Census Bureau Releases Final Rule Clarifying Filing Requirements for In-Transit Shipments 

On August 14, 2025, The Census Bureau issued a final rule to clarify its regulations governing in-transit shipments from foreign countries through the United States that are subsequently exported to a foreign destination. The rule takes effect September 15, 2025. 

Background

The Census Bureau is responsible for collecting, compiling, and publishing import and export trade statistics for the United States. As part of this responsibility, the Census collects Electronic Export Information (EEI) in concert with the export control and enforcement functions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC).

Public Law 107-228 directed the Census to publish regulations requiring exporters to file Shippers’ Export Declarations. As a result, the bureau experienced an increase in the number of inquiries regarding in-transit movements. Accordingly, in October of 2024 the Census solicited comments on a proposed rule to clarify its regulations governing in-transit shipments. The bureau received 11 letters and emails commenting on the proposed rule.

Key Changes

In addition to making definitional, grammatical and style changes, the rule: (i) clarifies who is the USPPI; (ii) makes changes to mandatory filing requirements; (iii) makes changes to voluntary self-disclosures.  

Who is the USPPI

The U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) is the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, […]

BIS Issues New Guidelines for Preparing Export License Applications Involving Foreign Persons (Deemed Exports/Reexports) 

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new guidelines to assist deemed export applicants in obtaining licenses. The guidelines primarily apply to employment situations; however, they also address other situations such as the release of controlled technology to foreign students participating in research. 

The guidelines cover basic requirements for applying and renewal and include an application checklist. 

Background on Licenses for Deemed Exports/Reexports 

The obligation to obtain an export license from BIS before releasing controlled technology to a foreign person is informally referred to as a “deemed” export. The release is considered an export to the person’s country or countries of nationality.   

The Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Section 734.13, defines a deemed export as releasing or otherwise transferring “technology” or “source code” to a foreign person in the United States.  

Typical organizations using deemed export licenses include universities, research institutions, bio-chemical firms, medical organizations, and computer companies.    

New Guidance 

 The basic guidance for filling out license applications is set forth in Supplement 1 to part 748 of the EAR. The new guidelines supplement the basic guidance and are intended to assist licensing officers in reviewing license applications more efficiently. 

Basic Requirements 

The guidelines reiterate that applicants must include all the necessary information and documentation required when submitting a license application. BIS will return applications with insufficient information.  

Basic documentation required: 

2022: A Year in Review

From all of us at Diaz Trade Law, we are immensely grateful for your support this year. While returning to a new normal post-pandemic, Diaz Trade Law still managed to save our clients MILLIONS of dollars in 2022. It is with great joy that we finish off 2022 filled with numerous achievements and accomplishments we are humbled to share with you. We look forward to assisting you in what we envision will be a better and brighter 2023!

Below we share some of our top 2022 success stories with you.

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Understanding the RPL Export License Exception

U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Administered by the U.S. Commerce Department, the EAR is a set of regulations which governs whether U.S. persons may export or transfer goods, software, and technology outside of the United States or to non-U.S. citizens. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to the EAR. Violations of the EAR carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. Exporters can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, lose export privileges, and even be imprisoned.

Licensing Exception for “Servicing and Replacement of Parts and Equipment” (RPL)

An export license under the EAR is not necessary if the License Exception for “Servicing and Replacement of Parts and Equipment” (“RPL”) applies. License Exception RPL is described under Part 740.10 of the EAR. RPL is known as a transaction-based exception because the availability/applicability of the exception is based on the terms of the transaction.

According to BIS guidance, the RPL License Exception may be used for the two following scenarios:

  • Replacement Parts – This authorizes the export and reexport of replacement parts for the immediate repair of previously exported, reexported or foreign made equipment incorporating U.S. origin parts on a one-for-one replacement basis. It also authorizes the export and reexport of stock spare parts that were authorized to accompany the export of equipment.
  • Servicing and Replacement – Replacements for defective or unacceptable U.S.-origin equipment. (a) The commodity or software to be replaced must have been […]

Encryption Controls under the Export Administration Regulations

Encryption is generally defined as the process of converting information or data into a code, especially to prevent unauthorized access. Put simply, encryption makes a wide range of technologies more secure. Since 1996, most encrypted technology is controlled by the EAR. Some encrypted technology, which has military-related functionalities, is controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”). This article provides an overview of encryption controls under the EAR, outlines license exceptions for certain encrypted technologies, and provides best practices for export compliance.

Background on Export Administration Regulations

Over 95% of the world’s population is outside of the United States. Opportunities abound for U.S. companies that export. However, exporting is a privilege and not a right. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”).

Administered by the U.S. Commerce Department, the EAR is a set of regulations which governs whether U.S. persons may export or transfer goods, software, and technology outside of the United States or to non-U.S. citizens. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to the EAR. Violations of the EAR carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. Exporters can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, lose export privileges, and even be imprisoned.

Encryption Controls

According to 15 CFR 742.15:

“Encryption items can be used to maintain the secrecy of information, and thereby may be used by persons abroad to harm U.S. national security, foreign policy and law enforcement interests. The United States has a critical interest in ensuring that […]

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