Census Bureau Seeks OK to Keep Export Data System Rolling
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Census Bureau is asking to keep using the Automated Export System (AES) to collect export data without any changes. This system helps businesses report what they export, and the government uses this info to track trade and make smart economic decisions. Over 16 million exporters spend about 3 minutes each filing, and the public has 30 more days to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Aug 14, 2025 FTR final rule changes
On August 14, 2025, the Census Bureau issued a Final Rule clarifying regulations governing in-transit shipments and revising definitions, filing requirements, confidentiality protocols, penalty provisions, and voluntary self-disclosure processes in the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).
Mandatory AES export filing continues
If you export goods from the United States, you must continue to file Electronic Export Information through the Automated Export System (AES). The Census Bureau reports 16,768,118 respondents, an average of 3 minutes per AES transaction, and a total of 838,406 burden hours; the requirement is mandatory under Public Law 107-228 and covered by OMB Control Number 0607-0152.
Proposed country-of-origin data element
The Census Bureau intends to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to propose adding a conditional data element: country of origin for foreign-origin commodities to AES filings. If adopted, exporters would be asked to supply this additional conditional data element on AES records.
State of Origin field under review
The Census Bureau acknowledged that the State of Origin data element duplicates information captured in the Address of Origin section and intends to revisit whether to remove the State of Origin field in a future rule. This could reduce duplicate reporting if removed.
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