Census Offers AES Tips for Missing Transportation Number, Improbable Destination

The Census Bureau Aug. 18 emailed tips on how to address the most frequent messages generated this month in the Automated Export System. Response code 166 is a fatal error for when the mode of transportation is reported as “vessel” and the transportation reference number is missing. The filer should verify the transportation reference number, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Response code 808 is an error for an “improbable destination” for a commodity. The error will appear when the country of destination code for the reported Schedule B/Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number is improbable. Census said certain products are “highly unlikely” to be exported to certain countries based on historical data and “industry input,” and the mistake may indicate a “keying error” or product misclassification. The filer should verify the Schedule B/HTS Number and country of destination code, correct the shipment and resubmit, if necessary. If the information is verified correct as reported, no action is necessary.