What is an Electronic Export Information?

When you're exporting goods from the U.S., one of the most important steps is ensuring your shipment complies with U.S. export regulations. This includes filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES). In this blog, we'll walk through the whole process, including why filing your EEI is necessary, who needs to file it, and how to do it through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal. Let's dive in!

What is the Automated Export System (AES)?

The Automated Export System (AES) is an electronic platform that the U.S. government uses to collect data on exports. This system is part of the broader Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), which streamlines both import and export processes. The AES helps ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations and enables authorities to track the movement of goods being exported out of the U.S. The AES is crucial for maintaining national security, enforcing trade sanctions, and gathering trade statistics. By using this system, exporters can submit the Electronic Export Information (EEI) required for each shipment, ensuring a smooth, legal process for their exports.

Why is Filing the Electronic Export Information Important?

Filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) is a legal requirement for most exports from the U.S. It serves a variety of critical functions. First, it ensures compliance with U.S. regulations set by the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR). This includes providing detailed information about your goods, such as their classification, value, and destination, as well as the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for controlled goods. The ECCN is vital for identifying whether your goods fall under specific export controls or require an export license.

Second, filing helps maintain export control compliance, which is crucial for national security and foreign policy. For instance, certain goods, particularly those with dual-use technology or military applications, must be tracked carefully. The data gathered also plays an essential role in U.S. economic analysis and trade policy development. Finally, filing EEI helps reduce fraud and misclassification by ensuring detailed and accurate reporting for each export shipment.

Who Needs to File the EEI?

Not every exporter is required to file an EEI. Generally, you’ll need to file if your shipment exceeds a value of $2,500 (except in certain cases, like exemptions for specific goods). However, even if your shipment falls under this threshold, you still need to file EEI if the goods are subject to an export license, or if you're shipping products that are under restrictions like military or dual-use technology. Additionally, shipments going to countries that are under U.S. sanctions or trade restrictions require an EEI, regardless of value. It's important to understand the rules that apply to your specific shipment so you can avoid fines or delays.

How to File EEI through the AES Portal

The process of filing EEI through the ACE Portal is fairly simple once you understand the steps involved. Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Register for the ACE Portal

Before you can submit your EEI, the first thing you'll need to do is register for the ACE Portal. To do this, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ACE portal website, where you'll need to create a CBP account. After completing the registration, you'll be able to access the AESDirect system, where you’ll submit your EEI filings. This system is designed to be user-friendly, but make sure your information is accurate during the registration process. Once you're set-up, you'll be ready to start filing!

Step 2: Prepare Your Export Shipment Information

Before submitting your EEI, you’ll need to gather all the necessary information about your shipment. This includes the shipper and consignee details, such as contact information for both the exporter and recipient. You’ll also need to provide detailed information about the commodity being exported, like the Harmonized System (HS) code for classification, as well as the value and quantity of each item in your shipment. Additionally, make sure you have the shipping details, such as the mode of transportation, vessel or flight number, and port of departure. If your goods require an export license, you'll need to include that information as well. By having all this information on hand, you can avoid any delays when filing your EEI.

Step 3: Submit EEI Filing

Once you have everything ready, it’s time to file your EEI. Log into the ACE Portal, navigate to AESDirect, and enter the required details for your shipment. There are multiple fields to complete, but the system guides you through the process step-by-step. Double-check your information before submitting it, as mistakes in the filing can lead to rejection or fines. Once everything looks good, submit your EEI. After submission, you’ll receive an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which serves as proof of filing. It’s important to keep this ITN number for your records, as you may need to reference it later, especially if customs ask for verification.

Step 4: Receive ITN Confirmation

After submitting your EEI, the AES system will generate an ITN (Internal Transaction Number). This number confirms that your filing has been successfully received and processed by the system. The ITN is your proof that you've filed your EEI, and you’ll need to keep it for your records, as U.S. regulations require exporters to maintain these records for at least five years. It's also crucial to provide this number to your carrier or freight forwarder, as it may be required to move your goods out of the U.S.

Step 5: Retain Export Records

Once your EEI is filed, it’s important to keep all related records for the required five years. This includes the EEI, shipping documents, invoices, and any other paperwork related to the export transaction. These records may be needed in case of an audit by U.S. Customs or the Census Bureau. It’s also a good idea to maintain digital or physical copies of the ITN for future reference. Keeping accurate records helps ensure compliance with U.S. export laws and can protect you in case of any discrepancies down the line.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filing your EEI through AES may sound easy, but there are a few common mistakes you should watch out for. First, be sure to double-check your information before submitting it. A simple typo, especially in the HS code or shipment value, can lead to issues later on. Another mistake to avoid is forgetting to file EEI when required. Some exporters mistakenly believe they don’t need to file if their goods are low value or don’t require a license, but this isn’t always the case. Make sure you’re aware of the specific requirements for your shipment. Lastly, don’t neglect to retain your export records. Not keeping accurate records can result in penalties or complications if your shipment is audited.

AES Filing Exemptions

Not all shipments require an EEI filing. For example, goods valued at $2,500 or less and not requiring an export license typically don’t require EEI filing. Additionally, some exemptions apply to specific types of goods, such as personal items or certain types of gifts. Be sure to check the regulations or consult with an expert to confirm whether your shipment qualifies for an exemption. If in doubt, it’s always better to file the EEI and avoid the risk of non-compliance.

Conclusion

Filing your export shipments through the Automated Export System (AES) may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. By submitting the Electronic Export Information (EEI), you’re ensuring that your shipments comply with U.S. export regulations, contribute to national security, and help maintain accurate trade data. Using the ACE portal to file is not only convenient, but it also reduces errors and helps you stay on top of your export responsibilities. Just remember to gather all your shipment information, file accurately, and retain your records for future reference. By following these steps, you can streamline the export process and focus on growing your business globally.