scope:

Purpose and definitions.

(a) This part sets forth the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) as required under the provisions of Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 9, section 301. These regulations are revised pursuant to provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-228 (the Act). This Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to publish regulations mandating that all persons who are required to file export information under Chapter 9 of 13 U.S.C., file such information through the Automated Export System (AES) for all shipments where a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) was previously required. The law further authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations regarding imposition of civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of the Act and these regulations.

(b) Electronic filing through the AES strengthens the U.S. government's ability to prevent the export of certain items to unauthorized destinations and/or end users because the AES aids in targeting, identifying, and when necessary confiscating suspicious or illegal shipments prior to exportation.

(c) Definitions used in the FTR. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

AES applicant. The USPPI or authorized agent who reports export information electronically to the AES, or through AESDirect.

AESDirect. An Internet portal within the Automated Commercial Environment that allows USPPIs and authorized agents to transmit EEI to the AES. All regulatory requirements pertaining to the AES also apply to AESDirect.

AES downtime filing citation. A statement used in place of a proof of filing citation when the AES or AESDirect are inoperable.

Air waybill. The shipping document used for the transportation of air freight includes conditions, limitations of liability, shipping instructions, description of commodity, and applicable transportation charges. It is generally similar to a straight non-negotiable bill of lading and is used for similar purposes.

Annotation. An explanatory note (e.g., proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption or exclusion legend) on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions, other commercial loading documents or electronic equivalent.

Authorized agent. An individual or legal entity physically located in or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the United States that has obtained power of attorney or written authorization from a USPPI or FPPI to act on its behalf, and for purposes of this part, to complete and file the EEI.

Automated Broker Interface (ABI). A CBP system through which an importer or licensed customs broker can electronically file entry and entry summary data on goods imported into the United States.

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). A CBP authorized electronic data interchange system for processing import and export data.

Automated Export System (AES). The system for collecting EEI (or any successor to the Shipper's Export Declaration) from persons exporting goods from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; between Puerto Rico and the United States; and to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States or Puerto Rico. The AES is currently accessed through the Automated Commercial Environment.

Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR). The document that describes the technical and operational requirements of the AES. The AESTIR presents record formats and other reference information used in the AES.

Bill of Lading (BL). A document that establishes the terms of a contract under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. It is issued by the carrier based on instructions provided by the shipper or its authorized agent. It may serve as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

Bond. An instrument used by CBP as security to ensure the payment of duties, taxes and fees and/or compliance with certain requirements such as the submission of manifest information.

Bonded warehouse. An approved private warehouse used for the storage of goods until duties or taxes are paid and the goods are properly released by CBP. Bonds must be posted by the warehouse proprietor and by the importer to indemnify the government if the goods are released improperly.

Booking. A reservation made with a carrier for a shipment of goods on a specific voyage, flight, truck or train.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce is concerned with the advancement of U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. The BIS is responsible for regulating the export of sensitive goods and technologies; enforcing export control, antiboycott, and public safety laws; cooperating with and assisting other countries on export control and strategic trade issues; and assisting U.S. industry to comply with international arms control agreements.

Buyer. The principal in the export transaction that purchases the commodities for delivery to the ultimate consignee. The buyer and ultimate consignee may be the same.

Cargo. Goods being transported.

Carnet. An international customs document that allows the carnet holder to import into the United States or export to foreign countries certain goods on a temporary basis without the payment of duties.

Carrier. An individual or legal entity in the business of transporting passengers or goods. Airlines, trucking companies, railroad companies, shipping lines, pipeline companies, slot charterers, and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) are all examples of carriers.