What is EEI
The Electronic Export Information (EEI) is a comprehensive digital record of all pertinent export data of an international shipment transaction. Data from EEI filings is essential for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to ensure compliance with export regulations and the Census Bureau to calculate trade statistics.
Overview of EEI for International Shipping
Before shipping merchandise out of the U.S., the exporter should get the Schedule B number for the article they plan to ship. The Schedule B number is used to identify the goods being exported. If the shipment contains container or baggage along with the goods valued at over $2,500, the exporter must file the EEI and provide the International Transaction Number (ITN). The ITN is the receipt of confirmation that the EEI has been accepted in Automated Export System (AES) and serves as the proof of filing. The ITN should be included in the bills of lading and Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) to let the forwarder and CBP know that you’ve filed EEI.
If you or the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) is sending the goods through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), you need to file EEI only if the entire shipment is valued over $2,500 under Schedule B or it requires an export license. In this case, the ITN or exemption citation should be sent to the post office. If shipping through a forwarder, you have different filing options: self-filing through ACE (free of charge), providing the forwarder with a Power of Attorney (POA) to file EEI on your behalf (fees apply), or providing your company’s printed EEI or commercial invoice (requires POA).
When is an EEI Filing Required
Electronic export information (EEI) filing is required for most export shipments under Schedule B number, which are valued at more than $2,500 and sent from the same exporter to the same recipient on the same day. This applies to shipments from the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands to foreign destinations and shipments from the U.S. or Puerto Rico to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The following shipments also require EEI filing regardless of value:
- Shipments that require an export license or permit
- Shipments subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
- Shipments sent to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria
- Shipments containing rough diamonds
Exemptions
The following shipments are exempt from EEI filing:
- Shipments from the U.S. to Canada, unless the shipment or merchandise is subject to ITAR, is rough diamonds, or requires an export license or permit
- Shipments to American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Howland Islands and Wake Island
- Shipments from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. or Puerto Rico
EEI Filing and Tracking: Required Information
The following information is required when filing EEI:
- U.S. Principal Party in Interest “EIN” or Employer Identification Number/Tax ID (if the shipper is a corporation)
- Social Security number (if the shipper is an individual)
- Parties to Transaction (to indicate whether the sender or recipient is unrelated or subsidiaries of the same company)
- Transportation Reference Number or International Air Waybill
- Ultimate Consignee or end user of the shipment is required (if the ultimate consignee is different from the consignee on the air waybill)
- Country of Ultimate Destination
- Domestic or Foreign or Military in AES (whether the merchandise is a domestic or foreign commodity)
- Schedule B Number (6-digit Commodity Classification Number in AES)
- Value or selling price/cost
- License No. (License Number/Citation in AES)
- Export Control Classification Number – ECCN (required for commodities shipped under an export license or license exception symbol)
In addition to the above, specific and conditional data may be required to be included in AESDirect filings for certain export transactions. The information you need ultimately depends on the shipment type, the merchandise being exported, and the party you are shipping to. Detailed EEI requirements can be found in the U.S. Census Bureau and AES websites.
Who is Responsible for Filing EEI
In general, it is the responsibility of the USPPI or the exporter to file EEI through AESDirect. The USPPI can also give authorization to their freight forwarder or another party to prepare and file EEI on their behalf. For routed export transactions, it is the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) or ultimate consignee that must provide written authorization or Power of Attorney to submit the EEI to the USPPI OR a U.S. Authorized Agent.
How to File EEI
It’s important to file your EEI accurately to ensure smooth customs clearance and timely arrival at your destination. Here are the key steps to follow for success.
1. Create an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Account
You will need an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) account in order to file an EEI electronically. This portal is managed by the CBP and allows you to submit and manage your export declarations. If you are a new user, you’ll need to register for an ACE account; otherwise, simply log in with your existing credentials.
2. Choose Your EEI Filing Method
Exporters can use the ACE Portal, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), or a third-party solution to file export data directly to CBP. Exporters that use ACE benefit from advance validation of the Internal Transaction Number (ITN), advance notification of holds before loading, automatic closing out of in-bond transactions with one departure message, and Remote Location Filing (RLF) for all ACE entry summaries.
EDI Options
Exporters have multiple EDI filing options under the new ACE AESDirect: EDI bulk upload, AES direct transmission via Virtual Private Network (VPN), AESDirect transmission via VAN (Value-Added Network), and AESDirect Transmission via a certified third-party service provider such as CrimsonLogic.
EDI Bulk Upload
Exporters can upload bulk files in Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR) or X12 format from their computer to the AESDirect portal for processing. Users can view and edit batch EEI filings in the system and receive ITNs via email. This option requires an ACE exporter account.
AESDirect VAN Transmission
Exporters that use value-added networks to connect to AESDirect exchange information with CBP via secure connections such as HTTPs, FTP, and VPN. VANs also convert data and messages to be compatible with CPB systems. To use AESDirect transmission via VAN, you need a Letter of Intent to have a CBP client representative start the connectivity process with DHS and test your connection with CBP. However, testing can be time consuming. ISA is not required.
AESDirect Transmission via Service Provider or Service Center
Instead of establishing a direct VPN or VAN connection with CBP, some firms prefer to partner with a service provider for an indirect connection. A service provider acts on the behalf of the exporter to send EEI and other data to CBP via ACE AESDirect using their own network connection. The client pays a fee for this service. This option requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) to have a CBP client representative start the connectivity process with DHS and test your connection with CBP. ISA is not required.
3. Receive ITN
Upon successful submission of the EEI, you will receive an Internal Transaction Number (ITN). This unique number serves as proof of your EEI filing and is crucial for customs clearance.
Make sure to print the ITN on all relevant shipping documents, as required by the carrier and the destination country. This allows for easy verification and tracking of your shipment throughout its journey.
4. Get Web-Based EEI Filing and Tracking
CrimsonLogic is a CBP certified service provider offering leading Automated Export System software for exporters. The software allows web-based EEI filing directly to CBP and receipt of Internal Transaction Numbers (ITN). With the web-based interface, users can quickly enter EEI details, confirm an ITN, and produce supporting documentation. When preparing an EEI, mandatory entry fields are highlighted, so you don’t miss anything. Also, unlike other filing options, CrimsonLogic AES features 24/7 customer support, a secure corporate account, multiple plans and connectivity options, report generation, and advanced integration options.
CrimsonLogic AES software also lets you track real-time status reports and ITN notifications. Optimize time savings and minimize errors with the CrimsonLogic AES XML integration with industry standard real-time messaging capabilities. Multiple subscription options are available: choose the web service for the on-the-go EEI filing; the fax service for EEI processing via fax or email; or software integration with existing in-house systems for seamless EEI filing.
