The Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) , Title 15, Part 30 was published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2008. The publication of the final rule implements the provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-228, requiring mandatory filing of export information via the Automated Export System (AES). Implementation of the FTR occurred on September 30, 2008. All export information must now be filed electronically through the AES.

Effective, October 1, 2008,PAPER Shippers Export Declarations (SEDs) will not be used!!!!!

The new regulation now states that anyone found submitting paper SEDs after September 30, 2008 will be found to be in violation of the FTR and subject to penalties. From October 1, 2008 onward, ALL export information MUST be filed through the AES. In addition to this, there are new filing timeframes that must be adhered by anyone that is exporting. This will be determined by the mode of transportation. Along with these new regulations came tougher penalty provisions that will affect ALL parties involved in the export process. What are the filing timeframes for submitting Electronic Export Information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES)?

The time frame varies according to method of transportation for predeparture filing. For State Department United States Munitions List (USML) shipments, refer to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR 120-130), section 123.22.b.1. See §30.4. For non-USML shipments, file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) as follows:

Vessel cargo 24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port wherethe cargo is laden.

Air cargo 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft.

Truck cargo 1 hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the United States border to go foreign.

Rail cargo 2 hours prior to the time the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign

Mail 2 hours prior departure of exporting carrier

Pipeline Within 4 calendar days following the end of the month.

For USML shipments, file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) as follows: Vessel cargo 24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is laden.

Rail cargo 24 hours prior to the time the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign.

Truck cargo 8 hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the United States border to go foreign.

Air cargo 8 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft

For your reference this is a link to the entire FTR, including a list of frequently asked questions. The link is www.census.gov/trade.