The Census Bureau is seeking comments by March 26 on proposed revisions to the Automated Export System record. These revisions would reflect the following AES enhancements that have been made by Census and U.S. Customs and Border Protection since 2005.
• edits for rough diamond shipments under the Kimberley Process
• e-mail messaging
• created the validated end-user license code
• automated carrier code updates
• developed background Standard Carrier Alpha Code update process from National Motor Freight Traffic Association file
• developed SCAC maintenance log list
• developed consignee screens
• allowed Option 4 vessel shipments to proscribed countries
• developed method of transportation maintenance screens
• developed edit value type screens
The current approval of this information collection also covers the paper shipper’s export declaration. However, Census states that it will only be using the paper SED for a limited period of time in 2008 due to the expected implementation in the second quarter of the mandatory filing of all export information via the AES. Census states that it will allow the trade community to continue using the paper SED until such implementation occurs. A Census Bureau official stated in December that a final rule overhauling the agency’s foreign trade regulations, which will include mandatory AES, is expected in the “realistic future” and will closely resemble Census’ February 2005 proposed rule. The final rule has been delayed for some time due to CBP concerns on when export data is filed and how that data is shared with other countries.
The SED and the AES record provide the means for collecting data on U.S. exports. Among other things, this data is used to detect and prevent the export of certain items by unauthorized parties or to unauthorized destinations or end users. Specifically, Census notes, the information collected shows what is being exported (description and commodity classification number), how much is exported (quantity, shipping weight and value), how it is being exported (mode of transport, exporting carrier and whether containerized), from where (state of origin and port of export), to where (port of unloading and country of ultimate destination) and when (date of exportation). The identification of the U.S. principal party in interest shows who is exporting goods for consumption (control purposes), while the USPPI and/or the forwarding or other agent information provides a contact for verification of the information.
Census states that the mandatory use of the AES will enable the production of more accurate export statistics that in turn will aid enforcement efforts. AES use is already required in specific export situations, which has helped the Bureau of Industry and Security and CBP to detect and prevent exports of high-technology commodities to unauthorized destinations, enforce the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and validate the Kimberley Process Certificate for the export of rough diamonds.
The information collected on the SED and AES record serve other purposes as well. Federal agencies use it to (a) plan and examine export promotion programs and agricultural development and assistance programs, (b) prepare for and assist in trade negotiations, (c) develop the export price index, and (d) administer the negotiation of reciprocal arrangements for transportation facilities between the U.S. and other countries. The information is also used by (a) private sector companies, financial institutions and transportation entities in conducting market analysis and market penetration studies for the development of new markets and market-share strategies and (b) port authorities, steamship lines, steamship freight conferences, airlines, aircraft manufacturers and air transport associations to measure the volume and effect of air or vessel shipments and the need for additional or new types of facilities.
World Trade/Interactive
