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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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20249, Notice of Data Sharing Activity
Starting October 2, 2026, the Census Bureau will share some business survey data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to help make U.S. economic stats more accurate and efficient. This affects businesses that voluntarily provide info in Census surveys, with no legal pressure to share. Only trusted BEA staff sworn to keep data secret will see the info, and there’s no cost impact for businesses.
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2026-20153, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)
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2026-20155, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD)
The Census Bureau wants to keep collecting data for the Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (LEHD) program, which helps track jobs and workers over time. They’re asking the public to comment by November 30, 2026, before they get final approval from the Office of Management and Budget. This keeps the data flowing without adding extra hassle or cost to businesses and workers.
2026-19301, Proposed Data Sharing Activity
The Census Bureau wants to share some business data with the Bureau of Economic Analysis to help improve economic reports. This change affects businesses whose data is collected and aims to make government info more useful without extra costs. People have until November 23, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan.
2026-18481, Decennial Census of the Population of Americans; Proposed Residence Criteria and Proposed Regulations for Demographic Questions
The Census Bureau is proposing to add two new parts to the Code of Federal Regulations governing the decennial census of population and housing. First, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part outlining the residence criteria used for identifying each person's "usual residence," as needed to determine whether and where to count them in the census of the population throughout the United States. Second, the Census Bureau is proposing to add a part establishing standards and restrictions for the inclusion of certain demographic questions on the decennial census short-form questionnaire and any other questionnaire used for the enumeration of the population. The Census Bureau is considering these two additions to better prioritize and fulfill its Constitutional mandate to count for apportionment the "whole number of persons in each State" based on the concept of "usual residence"--a process that factors in an element of allegiance but otherwise should be colorblind and should not be distorted in any way by questions about immaterial personal characteristics, such as race. Although these two parts are somewhat related and complementary, each is being proposed independently based on its own merits. These proposals are intended to ensure fidelity to the Constitution, improve and protect the core decennial census data, and promote efficiency.
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