AES Broadcast  01/26/2010          Broadcast  #  2010006 

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What is required to ship charity goods to Haiti? 

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 On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a major earthquake struck southern Haiti. 
       Many U.S. residents and organizations are generously donating food, 
       water, medicines, and other supplies to aid in the relief efforts. In 
       order to facilitate the movement of these goods, we offer the following 
       guidance that applies to any good not requiring a license, such as 
       food,clothing, and medicines. 

 There are four Schedule B numbers that can be used when exporting 
       humanitarian goods.  Those numbers are found in Chapter 98 of the 
       Schedule B Manual, under the subheading 9802. 

 Schedule B     Description                       Unit of measurement 
         
       9802.10.0000   Food Products                     X no unit required 
       9802.20.0000   Medicinal and pharmaceutical      X no unit required 
       products 
       9802.30.0000   Wearing apparel (including        X no unit required 
       footwear and headwear) 
       9802.40.0000   Donated articles, not elsewhere   X no unit required 
       specified 
   
       Any shipment valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number or that requires 
       a license must be filed in the AES.  However, if the shipment is valued 
       less than $2,500 per Schedule B number and does not require a license, 
       then the low value exemption (NOEEI FTR 30.37 (a)) can be used. 
       In this case, food, clothing and medicines do not require a license; 
       however medical equipment and tools may require an export license. 

 The Export Information Code to be reported is "CH" for shipments of 
       good donated for relief or charity.  The value to be reported is the 
       market value.  If the value is not known, estimate how much you would 
       receive if you sold the goods. The value should be consistent with the 
       goods being exported, to avoid confusion and possible delays with U.S. 
       Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of export. 

 There are different ways to file your export information.  The most 
       common is to report through the Census Bureau's free Internet based 
       filing system called AESDirect which can be accessed at: 
       http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/exporttraining/videos 

 Another option is to file with a forwarder or agent who may be more 
       familiar with export licensing and regulations. 

 With so many individuals and first time exporters shipping donated 
       goods to Haiti, the exporting process may seem overwhelming.  However, we 
       at the Census Bureau are available to help make the process as smooth 
       as possible. 
   
       If you need more information, we are available at 800-549-0595. 
       Select Option 1 for help with the AES, Option 2 for Classifications, 
       and Option 3 for Regulations.  You can also send us an e-mail at 
       [email protected] or [email protected]. 

 Please continue to support those in Haiti during this time of tragedy. 
       Your assistance is greatly appreciated.