Aluminum License Requirements, Updated
A Rule by the International Trade Administration on 05/21/2021
Please note the CBP Cargo System Messaging Service (CSMS) concerning the June 28, 2021 Aluminum License requirement.
Key requirements that the IOR is required to report include:
• Country of Largest Smelt
• Country of Second Largest Smelt
• Country of Most Recent Cast
The CSMS provides the websites that have all the requirements and offer virtual demonstrations: https://www.trade.gov/updates-aluminum-import-licensing. Look for Registering for a Virtual Demo under Calendar of Updates.
AIM prepared a schedule of upcoming virtual demos. New demos may be announced here as they become available. Please be advised that registration for these demos will close 30 minutes before the demo start time. Here are the types of virtual demos planned, and the dates on which you can attend them:
Getting Started with the AIM License System
1. Thursday, January 7th, 2021 @ 1:00 PM EST – Completed
2. Thursday, January 14th, 2021 @ 10:30 AM EST – Completed
3. Thursday, January 21st, 2021 @ 3:00 PM EST– Completed
4. Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 @ 2:00 PM EST
5. Monday, June 28th, 2021 @ 2:00 PM EST
E-mail aluminum.license@trade.gov to register for an AIM License System demo and specify the number for the virtual demo you would like to attend (e.g. 3,4, and 5). Each demo will cover the same material.
Cargo Systems Messaging Service
CSMS #48350723 – ALUMINUM IMPORT MONITORING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM (AIM): STAY OF REGULATIONS AND DELAY OF COMPLIANCE DATE
This message contains important information regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s new Aluminum Import License program.
Commerce has published a notice in the Federal Register responding to public comments about the AIM system and confirming that compliance with the rule “Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis System” will be required on June 28, 2021. See Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis System: Effective Date and Response to Comments, 86 FR 27513 (May 21, 2021) available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/21/2021-10747/aluminum-import-monitoring-and-analysis-system-effective-date-and-response-to-comments.
Consequently, brokers and importers are notified that imports of most aluminum products will require an aluminum import license for each entry beginning on Monday, June 28, 2021. Please see the list of aluminum products subject to the new licensing requirement at: https://www.trade.gov/aluminum-products-hts-codes. The aluminum import license number obtained from Commerce for each shipment, as well as the License Type Code (28), must be reported on the corresponding entry summary or electronic equivalent in ACE.
The new licensing system is available at https://www.trade.gov/aluminum and is currently open for account registration and license applications. Importers, brokers, and other license applicants will need to register for an account in order to apply for a license. The Trade is advised to plan accordingly and obtain any licenses needed for entry in advance of June 28, 2021, from the Commerce website. The new aluminum license system will use the same platform as the licensing system for the Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) System, therefore users with an existing steel license account do not need to create new accounts.
Commerce previously published a final rule concerning the aluminum license. See Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis System, 85 FR 83804 (December 23, 2020) available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/12/23/2020-28166/aluminum-import-monitoring-and-analysis-system. This final rule details the new system, including license requirements and the platform for the license application.
To assist the Trade with using the Commerce portal to register new accounts and complete license applications, Commerce has developed a series of instructional videos, users guides, FAQs, and virtual demonstrations. For more information and to sign up for a virtual demonstration, please visit: https://www.trade.gov/updates-aluminum-import-licensing. Should you have questions, please contact the Commerce aluminum licensing team at: aluminum.license@trade.gov.
