Automated Export System (AES)

The Automated Export System (AES) is the U.S. government's electronic system for filing export shipment data, known as Electronic Export Information (EEI). The exporter or its agent files in ACE AESDirect, and the system returns an Internal Transaction Number (ITN). The carrier needs that ITN before the goods leave the country.

AES replaced the paper Shipper's Export Declaration. The Census Bureau runs it, and Customs and Border Protection and the export-control agencies use the data.

When an AES filing is required

• Any shipment where the goods under a single Schedule B or HTS number, from one USPPI to one consignee on one conveyance, are worth more than $2,500 (15 CFR 30.37(a)); domestic- and foreign-origin goods under the same number are counted separately
• Any shipment that needs an export license from BIS, DDTC, DEA, the NRC or another agency, at any value, and goods subject to the ITAR even when license-exempt
• Used self-propelled vehicles and rough diamonds, at any value (15 CFR 30.2(a)(1)(iv))

Shipments to Canada are exempt unless they need a license or are moving through Canada to a third country (15 CFR 30.36). Below the threshold, the shipping documents carry an exemption legend instead of an ITN. The most common is "NOEEI 30.37(a)"; other legends cover tools of the trade, temporary exports returning within a year, and goods imported under a temporary import bond.

Deadlines by mode (15 CFR 30.4)

• Vessel: 24 hours before the cargo is loaded at the U.S. port
• Air, including express couriers: 2 hours before the aircraft's scheduled departure
• Truck: 1 hour before the truck reaches the border; rail: 2 hours before the train reaches the border
• Mail: 2 hours before exportation

Miss the ocean deadline and the container misses the vessel. The carrier cannot load without the ITN or exemption legend on the shipping instructions, so the booking rolls to the next sailing.

Who files: USPPI, FPPI and routed transactions

The U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), normally the seller or manufacturer, is responsible for the filing. It can file itself or authorize a freight forwarder as its agent with a written power of attorney.

In a routed export transaction, the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI), the overseas buyer, controls the movement and authorizes its own agent to file. The USPPI must still give that agent complete, accurate and timely export information, and the agent must file it exactly as provided (15 CFR 30.3(e)).

Penalties for missing, late or false filings

• Civil: up to $10,000 per violation as written in the regulation, adjusted annually for inflation
• Late filings: up to $1,100 for each day of delinquency
• Knowing violations: criminal, with a fine of up to $10,000 or five years' imprisonment per violation (15 CFR 30.71)

AES fees on freight quotes

The government does not charge for the filing. An "AES fee" or "AES filing charge" on a forwarder's quote is the agent's charge for preparing and transmitting the EEI; brokers and forwarders pay for filing software to reach ACE.

Filing AES on an Airlift export

Airlift files the EEI for the exports it handles, including air freight and the USA to India and USA to Vietnam ocean lanes. Send the commercial invoice with Schedule B or HTS numbers, values and the consignee's details with the booking, and the ITN goes on the bill of lading before the cut-off. Not sure of the code? The HTS code finder helps with classification. For the paper form AES replaced, see Shipper's Export Declaration.