Terminology
AES: Automated Export System
CI: Commercial Invoice
EEI: Electronic Export Information
ITN: Internal Transaction Number
SED: Shipper’s Export Declaration
How Do I Find Commodity/Schedule B Details?
The main source for Commodity/Schedule B Details is the U.S. Census Bureau.
When do I Need a Commercial Invoice?
A Commercial Invoice (CI) and similar documents are rarely needed for export shipping via the U.S. Postal Service. The shipping label used is a CN22 or CP72, which includes the Commodity information.
Generally, a CI is required for shipping via a private Carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.). The CI can be provided on hard copy (in a pouch on the package) or uploaded electronically. Descartes ShipRush Web offers FedEx and UPS electronic trade document options. Check with your Carrier representative for details. If you are unsure of the documents needed, contact the Carrier's export desk for detailed instructions.
What is an ITN/PFC/AES/EEI number? When Do I Need One?
The Automated Export System (AES) is used by U.S. exporters to electronically declare their International exports. The process of declaring exports requires the submission of Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau compiles U.S. export and trade statistics from this information.
AES stores the EEI and can generate EEI numbers. Generally, an AES number and EEI number are equivalent. After filing the EEI information, an ITN number is available and used as a kind of "Proof of Filing EEI." Think of ITN as a quick reference number for your EEI.
To obtain an ITN:
Access the AES on the Census Department's website to file the EEI.
Complete the EEI filing process. You will receive an ITN number as confirmation (example of an ITN number:
AES X20120513133456).
Note: SED was an older document replaced by EEI. If you see a reference to SED, assume that EEI/ITN will work in its place.
EEI filing is applicable to all shipments exported from the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands that meet this criteria:
To secure authorization for exporting Commodities that require EEI, file the export information using the U.S. Government’s AES. AESDirect.gov is the U.S. Census Bureau’s free, Internet-based interface for filing EEI data to the AES.
You can also authorize FedEx to file the EEI as your agent by using the FedEx Export AgentFile manual fax, electronically, from fedex.com or using the XML process. The FedEx Export AgentFile XML process allows you to program agent filing of EEI data, incorporating XML technology into your existing system. There is a per-shipment charge for each EEI shipment that FedEx transmits to AES.
EEI Filing Required for these Locations
From the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and the U.S. Virgin Islands to International destinations
From the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Between the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Note: Shipments from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. or Puerto Rico do not require EEI filing; however, the appropriate FTR is required: No EEI 30.2(d) (2).
When Is EEI Filing Required?
Note: The information on this page is for informational purposes only. Authoritative information can be found on the Census Department's website as well as related websites.
The following criteria determine whether the EEI is required (applicable to only certain types of Shipments.)
The value of the Commodity under any single Schedule B Commodity (or Harmonized code number) is greater than $2500 and exported from the same exporter to the same consignee on the same day (not including shipments from the U.S. or Puerto Rico to Canada).
The Commodity, regardless of the value, requires an export license or permit.
The Commodity, regardless of the value, is rough diamonds (HS # 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31)
The Commodity, regardless of the value, is subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (includes license and license exemptions).
The Shipment, regardless of the value, is destined for Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, and Sudan. Those countries are listed in Country Group E: 1 as set forth in Supplement 1 to 15 CFR 740. (As of Aug. 25, 2008, FedEx does not serve Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria from the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.)
If the above criteria are not met, then EEI should not be required, and this area of Export Documents can be ignored. If an EEI is required, the AES Transaction Number should be entered into Descartes ShipRush Web.
When is a Certificate of Origin Required?
In most cases, a Certificate of Origin (CO) is only required for shipments of textiles. However, there are exceptions based on the destination country. Contact the shipping Carrier for details on specific requirements for the destination country.
Duties and Taxes
Duties and taxes (also known as D&T, D/T, or Customs) are the import taxes that are paid to import the item into the destination country. These taxes can be paid by the sender, the recipient, or a third party.
In international shipping, it can be difficult or even impossible to estimate in advance the amount of D&T. The fees, charges, and practices in this area vary from country to country. A common practice is to bill these charges to the recipient.
In Descartes ShipRush Web, on the Editing Shipment form, these charges can be set to be paid by the sender, the recipient, or a third party in the Export Documents area: