[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 171 (Friday, September 4, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45760-45763]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21307]


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POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 20


U.S. Census Bureau Electronic Export Information Requirements 
When Sending Shipments Internationally

AGENCY: Postal Service\TM\.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: New Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) issued by the U.S. Census 
Bureau require Postal Service revisions to its mailing standards and 
customs label requirements for customers mailing items internationally.

DATES: Effective November 2, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Klutts, 813-877-0372.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 30, 2008, the U.S. Census 
Bureau implemented statutory requirements for the electronic filing of 
export information through the Census Bureau's Automated Export System 
(AES) or its AESDirect Web site for various international shipments 
where a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) was previously required. The 
new Foreign Trade Regulations mandate that Electronic Export 
Information (EEI) be filed when any type of goods contained in a 
shipment (per Schedule B Export Codes at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b) is valued at more than $2,500 or requires an export 
license under U.S. law, subject to certain exceptions.
    These Postal Service standards are consistent with the Foreign 
Trade Regulations (15 CFR part 30) and 13 U.S.C. Chapter 9, as amended 
by the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2002, Public Law 107-228.
    In addition, items mailed as gift parcels or humanitarian donations 
to certain countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism must 
comply with the conditions for License Exception ``GFT'', or else 
customers may be required to obtain an export license from the U.S. 
Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. The 
definitions and limitations on such gift parcels and humanitarian 
donations are set forth in the Commerce Department's Export 
Administration Regulations at 15 CFR 740.12 and part 746. The Postal 
Service standards for endorsing qualifying items as gift parcels or 
humanitarian donations are consistent with the Export Administration 
Regulations (15 CFR 740.12(a)(3)(ii) and 758.1(d)).

Requirements for Sending an International Shipment

    Effective November 2, 2009, customers mailing outbound 
international shipments containing goods are responsible for providing 
an Exemption and Exclusion Legend, Proof of Filing Citation (PFC), or 
AES Downtime Citation. Goods mailed to APO/FPO/DPO (DMM 703.2) 
addresses are not subject to this standard. Section 30.71 of the 
Federal Trade Regulations establishes civil and criminal penalties for 
customers who fail to electronically file their export information when 
required, or to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations in any other 
way.

Electronic Export Information Filing; Proof of Filing Citation

    Subject to exemptions and exclusions, as set forth below, 
electronic filing of export information and a Proof of Filing Citation 
(PFC) are required when:
    1. Any type of goods contained in a shipment (per Schedule B Export 
Codes at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b) is valued at 
more than $2,500.
    2. The package is shipped to certain countries designated as State 
Sponsors of Terrorism (see Country Group E:1 in the Export 
Administration Regulations, 15 CFR Part 740, Supplement No. 1) and does 
not qualify as a ``gift parcel or humanitarian donation'' under 15 CFR 
740.12. As of August, 2009, these countries are:
    a. Cuba.
    b. Iran.
    c. People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea).
    d. Sudan.
    e. Syrian Arab Republic (Syria).
    3. The package requires an export license. To determine if an 
export license is required, go to http://www.export.gov/regulation/index.asp or call: 1-800-USA-TRAD(E).
    When any of these three circumstances apply, it is the mailer's 
responsibility to electronically file export information before 
mailing; a paper Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) is no longer 
accepted. Electronic export information is filed through the U.S. 
Census Bureau's Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect Web site 
utilizing the following steps:
    <bullet> Log on to http://www.aesdirect.gov and follow the 
instructions for registering and completing the AES Certification Quiz.
    <bullet> The ``Port of Export'' code for shipping through the 
Postal Service is ``8000''.
    <bullet> The ``Mode of Transport'' is ``Mail''.
    <bullet> The carrier should be left as ``SCAC/IATA,'' and the 
conveyance name fields should remain blank.
    <bullet> After the mailer has successfully filed the electronic 
export information, the mailer will be provided with an alphanumeric 
Internal Transaction Number as confirmation. When mailing, the PFC will 
consist of the letters ``AES'' followed by the Internal Transaction 
Number (ITN): for example, ``AES X20080930987654''.

    Note:  If the AES system is down, call 1-800-549-0595, option 1.

AES Downtime Citation

    If export information filing is required but AES or AESDirect is 
unavailable, the goods may be shipped but the mailer is responsible for 
providing the appropriate AES Downtime Citation. This citation includes 
the word ``AESDOWN,'' the mailer's AES filer identification number, and 
the date: for example, ``AESDOWN 123456789 09/30/2009''.

Exemption and Exclusion Legends

    If no class of goods within the package is valued at more than 
$2,500 and an export license is not required, the customer should enter 
the exemption code ``NOEEI 30.37(a)'' on the customs declaration form, 
unless the goods are being shipped to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, 
or Syria. If one or

[[Page 45761]]

more classes of goods within the package is valued at more than $2,500, 
another exemption code might apply, such as ``NOEEI 30.36'' (goods 
shipped to Canada, subject to certain exceptions). For a complete 
listing, see Appendix C to 15 CFR Part 30.
    Exemption and Exclusion Legends cannot be applied to packages that 
require an export license. In such cases, customers are responsible for 
filing, or attempting to file, electronic export information through 
the AES Web site and apply a PFC or AES Downtime Citation to the 
customs declaration form. For gift parcels and humanitarian donations, 
as defined in 15 CFR 740.12, mailed to certain countries designated as 
State Sponsors of Terrorism (see Country Group E:1 in the Export 
Administration Regulations, 15 CFR Part 740, Supplement No. 1), 
customers may use exemption code ``NOEEI 30.37(h).'' In addition, the 
item must be endorsed with the marking ``GIFT--Export License Not 
Required'' on the addressee side of the package, and the symbol ``GFT'' 
must be written in the same block as the Exemption and Exclusion Legend 
on the applicable required customs declaration, as described below.

Entering Required, PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or Exemption and 
Exclusion Legend

    The PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or Exemption and Exclusion Legend 
can be marked on the applicable customs declaration form as follows:
    <bullet> On PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note--
CP72 (large white form) customers should write one PFC, AES Downtime 
Citation, or applicable Exemption and Exclusion Legend in Block 11.
    <bullet> On older versions of PS Form 2976-A printed prior to 
January 2009, customers should write one PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or 
applicable Exemption and Exclusion Legend at the top of the form or in 
any clear space. Avoid writing over the barcode on the form.
    <bullet> On PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration--CN22 (September 
2009, version) customers should check ``30.37(a)'' or ``30.37(h)'' in 
Block 7 of the form, depending on the applicable Exemption and 
Exclusion Legend.
    <bullet> On older versions of PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration--
CN22 (small green form) customers should write one applicable Exemption 
and Exclusion Legend (``30.37(a)'' or ``30.37(h)'') on the green 
portion of the form.
    <bullet> On Label 11FGG1, Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), 
International Air Waybill (Mailing Label), printed prior to August 
2008, customers should write ``30.37(a)'' next to the sender's 
signature. Current versions have this Exemption and Exclusion Legend 
included on the GXG mailing label.

    Note:  These standards also apply to mailers who produce 
privately printed customs declaration forms.

Responding to Customer Questions

    Customers needing further assistance with AES filing requirements 
should contact the U.S. Census Bureau on its toll-free hotline at 1-
800-549-0595:
Option 1--AES Assistance
Option 2--Commodity Classification Assistance
Option 3--Regulatory Assistance
    Customers may also obtain a copy of Publication 613, New U.S. 
Census Bureau Regulations: What Mailers Need to Know When Shipping an 
International Package, from any U.S. Postal Service retail unit.
    The Postal Service adopts the following changes to Mailing 
Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail 
Manual (IMM[supreg]), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of 
Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 20.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 20

    Foreign relations, International postal services.


0
Accordingly, 39 CFR part 20 is amended as follows:

PART 20--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 20 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 39 U.S.C. 101, 
401, 403, 404, 407, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 
3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.


0
2. Revise the following sections of Mailing Standards of the United 
States Postal Service, International Mail Manual (IMM) as follows:
    Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, 
International Mail Manual (IMM)

1 International Mail Services

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120 Preparation for Mailing

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123 Customs Declaration Forms and Online Shipping Labels

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123.7 Completing Customs Declaration Forms

123.71 PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration CN 22--Sender's Declaration 
(Green Label)

* * * * *

123.712 Postal Service Employee's Acceptance of PS Form 2976

* * * * *
[Add new item e as follows:]
    e. To comply with U.S. Census Bureau requirements, it is the 
customer's responsibility to ensure an appropriate Exemption and 
Exclusion Legend is selected or displayed on the PS Form 2976.
* * * * *

123.72 PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note--CP 72

* * * * *

123.722 Postal Service Employee's Acceptance of PS Form 2976-A

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[Insert new item c as follows and redesignate existing items c through 
g as new items d through h]
    c. To comply with U.S. Census Bureau requirements, it is the 
customer's responsibility to ensure that an appropriate Exemption and 
Exclusion Legend, Proof of Filing Citation, or AES Downtime Citation is 
displayed on the PS Form 2976-A. If this information is not entered, 
remind the customer that he or she may be subject to civil and criminal 
penalties for noncompliance.
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5 Nonpostal Export Regulations

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[Delete current 521 through 524. Insert new 520-527 to read as 
follows:]

520 Foreign Trade Regulations--U.S. Census Bureau

521 General

    This section describes the various U.S. Department of Commerce, 
U.S. Bureau of the Census requirements when shipping goods 
internationally. In certain circumstances, customers are responsible 
for entering information on the PS Form 2976 or 2976-A. Customers may 
be subject to civil and criminal penalties if they fail to 
electronically file their export information when required, or if they 
fail to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations in any other way.

522 Additional Assistance

    Customers needing further assistance with filing requirements 
should contact

[[Page 45762]]

the U.S. Census Bureau on its toll-free hotline at 1-800-549-0595:
[dec222] Option 1--AES Assistance
[dec222] Option 2--Commodity Classification Assistance
[dec222] Option 3--Regulatory Assistance

523 Mailpieces Sent To APOs, FPOs, and DPOs

    Goods mailed to APO/FPO/DPO addresses are not subject to the 
Foreign Trade Regulations. Accordingly, customers are not required to 
file electronic export information via the U.S. Census Bureau's 
Automated Export System or AESDirect Web site for such mailings, and 
they do not need to present a Proof of Filing Citation, AES Downtime 
Citation, or Exemption and Exclusion Legend.

524 Proof of Filing Citation (PFC)

524.1 General

    Under the authority of 13 U.S.C. Chapter 9, as amended by the 
Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2002, Public Law 107-228, U.S. 
Census Bureau regulations require electronic filing of export 
information through the Census Bureau's Automated Export System (AES) 
or AESDirect Web site for certain outbound international shipments of 
goods. Before mailing, customers subject to this filing requirement are 
responsible for presenting a Proof of Filing Citation (PFC) or AES 
Downtime Citation as evidence of compliance.
    The Census Bureau's regulations mandate that electronic export 
information be filed when any type of goods contained in a shipment 
(per Schedule B Export Codes at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b) is valued at more than $2,500, requires an export license 
under U.S. law, or is being sent to certain countries designated as 
State Sponsors of Terrorism, subject to certain exceptions. Following 
are three examples to illustrate the value criterion:
    <bullet> Example 1:
    An insured Priority Mail International package contains one 
mechanically operated watch (Schedule B item <greek-i> 9101.11.0000) 
valued at $2600. The total value of goods to be mailed is $2600, and 
the value of all items within the same Schedule B number is over $2500. 
Consequently, electronic filing and a PFC would be required (unless an 
exemption or exclusion applies).
    <bullet> Example 2:
    An insured Priority Mail International package contains one 
mechanically operated watch (Schedule B item <greek-i> 9101.11.0000) 
valued at $2400, and one electronically operated watch (Schedule B 
item<greek-i> 9101.91.0000) valued at $2400. The total value of goods 
to be mailed is $4800, but no group of items within the same Schedule B 
number is valued over $2500. Consequently, electronic filing and a PFC 
would not be required because the mechanical watch and electronic watch 
are in different Schedule B groups.
    <bullet> Example 3:
    An insured Priority Mail International package contains two 
mechanically operated watches (Schedule B item <greek-i> 9101.11.0000) 
one valued at $1400 and one valued at $1500. The total value of goods 
to be mailed is $2900 and the value of all items within the same 
Schedule B number is over $2500. Consequently, electronic filing and a 
PFC would be required (unless an exemption or exclusion applies).

524.2 Filing Requirements

524.21 Mandatory Filing

    Electronic filing of export information is required when any of the 
following applies:
    a. One or more classes of goods (per Schedule B Export Codes at 
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b) within the item is 
valued at more than $2,500, unless the shipment falls under an 
exemption or exclusion. See 520.6.
    b. The item requires an export license under U.S. law.
    c. The shipment is destined to a designated State Sponsor of 
Terrorism country (per Country Group E:1 in the Export Administration 
Regulations, 15 CFR Part 740, Supplement No. 1) and the shipment does 
not qualify as a ``gift parcel or humanitarian donation'' as defined by 
15 CFR 740.12. See 520.6.

    Note:  Currently, the State Sponsors of Terrorism countries are:
    1. Cuba.
    2. Iran.
    3. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
    4. Sudan.
    5. The Syrian Arab Republic (Syria).

524.22 How to File Electronic Export Information and Obtain a Proof of 
Filing Citation

    To file electronic export information through AESDirect and obtain 
a PFC, customers should use the following steps:
    a. Go to http://www.aesdirect.gov.
    b. Register for an AESDirect account or log into your existing 
account.
    c. Follow the instructions for the AES Certification Quiz.
    d. The ``Port of Export'' code for shipping through the Postal 
Service is ``8000''.
    e. The ``Mode of Transport'' is ``Mail''.
    f. Leave the carrier as `SCAC/IATA' and the conveyance name fields 
blank.
    g. After successfully filing electronic export information, 
AESDirect will provide an alphanumeric Internal Transaction Number 
(ITN) as confirmation. The PFC consists of the letters ``AES'' followed 
by the ITN: for example, ``AES X20080930987654''.
    For additional information on electronic filing, call the U.S. 
Census Bureau's toll-free information hotline at 800-549-0595, option 
<greek-i>3.

525 AES Downtime Citation

    If electronic information filing is required but AES or AESDirect 
is unavailable, the goods may be shipped but the customer is 
responsible for providing the appropriate AES Downtime Citation instead 
of a PFC. This citation includes the word ``AESDOWN,'' the customer's 
AES filer identification number, and the date: for example, ``AESDOWN 
123456789 09/30/2009.''

526 Exemption and Exclusion Legend

526.1 General

    In many circumstances, electronic export information filing and a 
PFC may not be required when mailing goods internationally. In these 
circumstances, customers are directed to apply an applicable Exemption 
and Exclusion Legend on the customs declaration form upon mailing. The 
following conditions apply:
    a. One Exemption and Exclusion Legend may be entered per addressed 
mailpiece. When multiple exemptions may apply, the mailer may select 
any one that applies.
    b. Exemption and Exclusion Legends cannot be applied to shipments 
if an export license is required.

526.2 When Applicable

    Customers with shipments not meeting the mandatory filing 
requirements under 520.41 may apply the exemption legends such as the 
following on the customs declaration form:
    1. ``NOEEI 30.37(a)'' for shipments when the value of each class of 
goods is $2,500 or less, when an export license is not required. This 
exemption cannot be applied to shipments to designated State Sponsors 
of Terrorism countries.
    2. ``NOEEI 30.36'' for shipments to Canada, when an export license 
is not required.
    3. ``NOEEI 30.37(h)'' for shipments of gift parcels and 
humanitarian donations as defined in 15 CFR 740.12. This exemption may 
apply to qualifying shipments to the designated State

[[Page 45763]]

Sponsors of Terrorism countries identified in 520.41(c). In addition, 
the item must be endorsed with the marking ``GIFT--Export License Not 
Required'' on the addressee side of the package, and the symbol ``GFT'' 
must be written in the same block as the Exemption and Exclusion Legend 
on the applicable required customs declaration, as described in 527.

    Note: For more information and a complete listing of these and 
other exemption and exclusion legends, see Appendix C of the Foreign 
Trade Regulations, 15 CFR Part 30.

527 Placement of PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or Exemption and Exclusion 
Legend

    When shipments require a PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or Exemption 
and Exclusion Legend, it is the customer's responsibility to legibly 
write the PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or Exemption and Exclusion Legend 
on the applicable customs declaration form as follows:
    a. On PS Form 2976-A, Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note--CP72 
(large white form), customers should write one PFC, AES Downtime 
Citation, or Exemption and Exclusion Legend in Block 11.
    b. On older versions of PS Form 2976-A printed prior to January 
2009, customers should write one PFC, AES Downtime Citation, or 
Exemption and Exclusion Legend at the top of the form or in any clear 
space. Avoid writing over the barcode on the form.
    c. On PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration--CN22 (September 2009 
version), customers should check ``30.37(a)'' or ``30.37(h)'' in Block 
7 of the form, depending on the applicable Exemption and Exclusion 
Legend.
    d. On older versions of PS Form 2976, Customs Declaration--CN22 
(small green form), customers should write one applicable Exemption and 
Exclusion Legend (``30.37(a)'' or ``30.37(h)'') in the margin on the 
green portion of the form.
    e. On Label 11FGG1, Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), International 
Air Waybill (Mailing Label) printed prior to August 2008, customers 
should write ``NOEEI 30.37(a)'' next to the sender's signature. Current 
versions have this exemption legend included on the GXG mailing label.

    Note: These standards also apply to mailers who produce 
privately printed customs declaration forms under 123.3.

* * * * *

Neva R. Watson,
Attorney, Legislative.
[FR Doc. E9-21307 Filed 9-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P