15 CFR Part 30 - FOREIGN TRADE REGULATIONS

The Bureau of the Census (U.S. Census Bureau) is seeking public comments to perform a review of the requirements governing routed export transactions. In particular, the Census Bureau is interested in comments regarding the definition of a routed export transaction as well as the responsibilities of parties in routed export transactions. Routed export transactions are transactions in which the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) controls the movement of the goods out of the country. There are a variety of reasons why the FPPI assumes this responsibility such as the use of a preferred carrier and the desire to not disclose the ultimate consignee to the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), although the ultimate consignee is properly identified to the U.S. Government. Because the FPPI controls the movement of the goods in a routed transaction and cannot file Electronic Export Information (EEI), the Census Bureau requires the FPPI to authorize a U.S. authorized agent or the USPPI to file the EEI on its behalf. This ensures that the Census Bureau collects the statistical information.

The U.S. Census Bureau (Bureau of the Census) proposes to amend its regulations in order to clarify that the data collected from the Kimberley Process Certificates (KPCs) are collected in compliance with the Clean Diamond Trade Act and not under the Census Bureau's laws and regulations. In addition, this rule clarifies the submission requirements and permissible uses of the KPCs.

On April 19, 2017, the Census Bureau revised the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR). The revisions to the FTR reflected the implementation of the International Trade Data System, in accordance with the Executive Order 13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for American Businesses. In the Final Rule, the Census Bureau also amended the appendices section. Appendices B, C, E, and F were removed and appendix D was revised and redesignated as the new appendix B. With the revisions to the appendices section, there are a few sections of the FTR that were inadvertently not updated to reflect these changes. This document corrects the final regulations.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) issues this Final Rule amending the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) to reflect new export reporting requirements. Specifically, the Census Bureau is making changes related to the implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS), in accordance with the Executive Order 13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for American Businesses. The ITDS was established by the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006. The changes also include the addition of the original Internal Transaction Number (ITN) data element in the Automated Export System (AES). Lastly, the Census Bureau is making remedial changes to improve clarity of the reporting requirements. These changes are discussed in detail in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is proposing to amend its regulations to reflect new export reporting requirements related to the implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS), in accordance with the Executive Order 13659, Streamlining the Export/Import Process for American Businesses. The ITDS was established by the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006. The proposed changes also include the addition of two new data elements in the Automated Export System (AES); the original Internal Transaction Number (ITN) field and the used electronics indicator. Lastly, the Census Bureau proposes to make changes to provide clarity on existing reporting requirements. These changes are discussed in detail in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) issued a final rule amending the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) to eliminate the reporting requirement for temporary exports, which includes Carnets, and goods previously imported on a Temporary Import Bond (TIB). This final rule is being implemented to ensure consistency with the Customs Convention on the ATA Carnet for the Temporary Admission of Goods (ATA Convention) and reduce filing burden on the trade community. On September 12, 2014, the Census Bureau published this rule on an interim final basis. The Census Bureau is finalizing this rule without change.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) issues this final rule amending the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) to reflect changes related to the implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) and subsequent changes to access the Electronic Export Information (EEI). The ITDS was established to eliminate redundant information requirements, efficiently regulate the flow of commerce, and to effectively enforce laws and regulations relating to international trade by establishing a single portal system for the collection and distribution of standard electronic import and export data required by all participating federal agencies. The Automated Export System (AES), which is a part of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), will include export information collected under other federal agencies' authority, which is subject to those agencies' disclosure mandates. This rule clarifies the confidentiality provisions of the EEI and facilitates the legitimate sharing of export data consistent with the goals for the ITDS. On August 22, 2014, the Census Bureau published this rule on an interim final basis. The Census Bureau is finalizing this rule without change.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) issues this interim final rule to amend its regulations to eliminate the reporting requirement for temporary exports, which includes carnets, and goods previously imported on a Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB). In the Final Rule published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2013, the Census Bureau removed the exemptions for temporary exports, which includes carnets and goods imported under a TIB. This amendment reinstates exemptions for temporary exports/carnets and for goods that were imported under a TIB for return in the same condition as when imported. As a result, these types of shipments are exempt from filing, except as noted in the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).

The U.S. Census Bureau issues this interim final rule to amend its regulations to reflect changes related to the implementation of the International Trade Data System (ITDS) and subsequent changes to the access to the electronic export information (EEI). The ITDS was established to eliminate redundant information requirements, efficiently regulate the flow of commerce and to effectively enforce laws and regulations relating to international trade by establishing a single portal system for the collection and distribution of standard electronic import and export data required by all participating federal agencies. Therefore, the Automated Export System (AES) will include export information collected under other federal agencies' authority, which is subject to those agencies' disclosure mandates. This rule clarifies the confidentiality provisions of the EEI and facilitates the legitimate sharing of export data consistent with the goals for the ITDS.

This document announces that the Bureau of the Census (U.S. Census Bureau), in cooperation with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is implementing a pilot program to evaluate a new filing option in the Automated Export System (AES). Specifically, the Advance Export Information (AEI) pilot is a voluntary program in which selected exporters agree to submit a limited set of Electronic Export Information (EEI) in accordance with existing filing deadlines followed by the full set of data elements submitted within five calendar days of the date of export. This notice provides a description of the AEI pilot, sets forth eligibility requirements for participation. If the AEI pilot is successful, we may discontinue the AES Post-Departure filing option and offer an AEI filing option.

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is announcing the delay of the effective date of the final rule published March 14, 2013, scheduled to take effect on January 8, 2014, until April 5, 2014. This rule also announces the approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of modifications to an existing information collection and the collection of two new data elements in the Automated Export System (AES) under control number 0607-0152.