Census Offers Tips for Transportation Code Errors

The Census Bureau this week emailed tips on how to address the most frequent messages generated this month in the Automated Export System.

Response code 161 is a fatal error for when the mode of transportation code reported in the Automated Export System doesn't allow an Equipment Number. Census said one or more equipment numbers may be reported for vessel, air, rail or truck shipments, and an equipment number can’t be reported for any other mode of transportation. Filers should verify the mode of transportation code and the equipment number, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Response code 851 is an error for when the mode of transportation of air is improbable for the commodity’s reported Schedule B/Harmonized Tariff Schedule number. Census said certain products are “highly unlikely” to be exported with a mode of transportation air, and this might indicate either a keying error or misclassification of the product. Filers should verify the mode of transportation and the Schedule B/HTS number, correct the shipment and resubmit, if necessary. “If the information is verified correct as reported, no action is necessary,” Census said.