The Census Bureau posted an interim final rule regarding the Automated Export System (AES) Electronic Export Information (EEI) mandatory change from reporting the Social Security Number (SSN) to the Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number. This new ruling will protect the USPPI's SSN and take effect on September 4, 2009. The 90 day grace period for this regulation ends on Dec 3, 2009

Click here to visit the Census Bureau website and to view more essential information regarding the interim ruling.

For further details on this topic and/or all other export issues contact your local Commercial Service office to speak with a Trade Specialist today!

ARTICLE FOR REVIEW
SSN No longer accepted in AES - grace period ends on December 3, 2009
By Omari Wooden, Trade Ombudsman
Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau

The most recent change to the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) was the Interim Final Rule published on August 5, 2009. This rule revises the FTR to eliminate the collection of the Social Security Number (SSN) as an identification number when registering to file or filing electronic export information (EEI) in the Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect. The rule became effective on September 4, 2009. However, U.S. Principal Parties of Interest (USPPI) or authorized U.S. agents are given a 90-day grace period until December 3, 2009, to implement this requirement.

You may be asking yourself, why can't I use my SSN when I've been using it for years? Actually, this is a benefit to those who use their SSN for identification purposes in the export transaction. During a time when many are concerned about identity theft and privacy issues, providing an alternate identification number will help alleviate these concerns. An EIN is available for both businesses and individuals. Previously, the USPPI or authorized U.S. agent residing or having an office located in the United States, was required to report either the SSN, Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Dun and Bradstreet (DUNS) Number when reporting EEI in the AES. Based on the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget, the Census Bureau will no longer accept the SSN during the registration process or when filing the EEI in the AES. The SSN is commonly used by individuals when exporting products out of the country. Two of the most frequently asked questions are, "How do I obtain an EIN?" and "How long does it take?"

Contrary to popular belief, individuals who do not own a business can obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for government reporting purposes. An individual can complete the questionnaire online in a few minutes and an EIN is electronically sent in approximately 15 minutes by following these simple instructions:

• Go to the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov. Under Online Services, click "Apply for an EIN online," then choose the option that states, "Apply online now."

• Choose "Sole Proprietor" when selecting the type of legal structure.

• Choose "Other" when selecting what your business/organization does.

• Review the information and click "Submit" to request and receive your EIN.