Export Agencies Expect to Have Single License Application Soon, Etc.

(In 2010, the Administration announced its National Export Initiative with the goal of doubling U.S. exports in five years. During 2010, the Administration also launched its Export Control Reform Initiative to streamline the export process and create a single export licensing system with responsibility over commercial exports. See ITT’s 02/05/10 news, 10020520 for details of the Administration’s NEI. See ITT”s Online Archives or 03/01/11 news, 11030155, for BP summary on the Administration’s export control reform initiative.)

Highlights of the developments discussed include:

Single Export License Form Expected in Next Several Months

According to a private sector member of the President’s Export Council’s Subcommittee on Export Administration (PECSEA), the Administration is expected to unveil its new single export license application (one form for all licensing agencies) in the next several months and the public will be given an opportunity for comment.

The Administration had previously stated that it expected to make its new single export license application available for public comment in early 2011. The Administration has also noted that the single license application is important because it is the basis for various other aspects of export control reform. (See ITT”s Online Archives or 12/03/10 news, 10120312, for previous BP summary.)

Better Agency Coordination for Voluntary Self Disclosures Being Worked on

The PECSEA private sector member also noted that another way that the Administration is working to streamline export processes is better agency coordination on voluntary self disclosures (VSDs). The Administration is looking at way that the export agencies (e.g., CBP, BIS, DDTC, Census) can work together and be more efficient.

The Administration has previously stated that it recognizes that even companies that have good intentions can make mistakes. Therefore, it promotes the submission of voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) in these and other instances. The Administration views VSDs, along with robust internal compliance programs, as important mitigating factors. (See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/03/11 news, 11030314, for BP summary.)

Use ACE to Link Trade to AES and Other Agencies Sought

CBP plans on working toward the automation of the export process in order to facilitate the flow of legitimate trade. CBP states that it is going to look at ways to use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to link the exporter, U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), carrier, freight forwarder, shipper, and non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) to the Automated Export System (AES) and other government agencies (OGAs). The official noted that this concept is still a “work in progress” and that the Administration is expected to engage the trade when it is ready to move forward.

In March 2011, the International Trade Data System (ITDS) Board recommended that by summer 2011, CBP, Census, and other appropriate agencies should examine the potential for enhancing AES to provide functionality for additional ITDS agencies. The report notes that although relatively little work has been done on ITDS export functionality, there may be an opportunity to build on existing systems and implement ITDS export functionality relatively quickly and with existing ITDS funding. (ITDS is an ACE project to build an electronic “single window” for reporting imports and exports to the government.) (See ITT’s Online Archives or 03/22/11 and 03/15/11 news, 11032226 and 11031521, for BP summaries of ITDS Board report.)

Almost All of AES Filers Use AESDirect

According to a Census official, 98% of the filers of electronic export information (EEI) in AES use AESDirect, Census’ free Internet-based EEI filing system. Census notes that there is an average increase of 304 AESDirect filers per month.

NEI Trade Symposium presentation available here