In his presentation to the June 10 RPTAC, Omari Wooden, Assistant Division Chief, Trade Outreach and Regulations at US Census Bureau discussed the upcoming release of a final rule, clarifications on Automated Export System (AES) filing requirements, and modernization of the Census Bureau’s trade data tools.
Wooden confirmed that the Census Bureau is in the final stages of clearing a regulatory revision informally known as the “cleanup rule.” The final rule, expected by early July, includes corrections to outdated references, improvements in regulatory clarity, and expanded guidance on scenarios involving the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI). A key clarification involves identifying the proper USPPI when goods are imported into the U.S., stored, and later re-exported without transformation.
The rule also addressed Census’s interest in capturing accurate country-of-origin data for re-exported goods. While the Bureau had initially proposed linking export filings to import entry numbers, industry concerns over logistical complexity have prompted reconsideration. Wooden emphasized that the Bureau will re-engage with the trade community to explore alternative solutions post-publication.
Wooden addressed enforcement surrounding the USPPI state and state of origin fields in AES filings. Both fields refer to the point where goods begin their export movement, yet inconsistent reporting has triggered Compliance Alert 26C Discrepancies in interpretation by port officers, particularly in Seattle, were noted, with penalties being issued for perceived address mismatches. He encouraged filers to contact Census if enforcement appears inconsistent with FTR definitions.
Exporters shipping from Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) were advised that AES now requires nine-digit alphanumeric FTZ identifiers. Although currently flagged with a compliance alert, failure to comply may result in fatal filing errors as early as July.
On the data systems side, the Census Bureau is preparing a major overhaul of USA Trade Online, its primary import-export statistics portal. A refreshed interface and improved user experience are expected later this year. An API query builder is also in development to simplify access for users without coding expertise.
A participant raised concerns about apparent confusion in AES license code options for defense exports related to the AUKUS security partnership. Some codes may reference U.S. Defense Trade Treaties rather than new AUKUS-specific authorizations. Wooden acknowledged the issue and indicated the Bureau will review the codes in coordination with relevant agencies.
Joint rulemaking efforts between Census and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on routed export transactions remain on hold, but Wooden sees daylight. Proposed changes require parallel updates to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and progress has slowed under the new administration. “We are hopeful for the end of June, if not early July, to release a final rule for this particular rewrite,” Wooden said.
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