SupportingStatment (B) Extension

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau

Automated Export System (AES) Program

OMB Control No. 0607-0152

2. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Universe and Respondent Selection

The precise respondent universe is unknown since the universe is comprised of exporters filing AES records on a one-time basis, regularly, and all variations in between for commodities valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or regardless of value when a license is required. Currently, we estimate that approximately 288,747 firms are engaged in exporting.

For shipments that require an AES record, the response rate for filing is 100 percent since export carriers must submit a proof of filing or an exemption citation to the CBP before clearance or permission to depart is granted.

2. Procedures for Collecting Information

The U.S. Census Bureau requires the filing of an AES record for the following shipments and processes these data for all countries with the exception of Canada: (1) virtually all shipments valued at over $2,500 per Schedule B number or regardless of value when a license is required (2) shipments subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations but exempt from licensing requirements (3) shipments requiring a Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration export permit (4) shipments destined for a country in Country Group E:1 (5) shipments of rough diamonds filed under Schedule B subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31.

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada, the United States substitutes Canadian import statistics for U.S. exports to Canada. Similarly, Canada substitutes U.S. import statistics for Canadian exports to the United States. This exchange of data includes only U.S. exports destined for Canada and does not include shipments destined for third countries or shipments of rough diamonds or those requiring validated export licenses.

The Census Bureau estimates value data monthly for shipments valued under $2,501 using factors based on established percentages of individual country totals.

3. Methods to Maximize Response

The filing of export information via the AES is mandatory under Sections 301-307, Chapter 9, Title 13, U.S.C. Effective January, 1990, the United States substituted Canadian import statistics for U.S. exports to Canada in accordance with a MOU. Similarly, under this MOU, Canada is substituting U.S. import statistics for Canadian exports to the United States. This has eliminated any substantial undercount of shipments to Canada due to non receipt of AES records.

In order to maintain a high level of quality in CBPs statistical operations, the Census Bureau reviews operations in the various ports, and provides training sessions for the CBP staff involved, including members of the CBP staff from several regions. The Census Bureau, with the cooperation of the CBP, periodically conducts port audits to determine the extent of non filing of AES records.

4. Testing Procedures

The Census Bureau performs webinars regularly and participates in seminars and webinars on an ongoing basis in cities all over the United States to instruct the public on how to complete the AES record properly. In addition, the Census Bureau has provided supplementary instruction in the form of export training videos. Prior to becoming a registered AES/AESDirect user, a filer must pass a proficiency test that lets the Census Bureau know that the filer has been qualified to submit information properly through the system.

5. Contacts for Statistical Aspects and Data Collection

The Foreign Trade Division of the Census Bureau is responsible for primary statistical design and regulations governing the statistical information required to be reported in the AES record. Specifically the following persons serve as contacts:

Responsible for the Foreign Trade Statistics Program:

Nick Orsini

Chief, Foreign Trade Division

(301) 763-6959

Dale C. Kelly

Assistant Division Chief, Data Collection

Foreign Trade Division

(301) 763-6937

Ryan Fescina

Methods, Research, and Quality Assurance Branch

Foreign Trade Division

(301) 763-7039

Automated Export System:

Paul F. Newman

Automated Export System Branch

Foreign Trade Division

(301) 763-3541

Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR):

Joe A. Cortez

Regulations, Outreach, and Education Branch

Foreign Trade Division

(301) 763-1413

Attachments

1. AES Record Formats – AESTIR, Part II, Section I

Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR) – AES Record Formats, Part II, Section I

2. AES Letter of Intent

3. AESDirect Registration

4. AESDirect Certification

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