On January 21, 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR), also in pdf, for revisions to the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR). Most of the clarifications and changes reflect a need to update the FTR to meet export enforcement laws.  I recommend that you take a look at the entire NPR for more details. Keep in mind, these are proposed changes to the FTR, until a Final Rule is issued. Therefore, the feedback we receive from the trade community may influence if these changes become effective or not. Here is a summary of some of the major proposed changes (not all inclusive):

• Postdeparture reporting
• Only approved commodities can be shipped postdeparture
• Shipments must be reported within 5 days from the date of export, instead of 10 days
• All U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPI) considering postdeparture reporting will have to apply, including USPPIs already approved.
• All household goods must be reported regardless of value and country of destination. However, the current limited reporting in the Automated Export System (AES) remains the same.
• All used self-propelled vehicles must be reported in the AES 72 hours prior to export, regardless of value and country of destination.
• Port of export for overland (truck and rail) transshipments through Canada or Mexico is where the goods cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico.
• New data elements
• Address of license applicant
• License value
• Name and address of end-user
• Country of origin, if commodity is listed as foreign origin

Be sure to review the entire NPR for complete details. Comments or questions on the proposed changes can be submitted to FTD.FTR.comments@census.gov. Make sure you make yourself aware of these proposed changes and how they may affect you in the future.