Basic information
Outline of the system
On 23 December 2020 the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) published final regulations (85 FR 83804) to establish the Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis (AIM) system. In January, the effective date of the regulations was delayed until March 2021 (86 FR 7237) and in March 2021, the regulations were stayed until 28 June (86 FR 17058). On 21 May 2021, Commerce published an additional rule (86 FR 27513) in the federal register, confirming that the regulations establish the AIM system would go into effect on 28 June 2021.
The system was established pursuant to Commerce's authority under the Census Act, as amended (the Census Act) (13 U.S.C. 301(a) and 302), Commerce established a system of import licensing to facilitate the monitoring of imports of aluminum articles, including monitoring for import surges The AIM system operates in a similar way as the SIMA system (19 CFR part 360) and will be codified under 19 CFR part 361. The AIM system tracks the modified SIMA system as closely as possible except where necessary to address the inherent differences between steel and aluminum imports.
Product coverage
The aluminum import licensing program covers basic aluminum products (unwrought and wrought). In total there are 66 products covered, each identified by HTS number; the full list is available on Aluminum Products by HTS Codes (https://www.trade.gov/aluminum-products-hts-codes)
Also please see Products "Aluminum"
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Automatic licensing to collect trade statistics or market surveillance
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
This licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. It is designed to provide fast and reliable statistical information on aluminum imports to both the government and the public.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
The aluminum licensing system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Indefinite
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
The final rule establishing the system, was published 23 December 2021, in the Federal Register ((85 FR 83804)). A copy is also available at: Federal Register: Aluminum Import Monitoring and Analysis System (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/11/2020-19753/steel-im...).
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
The registration form is available on the aluminum import licensing website: https://www.trade.gov/us-industry-licensing. The registrant fills in the requested demographic information and sends it to the aluminum license team electronically. The team issues the registrant a unique user id to access the license module.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
No. Only registered users are permitted to file aluminum licenses.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee, and licenses are free.
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Information of registered users is kept confidential.
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
U.S. Department of Commerce
Address
1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20230
Telephone
202-482-1004
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
U.S. Department of Commerce
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The license filer submits demographic information from the registration, and entry specific information detailing 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) number, volume in kilograms, and value in U.S. dollars for each product imported.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Aluminum import licenses may be applied for up to 60 days prior to the expected date of importation and until the date of filing of the entry summary documents, or in the case of FTZ admission, the filing of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 214. The license is valid for 75 days.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
No.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Yes. The license number is electronically generated, and electronically given to the filer immediately upon completing the license information.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
No.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
There is no licensing fee.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
There is no deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licenses.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Applicants are not refused aluminum license numbers.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
No.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The 9-digit aluminum license number is required as part of the CBP Entry Summary for goods brought into the U.S. for consumption.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
No.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
Aluminum import licenses may be applied for up to 60 days prior to the expected date of importation and until the date of filing of the entry summary documents, or in the case of FTZ admissions, the filing of CBP Form 214. The license is valid for 75 days but may be used only once.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
No.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
No, licenses are not transferable between importers; they are unique for each entry.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.