Using FTP with AFTZRP

• FTP is the U.S. Census Bureau's Internet-based system for the Automated Foreign Trade Zone Reporting Program.
  
  
• FTP along with the the Pretty Good Privacy encryption software package provides data security during transmission.
  
  
• FTP is operational 24 hours a day.

ABOUT FTP

The FTP Internet System is a new and more reliable way of submitting encrypted statistical data directly to the Census Bureau. The FTP combined with the Network Associates' Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption software package provides a secure means of transmitting data to Census.

The PGP software is an encryption package that is used with a FTP capable computer and the Internet as the mode of transmitting data. This offers an added measure of security.

Another advantage of this program is that data is submitted directly to the Census Bureau without delay. Notification of the transmission will be automatically generated and sent to the Census Bureau staff via e-mail.

The FTP system is a more proficient and effective method of transmitting statistical data to the Census Bureau.

Notify the Data Collection Coordination Branch via on-line authorization application, e-mail, fax, or U.S. Mail of your interest in reporting monthly 214A statistical data by FTP.

Data Collection Coordination Branch
Foreign Trade Division
Bureau of the Census
Room 2179, FOB 3
Washington, DC 20233

Phone: (301) 763-2259
Fax: (301) 457-1641

E-Mail: Renee.Reda@census.gov
E-Mail: Mark.Emory.Markovic@census.gov

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Procedures for Authorized Foreign Trade Zone Reporters

Once you have decided to participate in the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Internet Transmission program and have contacted the Data Collection Coordination Branch (DCCB), the following steps are required:

The DCCB will notify the Technology Support Branch (TSB) of your request and set up testing. The TSB will provide you with the PGP encryption software along with instructions for encryption of the FTZ data. During the testing phase, you must continue to submit your monthly data on the CF-214A.

To successfully complete the testing phase, you must pass the systems test as well as the data format test. Upon successful completion of the testing phase, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the use of the licensed version of the encryption software, Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), will be sent out to you for review and signature. You would then return the signed original MOU to DCCB.

You will then receive notification that you are authorized to use the FTP Internet Transmission System as your method of filing through the Automated Foreign Trade Zone Reporting Program.

Any questions or concerns, please contact your DCCB Census Representative at (301) 763-2259.

If you are not currently an authorized participant in AFTZRP, please fill out the online authorization request or contact the Data Collection Coordination Branch for more information.