Census Offers Guidance for Getting Authorized Agents to Correct EEI
The Census Bureau last week published a set of tips for U.S. Principal Parties in Interest that have trouble getting an authorized agent to correct Electronic Export Information in the Automated Export System.
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Census said it has gotten complaints from USPPIs that have asked the authorized agent to correct the EEI, “but the authorized agent failed to do so.” The agency said it’s “common” for USPPIs to face these issues in routed export transactions “because the authorized agent’s customer is the Foreign Principal Party in Interest,” not the USPPI.
In these situations, the USPPI should “inform the authorized agent of their responsibility to electronically transmit accurate EEI and any corrections as soon as they are known,” adding that once authorized agents are “alerted to corrections, they generally make the EEI updates as required.” But if the agent still doesn’t “cooperate,” the USPPI should reach out to the Census Trade Regulations Branch, which can directly contact the agent. “Sometimes, authorized agents are more willing to cooperate after the TRB reminds them they’re required to make corrections to the EEI as needed.”
Agents who still don't make the corrections may be violating the Foreign Trade Regulations, Census said, adding that the USPPI should refer the matter to CBP. USPPIs can submit suspected FTR violations to CBP through its e-Allegations program.
The agency also said USPPIs should “always retain documentation of export transaction(s) and all communications with the authorized agent. Retaining your records can assist with the mitigation of any penalties issued by CBP or enforcement agency.”