Census Working on New AES Requirement for Certain USML Exports

NEW OREANS -- The Census Bureau and the State Department are working on a change that would require exporters to submit additional information in the Automated Export System when shipping items controlled under U.S. Munitions List Category XXI, said Omari Wooden, Census’ assistant division chief for trade outreach and regulations. Wooden said the change will be outlined in a proposed rule and could eventually lead to a fatal error in AES if not followed.

Wooden, speaking April 25 during the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America’s annual conference, said the agencies soon will require exporters to submit a “determination number” for any item classified under USML Category XXI. Exporters will have a 60-day grace period to start including the number in their filings, Wooden said, but will eventually receive a fatal message and won’t be allowed to proceed with their transaction if the number isn’t included.

He said Census is still working with the State Department to “figure out when we're going to incorporate that” in AES. “So just be aware that this is going to be a new requirement that's coming out,” Wooden said.