CENSUS OFFICIAL: AES FILINGS FOR USML, CCL SHIPMENTS TO BE MANDATORY

CENSUS OFFICIAL: AES FILINGS FOR USML, CCL SHIPMENTS TO BE MANDATORY    An official from the U.S. Census Bureau said that, after working out details with other government agencies, the government will mandate that exporters file goods falling under two categories of exported products through an automated system in the interest of national security.
   Charles A. Woods, assistant division chief of the U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade division, told attendees at a meeting of the Customs Electronic Systems Action Committee on Tuesday that Census is working with the departments of Commerce, Treasury and State to call for mandatory filing of Commodity Control List and U.S. Munitions List items through the Automated Export System of filing for exports. Woods said he expects to see such a ruling within six months after the issue receives public comment and undergoes the process for proposed rules.
   “Commerce, along with other government agencies, are preparing for a notice of proposed ruling in the Federal Register,” Woods said.
   The information gathered from AES is used by federal agencies to target high-risk or illegal exports. Earlier this year, an official from the AES branch of the Census bureau reported that AES filings had increased due to industry cooperation and legislation requiring electronic filings after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
   Woods said he had expected Congress to make progress on AES issues by now, but more recently the Senate and House had devoted resources toward homeland security and trade promotion authority. “Congress turned their attention to more pressing matters,” Woods said.