Natural Gas Import and Export Regulation - E-Filing Instructions

KEY DEFINITIONS

Natural Gas is defined by section 2(5) of the Natural Gas Act to mean "either natural gas unmixed, or any mixture of natural and artificial gas." Natural gas includes liquefied natural gas and gels primarily composed of natural gas. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a liquid hydrocarbon mixture that is gaseous at reservoir temperatures and pressures, but which can be recovered through the process of condensation or absorption. Natural gas is cooled to a temperature of approx. -260 degrees F at atmospheric pressure it condenses to LNG. LNG is odorless, non-corrosive, and non-toxic. When vaporized it burns only in concentrations of 5% to 15% when mixed with air. Neither LNG, nor its vapor, can explode in an unconfined environment. Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) propane, butane, other liquefied petroleum gases and natural gasoline are not LNG but are considered within the definition of "natural gas." A "Blanket" (short-term) authorization permits a company to import and export natural gas on a short-term or spot market basis over a two-year term under contracts of 2 years or less. Applicants are not required to submit purchase and sales contracts. Extended or Changed Orders - As a matter of administrative practice, blanket Orders are not extended or changed. A company must apply for new authority prior to the expiration of its current authority. A new Docket Number is issued upon application and a new Order No. upon issuance. Upon request to "change, amend, etc." a current authority, the current Order will be vacated and a new order with the "change" will be issued. Quarterly Reports - A report you file detailing the import and/or export activity. These reports are filed within 30 days following each calendar quarter. Example: January, February and March are the first quarter with the report due April 30.

This section of the web site allows you to submit applications to the Department of Energy (DOE) online for the importation and exportation of natural gas from and to Canada and Mexico and for the importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG).  This internet application process should, in most cases, provide you with an authorization within ten working days after receiving the document containing legal signature.  General terms, conditions, and restrictions of the e-online filings process are:

1. Term of the authorization is for two (2) years, referred to as a "Blanket" Authorization.

2. An Order will be issued by DOE granting the authority requested.

3. Resulting Order is for one or more of the following authorities:
   • Import Natural Gas into the U.S. from Canada
   • Export Natural Gas from the U.S. into Canada
   • Import Natural Gas into the U.S. from Mexico
   • Export Natural Gas from the U.S. into Mexico
   • Import LNG from various sources
   • Import LNG from Canada
   • Import LNG from Mexico 

4. Transactions may occur at any existing U.S. border point connection or LNG terminal.

5. To expedite processing, applicant may request one combined authorized volume amount (Bcf), which represents the sum of all authorities granted to applicant under the Order. The applicant may request individual authorized volumes for each authority.

6. The effective date of the authorization is the date the Order is issued by DOE, unless the applicant requests a specific date.

7. DOE will respond to applicants by e-mail or, if requested, by fax or U.S. Mail.

8. Applicant must pay a $50.00 filing fee by check as part of the application process made out to Treasurer of the United States.

9. Applicant must provide company and contact information.

10. A new Order will be issued to make the following changes to existing orders.

    a. Extend term of Order.
    b. Add authority, e.g. add Export to existing import authority.
    c. Remove authority.
    d. Change authorized volume amount in Bcf.
    e. Change company name.
    f. Terminate/Vacate an existing Order.

11. An Order will require the applicant to file Monthly and Quarterly Reports providing DOE with specified information, including the volume of natural gas imported or exported.

Click here to Obtain New Blanket Authorization Contact Us

   Program Contact:  Larine Moore, Office of Fossil Energy (FE-34), U.S. Department of
     Energy, P.O. Box 44375, Washington, DC  20026-4375, 202-586-9478