SNAP Electronic Export License Filing System is in the Process of Being Replaced by SNAP-R
According to Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) sources, the Simplified Network Application Process (SNAP) is being phased out and replaced by SNAP-Redesign (SNAP-R), which sources state is, among other things, more user-friendly and secure than the current SNAP program.
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(BIS has previously stated that SNAP is a web-based system that enables exporters to submit export and re-export license applications, high performance computer notices and commodity classification requests directly to BIS via the Internet in a secure environment.)
BIS Began Transition to SNAP-R on October 15, 2006
BIS sources state that the transition from SNAP to SNAP-R began October 15, 2006. According to BIS, when the transition to SNAP-R is completed, SNAP-R is expected to be the only BIS electronic filing system available for export license applications, etc. (with certain exceptions, such as the Export License Application and Information Network (ELAIN), which allows electronic submission of license applications through private vendors).
BIS sources add that while it intends to end the transition period to SNAP-R and de-commission SNAP in January 2007, the transition may be extended as far as April 2007.
Use of SNAP-R is Currently Voluntary, Paper Forms May Still Be Filed
BIS states that the use of SNAP-R to submit information for the processing of license applications, commodity classifications, and agricultural license exception notifications is currently voluntary.
(BIS notes that paper export license applications, reexport license applications, license exception AGR notifications, and classification requests, as well as encryption review requests, may still be filed.)
BIS Issues SNAP-R Exporter Manual
BIS has issued an exporter user manual for the use of SNAP-R. The manual contains information on, among other things, company registration, managing work items, messages and requests, and managing access rights, user profiles and passwords through SNAP-R.
BIS Expects to Begin Drafting Proposed Rule Mandating Electronic Filing
BIS sources indicate that they expect to soon begin drafting a proposed rule to make the electronic filing of BIS export license applications, etc. through SNAP-R mandatory (with certain exceptions, such has ELAIN). Sources note that as the proposed rule has not yet been drafted, details such as the possible exceptions, etc., are not yet available.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/03/06 news, 06040315, for BP summary of BIS' introduction of the SNAP-R prototype testing its functionality, which was made available for two weeks in April.
See ITT's Online Archives or 07/18/06 news, 06071835, for BP summary of BIS' withdrawal of its proposed rule to make electronic filing mandatory via SNAP.)
BIS Contact - Division of Outreach and Educational Services (202) 482-4811
BIS SNAP-R V1.0 Exporter Manual (dated 10/18/06) available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/snapr/SNAPR_Exporter_User_Manual.pdf