AES INTERNET LINK USE TAKES OFF

   An Internet-based link to the U.S. government’s Automated Export System, which started earlier this month, has begun to generate users among the exporter and freight forwarding industry.
   The system, called AESDirect, was developed by the Census Bureau to remove any barriers to filing shippers export declarations electronically with the agency. The service is offered free to all filers.
   About 50 companies have registered and completed the tutorial of the
system. Census says about 10 of these companies have filed several hundred export declarations so far.
   "We’re enthusiastic about this system and hope more companies will soon sign on," said Charles A. Woods, assistant division chief for Census’ Foreign Trade Division.
   The agency, which uses export declarations for trade statistics
purposes, expects more companies to use AESDirect after its Automated Export Reporting Program is switched off on Dec. 31.
   Exporters or forwarders that are interested in the Internet service can
access the website at https://www.aesdirect.gov , or by calling the Census Foreign Trade Division AES Help Line at (800) 549-0595.