April AES Newsletter Covers Firearms Exports, New Schedule B Search, Etc.
The Census Bureau has posted to its Web site the April 2010 issue of its Automated Export System Newsletter. Highlights include:
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BIS and Census Export Management and Compliance Resources
According to the Foreign Trade Division’s Trade Ombudsman, the best way to avoid fines and penalties is to understand the Foreign Trade Regulations and to establish compliance efforts throughout the organization.
The Trade Ombudsman notes that there are resources available to assist a company in creating or improving an existing compliance program to adhere to export laws and regulations, including:
- The Bureau of Industry and Security’s Core Elements of Effective Export Management and Compliance Program (EMCP). An EMCP establishes guidelines to help manage export-related decisions and transactions to ensure compliance.
- Census’ AES Compliance Conferences, a list of which is included in the April AES Newsletter.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 02/24/10 news, (Ref: 10022425), for BP summary of BIS’ guidance on developing EMCP’s for dual-use items.)
Guidance on Exporting Firearms and Related Items
Census’ April newsletter includes guidance on exporting firearms and related items. Highlights of this guidance includes:
BIS versus DDTC jurisdiction. When determining the export licensing requirements for a firearm, it must first be determined if the firearm is regulated by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Controls (DDTC) or BIS. BIS has jurisdiction over (i) shotguns with a barrel length of 18 inches or more; and (ii) muzzle loading rifles and handguns, air guns, replica firearms, shotgun shells and components, and most optical sighting devices for firearms. DDTC has jurisdiction over defense articles and services.
BIS licensing of firearms related exports. A license may be needed to export a firearm under BIS regulations depending on the item and destination. (See newsletter for additional details.)
Licensing of exports of shotguns and related items to Canada. A license is required to export shotguns, riflescopes, and related items purchased in the U.S. as part of the Inter-American Firearms Convention to all Organization of American States member countries, including Canada. (See newsletter for details on License Exception BAG.)
New Schedule B Commodity Search Tool
Census has made available an improved commodity search tool which provides a smarter, more intuitive, and more accurate way to classify products. The new search engine understands and interprets common commercial product information, and it interacts intelligently and intuitively with users to eliminate classification complexity.
The new search engine is currently on trial and is available at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/#search. It will be fully implemented once the old search engine is retired on April 30, 2010.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/10/10 news, (Ref: 10031030), for BP summary of new Schedule B commodity search tool.)
Other Issues in April Newsletter
Census also discusses several other areas of AES in its April 2010 newsletter, including:
- New AESPclink versions available (See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/28/09 news, (Ref: 09122815), for BP summary of AES Broadcast announcing the availability of these new versions in December 2009.)
- Whether AES filing is required for shipments to an Army Post Office or a Fleet Post Office
- Reminder that fatal error reports are sent twice a month
- AES Compliance Conference tentative schedule