Who is the exporter?
05/00 The disagreement between the trade and Census continues as revisions of the exporter of record rule remain under discussion. Census states it does not intend to change commercial relationships yet it also insists that the U.S. seller must participate in the export process by providing information for the Shippers’ Export Declaration. The problem is particularly complex for those exporters selling on an ex-factory term of sale as their buyers are responsible for arranging export. In the most recent regulatory revisions, Census established a box labeled “Exporter (U.S. Principal Party in Interest).” In so doing, it arguably required U.S. sellers to assume certain liabilities if their goods are exported in reliance on incorrect information coming from their buyers. The trade community and Census continue their dialog but in the meantime, the Office of Management and Budget has now directed Census to relabel the box to refer only to the U.S. Principal Party in Interest. The final rul
