CBP Officers will check the AES records and export documentation to make sure that the Electronic Export Information (EEI) has been properly filed. The CBP Port Directors will decide what the appropriate enforcement procedures should be.

Officers will also verify that the Internal Transaction Number (ITN), exemption citation or in-bond number is stated clearly on export documents and that carriers are given this information within the required timeframes.

For vessel cargo, the filing citation(s) must be reported by the carrier on the manifest if the manifest is required. For carriers filing export manifests through the Automated Export System/ Vessel Transportation Module (AES/VTM), the filing citation must be placed in the Marks and Numbers data element.

For truck cargo, CBP Officers are entitled to review any filing citations from the carrier upon request. These citations can be found on the bill of lading (freight or pro bill) or other commercial loading document. Drivers must have documentation available that plainly identifies the carrier and all matching filing citations.

For air Cargo (Including Express Couriers), the filing citations, air waybill number, and shipper/consignee information must be clearly marked and visible on the air cargo manifest, which must be filed with the general declaration.

For rail cargo, it is required by the FTR that the EEI be filed no later than two hours before the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign. This is necessary information that many rail carriers request prior to the loading of the goods.