AES Mainframe, Direct & PcLink Updated for Jan 1 Changes, 2nd Grace Period Coming
Census sources state that the Automated Export System mainframe, AESDirect, and AESPcLink have been updated for the 2012 Schedule B export codes, as well as the preliminary 2012 HTS import codes that took effect on January 1, 2012. While the Schedule B export codes reflect the January 1 WCO-recommended HS changes; the HTS import codes will be updated for the WCO changes no sooner than February 3. Sources add that there will be another 30-day grace period for the HTS WCO import code changes at that time.
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Schedule B Reflects WCO Changes, but Not HTS Until Later
Census sources have explained that while the 2012 Schedule B export codes in AES reflect all the World Customs Organization (WCO)-recommended Harmonized System (HS) changes1, the 2012 HTS import codes in AES will exclude them and remain preliminary (i.e., only reflecting the 484(f) changes) until the Proclamation implementing the WCO-recommended changes for imports is in effect (which will occur on February 3, 2012). Once the Proclamation is in effect, the HTS import codes in AES will be updated to reflect the WCO-recommended changes.
AES 30-Day Grace Period for Jan 1 Changes to End on Jan 31
Export.gov states that AES users will need to download new tables for import and export codes as usual in January 2012. In addition, there will be a 30-day grace period during which AES will accept the old (2011) codes. This grace period is expected to end on January 31, 2012.
Second AES 30-Day Grace Period for Feb 3 HTS Changes Expected
According to Census sources, a second grace period of approximately 30 days is likely to be provided to AES users when the HTS import codes are updated on or about February 3 for the WCO-recommended HTS changes. During this time period, AES will accept either the old codes (in effect from January 1, 2012) or the new codes (in effect from February 3) .
1According to Export.gov, WCO-recommended changes take effect every five years, and update the nomenclature or clarify the classification of particular goods. The bulk of the 2012 changes are in the food-related chapters (Chapters 1-21). Other chapters with notable changes include: Chapter 24 (water-pipe tobacco), Chapters 27 and 38 (biodiesel), Chapter 28 (mercury compounds), Chapter 85 (water-jet cutting machines), Chapter 95 (video game machines), and Chapter 96 (Diapers, etc.). In all, the WCO-recommended changes include 204 amendments in 53 different HS Chapters, affecting 108 different headings and 39 legal notes.
(See ITT's Online Archives 12010412 for summary stating that the Proclamation amending the HTS for the WCO-recommended changes was effective February 3, 2012, and that the ITC issued a report on these changes and had posted an unofficial version of the February 3 HTS for Chapters 1-97 that incorporated the WCO changes.
See ITT's Online Archives 12010101 for summary stating that Schedule B was updated for the 2012 WCO HS changes, and that the AES mainframe would be updated on January 3 at midnight, with AESDirect and AESPcLink updated soon thereafter. See ITT's Online Archives 11122708 and 11123015 for summary and correction to the 484(f) HTS changes at the 9th and 10th statistical level.)
AES Broadcast #2012002 (dated 01/06/12) on this update available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com