Yes, we have detailed import and export data available through an on line subscription service. 

The 2007 subscription is now an on line service.  Currently, the 2006 subscription series on DVD prices are listed below.   Contact Me If This Answer Changes. 

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Here are three options:

• Call the Commodity Analysis Branch at 800-549-0595, and press 2 from the main menu.
• Send email inquiries Mr. Paul Herrick at paul.e.herrick@census.gov .
• For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs.
  

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For help with import classification, you must contact your local customs office.  For exports, follow the steps below:

1. From the Schedule B page, select "Search" underneath the heading "Schedule B Export Codes".
   
2. Enter a keyword to describe your product.  Use no more than one or two words at a time.  You may need to try this part several times.  Be flexible; try different forms of the same word or synonyms. (For example, if "medicine" does not produce the desired results, try "medicament", instead.)
   
3. The search engine retrieves HS descriptions and codes at the six-digit level.  Click on the corresponding code for the description that best matches your product.
   
4. This brings you to the four-digit heading within the Schedule B chapter.  Read the heading description to make sure that you are looking in the correct area.
   
5. Scroll down to the six-digit HS subheading and verify that the description is also appropriate.
   
6. To locate your ten-digit Schedule B number, read through the descriptions under that subheading, paying attention to indentations and groupings.

For example, entering the keyword "software" pulls up 852431 through 852499, and clicking on the numbers brings you into Chapter 85 at heading 8524, where you can read through the descriptions under the suggested subheadings to find the right Schedule B number.

Please note that the Schedule B manual includes explanatory information such as Section Notes, Statistical Notes and Chapter Notes that should be examined to confirm the proper classification of your product.

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The United States International Trade Commission allows you to search  the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA) for import commodity codes.

Because import and export commodity codes match at the six-digit level, you may also use our Schedule B Search  to find the first six digits of your import number.

Once you have obtained the six-digit subheading, you can look up the full, ten-digit import code in the HTSUSA.

For help with import classification, you must contact your local Customs office.

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The Summarized AES Filing Process is as follows:

1. File your Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES or authorize an agent to file the EEI on your behalf. 
   
2. Obtain a confirmation number (ITN) proving your EEI has been successfully transmitted
   • If an ITN was not returned, you must resolve whatever errors prevented its acceptance and retransmit the corrected record.
   • If a Verify Message is returned with your ITN, verify the data and correct and retransmit as necessary. If no correction is needed, you can disregard the verify message.
     
3. Annotate your invoice, packing list, air waybill, truck bill or other commercial loading document with the AES Proof of Filing Citation.
   • Proof of Filing Citation Format:      "AES  [put ITN here]"
   • Proof of Filing Citation Example:    "AES  X20051020123456"
     
4. Give your export shipment to the carrier with the annotated documents.
   
5. If you discover that changes need to be made to the EEI, please amend the EEI or instruct your agent to amend the EEI and resubmit to AES.
   
6. Keep a copy of the EEI on file for five years.
   

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In order to get trade information, you need to be able to correctly classify your product.  There are many ways to classify goods that are imported and exported.  In each of these systems, the products have specific commodity numbers that indicate various levels of detail.

All U.S. trade data is based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS), a series of 10-digit codes. These HTS codes fall under one of two categories: durable goods and non-durable goods. Browse our list of Schedule B export codes  or call our Commodity Analysis Branch to find your product codes.

Once you have the commodity codes, contact our Data Dissemination Branch to order a customized report.

NOTE on Internet availability: There is limited availability of trade data from our web site.  It is available free of charge via more general classification codes (SITC and NAICS).  The most detailed data is available through our Data Dissemination Branch and our online service, USATrade Online, for a fee.

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When exporting commodities out of the United States (or releasing technology or source code to a foreign national in the United States), you need to classify the item to determine if an export license is required from any U.S. Government  agency. If an item is on the Commerce Control List, you need to know the ECCN to determine whether an export license is required.

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Freight forwarders are responsible for:

• Preparing the EEI (Electronic Export Information) record based on information received from the exporter (U.S. principal party in interest) or other parties to the transaction,
• Obtaining a power of attorney, written authorization, or signed authorization on the EEI from a principal party in interest,
• Providing the exporter (U.S. principal party in interest) with a copy of the export information filed in the form of a completed EEI, electronic facsimile, or in a manner prescribed by the exporter (U.S. principal party in interest), and
• Maintaining documentation to support information reported on the EEI record.

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EAR99 is a classification for an item. It indicates that a particular item is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), but not listed with a specific 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 transaction. NLR is the designator of a transaction that stands for the "No License Required" authorization. NLR may be used for either EAR99 items, or items on the CCL that do not require a license for the destination in question, provided no General Prohibitions apply. (Part 736 of the EAR)

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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You cannot think only of "restricted countries" because some of our export controls apply worldwide. 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. 

For more information on the restricted countries, contact the Office of Foreign Asset and Controls at (202) 622-2490.

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They are responsible for the following:

• Provide basic commodity information to the forwarding or authorized agent for completing the EEI (Electronic Export Information)/AES record, including name, EIN, Schedule B number and value, excluding  ultimate consignee.
  
• Maintain documentation to support information provided to the forwarding or authorized agent.
  
• In a routed export transaction, the U.S. Principal Party in Interest is not required to provide the forwarding or authorized agent with a power of attorney or written authorization.

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If you forgot to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, then file the SED as soon as you become aware of the oversight. Expect to receive a compliance alert for the late filing. Ensure that future shipments are filed successfully before the cargo is passed to the carrier.

If you have numerous missing Electronic Export Information (EEI) records for an extended period of time, voluntarily disclose this information to the Census Bureau. Contact AES Support at 800-549-0595 then, select menu option 1 for further assistance.

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The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is issued by the Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) for shipments that require an export license. For questions about ECCNs and license codes, contact the BXA at  (202) 482-4811or (202) 482-2642.

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Questions can be found at the Answer Center and also at the Schedule B frequently asked questions web site.

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Call the Commodity Analysis Branch at 800-549-0595 and press 2 from the main menu.

Send email inquiries to Mr. Paul Herrick at paul.e.herrick@census.gov

For help with import classification, you must contact your local customs office.

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The person in the United States (U.S.) that receives the primary benefit monetary or otherwise of the export transaction.  Generally that person can be the:

1. U.S. Seller (wholesaler/distributor) of the merchandise for export.
   
2. U.S. Manufacturer if selling the merchandise for export.
   
3. U.S. Order Party - Party who directly negotiated between the U.S. seller and foreign buyer and received the order for the export of the merchandise.
   
4. Foreign Entity if in the U.S. when items are purchased or obtained for export.  The foreign entity must be listed as the USPPI if it is in the United States when the items are purchased or obtained for export.

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The formats for the AES Proof of Filing Citations are as follows.

1. If you are filing Predeparture: Predeparture is reporting all of the export information (36 data elements) prior to departure/exportation.  All filers must report predeparture unless otherwise approved. Filers must use this option when exporting used vehicles, exporting shipments under State Department Licenses or DEA permit.
   
   For predeparture Proof of Filing Citations, you can use either of these two formats. However, the first format using the ITN is preferred.
   
   
   • "AES [Internal Transaction Number (ITN)] "AES X20060915000001"
   • "NDR AES [XTN (Filer's ID - Shipment Reference Number (SRN)]" 
     • "NDR AES 113456789-CARGO1If you are filing Postdeparture: Postdeparture is the reporting of all (36 data elements) of the export information by approved filers within 10 calendar days after departure.  Only USPPIs are approved for this option.
       
2. • For postdeparture Proof of Filing Citations:
     
     • If Authorized Agent Files on behalf of USPPI
       • NDR AES4 [USPPI ID] - [Filer ID]
       • "NDR AES 4 11345678900-977654321"
   • If USPPI files directly to AES
     • NDR AES4 [USPPI ID]
     • "NDR AES4 11345678900"

For more information or other examples please refer to FTSR Letter No. 168 (Amendment 2).

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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).

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You must enter the correct ECCN on the EEI record for licensed and license exception shipments, and for "no license required" (NLR) shipments of items on the Commerce Control List having a reason for control other than 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).

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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Follow these steps to browse the Schedule B:

1. From the Schedule B page, select "Browse" underneath the heading "Schedule B Export Codes".
2. Choose the desired year.
3. Scroll down the page to view the Table of Contents.
4. Select a chapter.  The PDF format looks the best.
5. Read the section and/or chapter notes at the beginning.  They often explain what is and is not covered within.
6. Scrolling through the chapter, read and compare the four-digit headings.  Generally the headings toward the beginning cover more raw materials, those in the middle include unfinished and partly finished goods, and at the end, finished products and parts.
7. Once you have determined your four-digit heading, compare the subsequent six-digit headings.
8. Once you have determined your six-digit subheading, repeat the process to find your ten-digit Schedule B number.
   

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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.

• ECCN Format: NANNN
  • N = numeric
  • A = alpha
• The ECCN must be valid.
• If the ECCN is in the incorrect format, AES will generate a fatal error.

More information is available on the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) web site at www.bis.doc.gov./licensing/Do I NeedAn ECCN   You can also reach them via telephone at (202) 482-4811.

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No. All data that are collected by the Census Bureau are considered private and confidential. U.S. Code Title 13 makes it illegal for us to release data from individual commodities that are traded as opposed to the companies or individuals doing the trading.

This confidentiality also adds to the integrity of the trade data. Data from the decennial census (the census that happens every ten years) is also covered by Title 13. If your neighbors could go to the government and look up your annual income from the last census (which, by the way, they can't), would you be entirely honest about your income during the next census? Similarly, if you knew that your competition could go to the government and find out exactly what you're trading (and with whom you're trading it), wouldn't you try to be vague enough to make their job more difficult while still obeying trade laws?

For more information on U.S. trade regulations, contact our Regulations, Outreach and Education Branch (ROEB) on (301) 763-2238.

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Contact the International Trade Administration (ITA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, at  (202) 482-3809.

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In addition to questions at the Answer Center , there is a web site for Trade Information Center that has been prepared by the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau.

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The Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is a unique transaction reference number that AES provides to indicate that it has accepted your electronic export information . If you not receive your ITN, please verify that you transmitted the shipment information to AES and there is no pending fatal error(s). If you have a fatal error, this must be corrected before an ITN will be issued.

The ITN can be used as your AES Proof of Filing Citation on your commercial documents. The proof of filing citation must include the statement ''AES,'' followed by the returned confirmation number or ITN provided by AES (e.g., AES X20060914000001).

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In order to increase the quality of trade data, the United States and Canada agreed to exchange trade data. Because import data has more scrutiny paid to it, each country uses the other's import data as their export data. U.S. reported exports to Canada are actually based on Canadian data on imports from the United States. Canadian reported exports to the United States are actually based on U.S data on imports from Canada.

The paper "U.S. - Canada Data Exchange 1990 - 2001"  reads:

In July 1987, Canada and the United States embarked upon a grand experiment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to exchange import statistics starting with January 1990 data. From this date, the two statistical agencies would no longer base their bilateral export statistics on export declarations. Instead, they would rely on the import statistics of the counterpart country.  Statistics Canada relies on American imports from Canada as compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau as the source of its export data. Likewise, the U.S. Census Bureau derives its exports to Canada from data on imports from the United States compiled by Statistics Canada. Because of the greater scrutiny paid to imports by the customs agencies in both countries, this exchange provides a more reliable measure of the bilateral trade. In addition, the reporting burden on exporters and forwarders in both countries was significantly reduced, as export declarations are no longer required for trade between the two partners. It was one of the first agreements between trading nations relating strictly to trade statistics.

[PDF] or denotes a file in Adobe's Portable Document Format. To view the file, you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader available free from Adobe.

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To get started in AES or AESDirect you can do one of the following:

• You may file Shipper Export Declaration (SED) for yourself via the free Internet system called AESDirect. To obtain more information on how to register for AESDirect, please go to http://www.aesdirect.gov/register_help.html.
• You can file via AES certified software. If you choose to use AES certified software you must first file a Letter of Intent.
• You may also authorize an agent (such as your freight forwarder or air courier) to file electronic export information on your behalf. You do not need to register or submit a letter of intent if you authorize your agent to file on your behalf; but you must provide them with the proper authorization to file on your behalf.
  

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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You can find the Commerce Control List (CCL) online. 

The Alphabetical Index to the Commerce Control List (Part 774) is available from the Government Printing Office website at www.gpo.gov/bis/ear/ear_data.html.

To inquire whether your items are covered under the CCL, call the Bureau of Industry and Security at (202) 482-4811

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We publish different types of data on NAFTA.

Specifically, our Foreign Trade Division publishes NAFTA data on the trade in goods with Mexico  (imports, exports and trade balance).

For more specific NAFTA data, contact our Foreign Trade Division at 301-763-2311.

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The CD-ROM, U.S. Exports Commodity Classification: 2006 can be ordered through the Census Bureau Catalog.  The product ID is C1-F06-SCHB-12-US1. This will be the last CD-ROM to be released; however, try our online version (below).

The print version, Schedule B: Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported From the United States, 2002 Edition, can be purchased from the Government Printing Office (GPO) Bookstore. The stock number of the publication is 903-009-00000-4. This item includes the full publication that was printed in 2002, as well as every Public Bulletin, or annual update, through the length of the subscription.

The online version of the Schedule B is always available free of charge at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/.

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After you submit your EEI, you will receive one of two responses from AES that indicates the status of your EEI.

1. Your shipment has been processed successfully if the response contains "Shipment Added" or "Shipment Replaced" and an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) has been received (Sample ITN: X20051020123456).
          
2. Your shipment has been rejected if the response contains:
   1. "Fatal Error(s),
   2. A 3-digit Fatal Error Message Number, and
   3. "Shipment Rejected Must Resolve and Retransmit"
      
3. AESDirect users can verify their AES filing status by accessing the Shipment Reporting Section at www.aesdirect.gov or Shipment Status if you are using AESPcLink.

You will not be considered to have filed your EEI until you have received the ITN. If you did not receive any of the messages in 1) or 2) above, and could not retrieve the ITN using the Shipment Reporting Center, then please contact 800-549-0595 then press 1 to speak to an AES Client Representative for assistance.

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The Automated Export System (AES) is an electronic method to submit export documentation.

The cost will vary depending on the size and business needs of your organization. There are several options available to you, including cost free filing over the Internet using AESDirect or other relatively inexpensive filing options using the Internet. As an AES participant, you may develop your own software from the specifications we provide. You may contract with a vendor that has developed and tested software with AES. You may file using a Value Added Network (VAN) or an electronic mailbox.  Other options include using the facilities of a service center, port authority or a freight forwarder acting as your agent. The cost will be proportionate to the sophistication of the system you choose.  You may chose to file for free using AESDirect (http://www.aesdirect.gov).

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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• What is the FTD DropBox? 
• My FTD DropBox file is displayed as text in my browser window. What do I do?
• My file has numbers and text separated by commas. What do I do?
• Reformat: When I open my REPORT FORMAT file in a word processor, the columns are not straight. How do I straighten these columns?
• How do I print the right-hand columns of my report?
• When I print my report format file from my browser it does not break at the top of the pages. Why not?
• When I hit the "Retrieve this file" button while downloading my file from the FTD DropBox, the screen says "Too Many Unsuccessful Attempts." What do I do? 
  

1. Report Format:

   This is an electronic version of what you might otherwise get on paper. You can print the file from your browser by selecting PRINT from the toolbar or from the FILE menu. You could also save the file to your hard drive and print it from your word processor.
   

   1. Save the file to your hard drive. Select "FILE : SAVE AS..."
   2. Change the file type to "PLAIN TEXT."
   3. Make sure the file has a name and click "SAVE."
   4. Open your word processor.
   5. Open the file you just saved from your browser.
   6. Select "FILE : PRINT."

   If the columns do not line up, reformat the file and print again.

2. ASCII DELIMITED FILE:

To correct the alignment, try the following steps: 

1. Change your page orientation to landscape, from portrait. 
   
2. Change your margins (top, right, bottom, left) to the smallest value possible (for example, 0.20 inches). You can adjust these values once you have the text formatted correctly.
   
3. Highlight all of the text and change the font to a mono-spaced font such as "Courier" (each character takes the same amount of space on a line). In addition, adjust the font to a small size – usually 8 pt works.

Note that the above instructions will vary between computer platforms and applications.  However, reformatting should not be too difficult to accomplish.

1. Close your browser.
2. Call theForeign Trade Division (FTD) to get your correct file name.
3. Start your browser again and download your file.

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Recommendations for revisions to existing classifications or for the establishment of new classifications should be addressed to the Chairman of the Committee for Statistical Annotation of Tariff Schedules and emailed to 484f@usitc.gov, or mailed to:

The Chairman
Committee for Statistical Annotation of Tariff Schedules
United States International Trade Commission
Washington, D.C.  20436

Requests should indicate precisely the nature of each desired change and give detailed reasons in support of the requests. In addition, the requestor should provide the names of importers and foreign manufacturers and indicate the countries from which the commodities are being imported. Such requests should be submitted no later than April 1, for changes to be effective July 1, and August 1, for changes to be effective January 1.

Submissions are logged in as 484(f) cases and reviewed by representatives from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC), U.S. Census Bureau, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

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AES will send one of the following messages in response to your filing:

1. "Shipment Added" - Your shipment has been accepted by AES and an Internal Transaction Number[ITN] has been generated.
   
2. "Shipment Added, Must Verify" - Your shipment has been accepted by AES and an ITN has been generated.  You must verify information on your shipment prior to export.  If your information is incorrect, please retrieve the shipment, correct, and re-transmit.  If your information is correct, no further action is necessary.
   
3. "Shipment Added, Compliance Alert" - Your shipment has been accepted by AES and an ITN has been generated.  Your shipment has generated a compliance alert.  Please see the error code for the compliance message.  The most common compliance alerts are 700 and 701 - shipment reported late.
   
4. "Shipment Added, Must Correct Warnings" - Your shipment has been accepted by AES and an ITN has been generated.  Your shipment is a "Sold En Route" shipment.  The Ultimate Consignee must be completed within 4 days of filing.
   
5. "Shipment Rejected; Resolve & Retransmit" - Your shipment has fatal errors and MUST BE CORRECTED PRIOR TO EXPORT.
   
6. "No response received" - If you did not receive a response, and more than 30 minutes has passed,  your declaration may have received an error. Please contact your service center or AES Customer Support. 
   

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Information on the "trade balance" is published in the FT-900 report (also known as the "U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services" report). It contains trade information based on month, product and country.  Here are two sources:

• Current FT900
• Historical FT-900 issues

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What is the course overview? 

On the first day of the Automatic Export System (AES) Compliance Conference, you are given information regarding updates to legislation affecting foreign trade statistics regulations and your responsibilities under the laws. Key government officials teach about the new export regulations and the mandatory electronic filing for exporters.  

The next day, plan to attend one of the AES Compliance Conference Workshops to learn how to successfully report your Electronic Export Information using the Internet.

What general information do you have about location, cost, course objectives, registration form, etc.?

The price for the Seminar is $199 and the workshops are $60 each. Additionally, check out our training web site and agenda.

Do I have to attend both the seminar and the workshop?

No, you may attend one event or both events.  In addition, you do not need to attend both workshops since the content is the same for both.

Are you still accepting registrations? 

Yes, for most of the classes.  Check for details.

May I reserve a space? 

No, we process these in the order in which the order is received and approved.  If there is a problem with the order (incomplete or incorrect), which will delay the processing of your order and it may decrease the likelihood of your order being accepted.

What is your refund policy? 

Requests to cancel registration in Census Bureau Training courses will be honored in the following manner: 

• Registrants must contact the training facilitator to request a credit/refund by faxing at (301) 763-0310.
• All completed registrations will be subject to a minimum 15-percent administrative processing fee.
  • Refunds granted 30 or more days prior to the course will receive an 85-percent refund.
  • Requests 14-29 days before course will receive a 50-percent refund. 
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations less than 14 days before the course.

What is your course cancellation policy? 

The Census Bureau reserves the right to cancel any course 30 days prior to the scheduled event if registrations do not meet the stated minimums. 

What does the registration fee include? 

• All registration fees are based on local costs for conference space and services.
• Registration fees include breakfast and lunch. Lodging is not included (seminars only).
• Training materials and a certificate.

Whom should I contact about the course? 

To register:

• Register online only.
• For additional information about the course, including date, location, or itinerary, contact:
  • For standard registration questions or assistance, call (301) 763-2238 and select option 3.
  • For Regulations questions, call (301) 763-2238.
  • For AES questions, call (800) 549-0595.

• To find out about future courses, return to the Question and Answer Center and enroll to be notified of announcements for new courses.

How soon can I find out if my registration has been confirmed?

We process these forms each morning (Mon-Fri).  You should receive an email confirmation that includes the order number, such as 1-1234567. If you do not receive the confirmation or a fax by 10:00 EST, please call  (301) 763-2238 and select option 3.

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The requirements under the new FTR are effective July 2, 2008, 30 days after the publication date. The effective date means all provisions in the FTR should be observed. However, the Census Bureau is providing an additional 90 days, until September 30, 2008, to allow the trade community to come into compliance with the requirements. Until September 30, 2008 informed compliance is in effect. Starting October 1, 2008, enforced compliance takes effect and fines and penalties for violations of the FTR may be imposed.

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Many common software products have encryption capability which subjects 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 Export Administration at 202-482-0707.

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You can receive training using a variety of methods:

1. AESDirect Tutorial - Found under the "Need Training?" section on the AESDirect home page (http://www.aesdirect.gov)
   
2. AESDirect User Guide - Found under the "Need Training?" section on the AESDirect home page (http://www.aesdirect.gov)
   

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The default email address is the Account Administrator's registered email address. 

In AESDirect - You must change the Account Administrator's registered email address to permanently change the default email address. Also, you can change the email address for an individual shipment by editing the email address in the Shipment Information section.

In AESPcLink - You can change the default email address for your software by going to the Tools Section and click on AESPcLink Accounts "Change Default Email Address" and update the information. You can also change the email address for a particular shipment by editing the email address in the Shipment Information Section.

• NOTE - This will NOT change the Administrator email address for the account with AESDirect.

To Add an Email Address:

If you wish to send a copy of the AES response to your consignee, simply add his e-mail address in the e-mail data field, e.g. myemail@my.com, consigneemail@his.com.  

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The procedure to import an ASCII delimited file varies from application to application.  To determine the exact procedure for your application, search your Help section on "import" and "delimited."

Many applications will follow the below procedure:

1. Make sure the file you want to import ends in ".PRN", ".TXT" or ".CSV".
2. Select "File," then "Open." 
3. Change the "Files of Type" menu to "Text Files (*.prn; *.txt; *.csv)."
4. Point the application to your file.
5. Click "Next."
6. Select the delimiters in your file. These are the characters that tell the spreadsheet where a column starts and stops. Most delimited files use commas as delimiters.
7. Click "Next."
8. Format the columns as appropriate.
9. Click "Next."

Your file should now be visible in the spreadsheet.  Consult your application's Help section for more specifics on your situation.

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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You will need to reactivate your AESDirect account if you previously requested the account be deactivated or if it was disabled by the system due to inactivity. Accounts will be disabled when the user does not log in for 6 months.

This request must be on company letterhead and be signed by the current administrator or company officer (President, CEO, Export Manager, Compliance officer,  etc.). Fax the request to AESDirect at (301) 562-7795.
Include the following information:

• Indicate that you wish to re-activate your account
• Company Name
• Company ID Number (EIN, SSN, or DUNS)
• AESDirect Username
• The new administrator information:
  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Fax Number
  • E-Mail Address
  • Mailing Address
  • Signature & Title of the person requesting the change

Note: You do not need to change the administrator to reactivate the account. However, the administrator information is needed even if is going to remain the same.

An AESDirect representative will contact the client once the fax is received and provide an activation code to be entered into the field on the "Reactivate Account".

The activation code will remain valid for 5 days. If an activation code is not used within five (5) days, a new request to re-activate the account must be faxed. If you type an activation code incorrectly 10 times, it will be disabled.

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AESPclink is free software based on AESDirect. AESDirect is a service provided by the U. S. Census Bureau to facilitate the electronic filing of SED (Shipper's Export Declaration) information. With AESPcLink you can complete your declarations offline and later upload them to AESDirect.

Getting Started

• Step 1: Register and activate your AESDirect account  at https://www.aesdirect.gov/registration/register_form_user.cgi
  

• Step 2: Determine which AESPcLink application to use  (AESPcLink Standard Edition or            AESPcLink Network Edition).
  

  • AESPcLink Standard Edition is suitable for companies that:
     
    • Want easy installation and maintenance that requires no technical expertise
      
    • Have a relatively low volume of declarations, 1-10 declarations per week.
      
    • Have a small number of users, 1-3 users in the same office.
      
  • AESPcLink Network Edition is suitable for companies that:
     
    • Have an existing internal computer network to support the use of AESPcLink Network Edition software
      
    • Have a qualified network administrator available to install and maintain the software
      
    • Have a relatively large number of users
       
    • Generate a relatively high volume of shipments
       
    • Would like users to share shipping information in a manner that is easier than with AESPcLink Standard Edition
      
    • Would like to allow a user to access the queued shipments of all users
      
    • Would like to centrally control the access to AESDirect of multiple users in various locations.
      

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If your AESDirect username and/or password do not work, make sure you are entering your username and password correctly. The username is always lower case letters. The password is case sensitive. 

If you continue to have problems, please contact your Account Administrator to ensure you have the correct information.  You can also have the Account Administrator contact AESDirect Technical support via telephone at (877) 715-4433.

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Yes, 508 Acquisition frequently asked questions can be found at our web site.

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You can download the AESDirect User Guide from the Internet.

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The Automated Export System (AES) accepts transmissions in several Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) formats over secure dedicated telephone lines (via 800 numbers). The service centers that accept Internet transmissions pass your transmissions through to Customs in an appropriate EDI format, and each provider addresses these concerns individually. U.S. Customs does not plan to accept Internet submissions on an open basis at this time.

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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To reset your AESDirect password or administrator code, fax a request on company letterhead to AESDirect at (301) 562-7795. The Account Administrator for your AESDirect account must sign this request. Please include the following information:

• Indicate that you wish to have your account reset
• Company Name
• Company ID Number (EIN, SSN, or DUNS)
• AESDirect Username
• Administrator Name

Once we have received your fax, AESDirect customer support will contact your Account Administrator at the phone number or email address on record to confirm and complete your request. If the Account Administrator has left the company, please follow the procedure to change the Account Administrator as listed online in the AESDirect Support Center.

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Yes. AESPcLink is a software version of the AESDirect website that allows you to complete your Shipper's Export Information (SED) offline and then transmit via the Internet. Once you have registered and activated your company account for AESDirect, your company is also registered for AESPcLink or any other application developed to work with AESDirect.

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The comma delimited file is designed to be imported into a database or a spreadsheet. Quotes (") are placed around any values meant to be text. Values without quotes are assumed to be numbers.  The commas tell the program where to split the columns (in spreadsheets) or variables (in databases). The first row of text is usually the names of the columns or variables.

• Example: "0000000001","1220","10","KG",4000,5000
  • In this case, the variables (or columns) are named COMMODITY, COUNTRY, DISTRICT, UNIT OF QUANTITY, QUANTITY and VALUE. These names get associated with the values that come directly after them: COMMODITY = "0000000001"; COUNTRY = "1220", DISTRICT = "10"; UNIT OF QUANTITY = "KG", QUANTITY = 4000 and VALUE = 5000.

You can import these files into spreadsheets and databases. Consult your favorite application on how to import the file correctly, but most applications will guide you with an "Import Wizard" when you "Import" or "Open" the file. When prompted, only identify the comma (,) as the delimiter.

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In our experience, the FTD DropBox  works with most major browsers.  We have tried it with most versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, and Firefox.  It should work well with most other browsers.

Which browser you use depends on your preferences.
 

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This question is currently being updated to reflect the Mandatory AES regulations.  Until the update is posted, please contact our Automated Export System Branch via telephone at 800-549-0595 (Menu option 1) or via e-mail at askaes@census.gov .

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Report Format
This is an electronic version of what you might otherwise get on paper. You can print the file from your browser by selecting "Print" from the toolbar or from the "File" menu. You could also save the file to your hard drive and print it from your word processor.

1. Change the file type to "Plain Text."
2. Save ("Save As") the file to your hard drive. 

    
3. Open your word processor.
4. Open the file you just saved from your browser.
5. Print. 

If the columns do not line up, reformat the file and print again.

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To change your AESDirect account administrator, please fax a request on your company's letterhead to AESDirect to (301) 562-7795.

The administrator currently on file with AESDirect or a company officer must sign the request.

Please include the following information:

• Indicate that you wish to change your administrator
• Company Name
• Company ID Number (EIN, SSN, or DUNS)
• AESDirect Username
• The new administrator information:
  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Fax Number
  • E-mail Address
  • Mailing Address
  • Signature & Title of the person requesting the change

This information should be faxed to (301) 562-7795. Once we have received your fax, an AESDirect representative will contact you to confirm and complete your request.

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All the conditions for the blue fields are explained in the Help Screen.

To Access the Help Screen:

• In AESDirect:
  • There is a link to the Help Screen in the upper right hand corner of the SED data. When you are working in a section, click the HELP link and this will provide you with the information for that section.
    
• In AESPcLink:
  • The "F1" key will call up the Help Screen in AESPcLink.When you are working in a section, click the "F1" key and this will provide you with the information for that section.
    

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The statement "Too Many Unsuccessful Attempts" means that there has been three or more incorrect file names entered during that session.  To correct this:

1. Close your browser.
2. Call the Foreign Trade Division (FTD) to get your correct file name.
3. Start your browser again and download your file.

Concerning the page break, the REPORT FORMAT FILE in the FTD Drop Box is plain text files with page breaks at the top of each page.  Web browers do not recognize those breaks when you print.  To correct this, save the file to your hard drive and open it in a word processor.  If the page appears as it was in your web browser, print it.  Otherwise, reformat the file.

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If your company is no longer exporting or is out of business,  you will need to disable your AESDirect account.

To disable your AESDirect account, please fax a request on your company's letterhead to AESDirect at (301) 562-7795.

The administrator on the account or an officer of the company must sign the request.

Please include the following information:

• Request that your account be disabled. 
• Company Name 
• Company ID Number (EIN, SSN, or DUNS) 
• AESDirect Username

Once AESDirect receives your fax, a representative will contact you to confirm and complete your request.

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