Streamlining the Export/Import Process for America's Businesses

This executive order directs federal agencies to modernize U.S. trade processing by completing the International Trade Data System (ITDS)—a "single window" for electronic submission of import/export data—by December 31, 2016. It establishes the Border Interagency Executive Council (BIEC) to coordinate cross-agency border management, streamline regulatory requirements, and improve supply chain efficiency while maintaining security and public health protections.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 10657

Impact dates

Dec 31, 2016
Participating agencies must have ITDS capabilities in place as primary means of receiving standard data for cargo release/clearance
Dec 31, 2016
DHS must confirm ITDS operational capabilities for harmonized data transmission and electronic submission transition
Jul 1, 2015
Second annual BIEC report to President on Section 5 implementation
Aug 18, 2014
Agencies report to Board on anticipated use of international standards for product classification and identification
Jul 14, 2014
Agencies submit retrospective review reports to OIRA on regulatory modifications for ITDS compliance

Key directives

Complete ITDS development so participating agencies use it as primary electronic data receipt system by December 31, 2016
DHS to confirm ITDS operational capabilities for single-window data transmission and paper-to-electronic transition by December 31, 2016
Establish BIEC chaired by DHS Secretary with 2-year rotating Vice Chair from member agencies
BIEC to develop common risk management principles for cargo review and release
Agencies to review regulations for ITDS compatibility and promptly initiate rulemaking by July 14, 2014
Agencies to report on use of international product classification standards within 180 days
BIEC to report annually to President through July 2016 on Section 5 implementation
Board to define standard data elements and make public timeline of ITDS development and agency implementation plans

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Establishment of BIEC as interagency working group
DHS to provide funding and administrative support for BIEC
Agencies to include ITDS compliance in July 14, 2014 retrospective review report to OIRA

Near term (90d)

By July 14, 2014: Agencies submit retrospective review reports to OIRA on regulatory modifications needed for ITDS
By July 1, 2014: First annual BIEC report to President on Section 5 implementation
Within 180 days of signing (August 18, 2014): Agencies report to Board on anticipated use of international standards for product classification and identification

Long term

By December 31, 2016: Participating agencies must utilize ITDS as primary means of receiving standard data for cargo release and clearance
By December 31, 2016: DHS must confirm ITDS operational capabilities for harmonized data transmission and electronic submission transition
Annual BIEC reports through July 2016 on Section 5 implementation
Ongoing: Board to periodically review and update standard data elements
Ongoing: BIEC to develop common risk management principles and streamline federal systems

Risks & tensions

December 2016 ITDS deadline was statutory (SAFE Port Act) but implementation had historically lagged; EO adds political weight but technical and interagency coordination challenges remain significant
Requirement for DHS to provide BIEC funding 'to the extent permitted by law' creates uncertainty if appropriations are insufficient
'Strongly encouraged' compliance for independent agencies (e.g., EPA, others) lacks enforcement mechanism
Paper-to-electronic transition may face resistance from smaller traders despite potential long-term cost savings
Security and data safeguarding requirements across agencies with different protocols could delay interoperability
Regulatory review and prompt rulemaking requirements depend on OIRA prioritization and agency capacity