To: U.S. Customs Service Headquarters, Customs Management Centers, Port
Directors, Department of Commerce District Offices, Freight Forwarders,
Exporters, Exporting Carriers, Consolidators, and All Others Concerned

From: Bureau of the Census

Subject: Requirements of Exporters to File a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) for Merchandise Shipped to the Panama Canal Formerly Know as the Panama Canal Commission

On December 31, 1999, the operations of the Panama Canal transferred from the Panama Canal Commission, a U.S. Government agency, to the Republic of Panama. As a result, exporters are now required to file an SED under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations,Part 30, Section 30.1. This section states that an SED is required for shipments from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to foreign countries or areas, including Foreign Trade Zones located therein.

The requirement to complete an SED applies whenever the ultimate destination for a shipment is listed as the Panama Canal. It is now considered a shipment to the Republic of Panama. The International Standard Country Code (ISO) is PA. The Schedule C - Classification of Countryand Territory Designations for U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics is 2250.

Shipments destined for Panama/Panama Canal for the exclusive use of U.S. Government agencies and employees classified under Section 30.53 (a) - (d) do not require an SED. Also,shipments for the exclusive use of the U.S. armed services are exempt.

Every effort should be made by exporters, forwarding agents and carriers to comply with these requirements. If you have questions concerning these requirements, please contact theRegulations, Outreach, and Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau on301-457-2238.

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C. HARVEY MONK, JR.
Chief, Foreign Trade Division