Notice to All
U.S. Principal Parties, Freight Forwarders, and Common Carriers

Request for Export Documentation by Foreign Governments

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July 5, 2004

From: C. Harvey Monk Jr.
Chief, Foreign Trade Division

Subject: Request for Export Documentation by Foreign Governments

Recently, there have been many requests by foreign governments for copies of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) for exports from the United States. The information contained on the SED is confidential. The confidentiality provisions, on the release of information on the SED is contained in the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations, Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30.91. That provision states that the information on the SED may not be disclosed to anyone except the U.S. Principal Party in Interest or their agent and only when such a copy is needed to comply with United States official legal and regulatory export control requirements. We are requesting that the information of the SED or Automated Export System record not be provided to foreign governments.

The Foreign Trade Division is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of information filed with the U.S. Census Bureau. Providing this information to foreign governments would be contrary to the national interest as it would seriously impact further attempts to complete the mission of the Census Bureau. If you have any further questions concerning this policy, you may call Mr. Jerome Greenwell, Chief, Regulations, Outreach, and Education Branch, on (301) 763-2238.