U.S. Census Bureau

This letter clarifies the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) requirement for rail carriers exporting to Canada.  As specified in the FTSR, Section 30.24 (2), for rail carriers to Canada, the condition of the bond shall be that the manifest and all required Shipper’s Export Declarations (SEDs) shall be filed not later than the 15th business day after departure.

Also, the FTSR, Section 30.20 states that, where for reasons beyond the control of the exporting carrier, a given declaration (or declarations) has not been received prior to exportation or departure, and the merchandise has been laden, such carrier shall not as a result of this circumstance be required to off-load the merchandise, or to delay its clearance (where clearance is required) or departure (if clearance is not required).  However, the provisions of Section 30.24 remain applicable. 

The goal of the Census Bureau is to provide accurate data in a timely manner for statistical purposes.  Information supplied to the carrier by the USPPI or their authorized agent cannot be validated by the exporting carrier.  The carrier is responsible for providing to Customs, a complete outbound manifest/consist of all cargo laden on the vessel or rail carrier.  To fulfill this requirement the carrier must provide either an Automated Export System (AES) Internal Transaction Number (ITN), an AES exemption citation, or an SED as provided by the USPPI or their authorized agent.

If you have any questions concerning these requirements, please contact the Regulations, Outreach, and Education Branch, Foreign Trade Division, Census Bureau
on 1-800-549-0595, Option 3.

__________________________
William G. Bostic, Jr.                 
Chief, Foreign Trade Division           

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