products, among others, have encryption capability. Contact the manufacturer of the software product to find out if it has encryption capability. You can also contact the Information Technology Controls Division within the Bureau of Industry and Security at (202) 482-0707.
Contact the Regulations, Outreach and Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau on (800) 549-0595, option 3. Seminars are held in locations all over the U.S. Visit the Census Bureau’s website for the latest seminars: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/meetingsandpresentations/index.html#presentations
The Trade Information Center (TIC) provides export counseling to U.S. exporters. For information please contact the TIC at (800) USA-TRAD(E) or (202) 482-0543 or refer to the website: www.export.gov.
Regulations, Outreach, and Education Branch, (800) 549-0595, option 3, or AskRegs@census.gov
http://www.census.gov/trade
Automated Export System Branch, (800) 549-0595, option 1, or AskAES@census.gov
Automated Export System (technical support) (877) 715-4433
www.aesdirect.gov - AESDirect is the free Internet based application supported by the Census Bureau.
“AES Newsletter” is available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/documentlibrary/index.html#aes_newsletters
Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR) is available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/aes/tech_docs/aestir/
Commodity Classification (Schedule B Number), (800) 549-0595, option 2
“Schedule B – Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States” is available on the FTD website at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html
“Schedule D – Classification of Customs Districts and Ports for U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics” is available on FTD website at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/reference/codes/
“Schedule C – Classification of Country and Territory Designations for U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics” is available on the FTD website at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/reference/codes/
Schedule K, Foreign Post Codes http://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/ndc/wcsc/scheduleK/schedulek.htm
Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce www.bis.doc.gov
Washington, DC Newport Beach, CA San Jose, CA
(202) 482-4811 (949) 660-0144 (408) 998-8806
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) is available on the BIS website at www.access.gpo.gov/bis/ear/ear_data.html
International Trade Administration, Export Assistance Center (800) 872-8723
Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls (ODTC) (202) 663-2714
http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/
International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) is available on the Department of State website at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/
Department of Treasury, Office of foreign Assets Controls (OFAC)
(Sanctioned countries and trade restrictions) (202) 622-2490
http://www.treas.gov/ofac
US Customs Border and Protection (CBP) (877) 227-5511
http://www.cbp.gov/
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) information is located at http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/Policy/NAFTA/nafta.asp