Comment Request; Automated Export System (AES)

With this submission, the Census Bureau is requesting continued clearance of the AES program as a result of the publication of a final rule in the Federal Register on August 10, 2023 (88 FR 54234) adding a conditional data element to the AES called the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Category XXI Determination Number. The final rule will require on the effective date of November 8, 2023 AES filers (the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or the authorized agent) to report the DDTC Category XXI Determination Number only when the DDTC United States Munitions List (USML) Category XXI is selected in the DDTC USML Category Code field in the AES. In calendar year 2022, 156,195 (0.6%) AES records consisted of USML Category XXI commodities.

Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on November 21, 2022 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments.

The Census Bureau published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register on May 3, 2023 (88 FR 27815) inviting public comments on our plans to add the conditional data element. The Census Bureau gave the public 60 days to comment, and at the conclusion of the 60 days, no comments were received. In the final rule published on August 10, 2023, the Census Bureau sought public comments regarding: whether this proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

[88 FR 64407]