On August 5, 2013, U.S. Census issued Broadcast #2013060 announcing the testing of changes to the Automated Export System (AES) will begin on August 15, 2013. Changes to AES are necessary due to a revision of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) as part of the Export Control Reform initiative.

The Broadcast message explains that as a result of the EAR updates, exporters and authorized agents will need to prepare for the AES system changes in order to report Electronic Export Information (EEI).

Census stated that "Any software provider or company with an in-house software program interfacing directly with AES may test the changes in AES including the acceptance by AES of new “600 series” Export Control Classification Numbers, new AES License Type Code C60 (DY6) for .y paragraph items of the “600 series” ECCNs, and new edits and validations."

The Broadcast message also mentions that that AES filers may begin sending live data containing new EAR elements after October 1. However, the exportation date must be after October 15 which is when the changes to the EAR will become effective.

Additional information regarding the Export Control Reform initiative is available here.