What is the AES?
The AES (Automated Export System) is the system used by U.S. exporters to electronically declare electronic export information for their international exports to the U.S. Census Bureau, and it helps compile accurate U.S. export and trade statistics.
What is the EEI?
Electronic Export Information (EEI) is filed in the Automated Export System (AES) and is required when the value of the goods classified under each Schedule B number exceeds $2,500 or when there is a mandatory filing requirement, such as when an export license is needed.
EEI consists of the data that must be submitted to the U.S. Census Bureau via AESDirect when a filing is required. U.S. foreign trade regulations stipulate that for exports to locations outside of Canada, if the value of the exported goods classified by Schedule B number exceeds $2,500, if the goods require an export license, or when exporting a used vehicle, AES filing requirements apply.
When an AES filing is filed and accepted, there is a number provided to you by the system. This number is the EEI number. It must be shown on the Bill of Lading (BOL) used in maritime transportation.
When filing an AES filing, the following information is required:
- Shipper information (USPPI)
- Consignee information
- Schedule B (Harmonized Code – HS Code) number of the cargo
- Cargo description
- Package and weight information
- Value of goods
- Vessel (transportation) loaded during export and vessel departure date
- Ultimate Consignee Type
- Method of Transportation (vessel, vessel container, barge, rail, rail container, etc.)
What is the USPPI?
The USPPI, also known as the U.S. Principal Party in Interest, is a person or organization that primarily benefits, financially or otherwise, from an export transaction in the U.S. This person or organization is typically a U.S. seller, manufacturer, or ordering party, or a foreign entity that purchases or acquires goods for export from the U.S.
Types of Ultimate Consignees
Identifying the ultimate consignee is mandatory in the Automated Export System (AES). Four types of ultimate consignees are described in the AES:
Direct Consumer: A non-government entity that will consume or use the exported good without reselling or redistributing.
Government Entity: A government-owned or government-controlled agency, institution, enterprise, or company.
Reseller: A non-government reseller, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, distribution center or trading company.
Other/Unknown: Other/Unknown is an entity that is not a Direct Consumer, Government Entity or Reseller, as defined above, or whose ultimate consignee type is not known at the time of export
When submitting the AES filing, the shipper must be a U.S. person or entity (USPPI). If the party exporting and selling the goods from the U.S. to a different country is not the USPPI, meaning it is a foreign party (FPPI), then the submission must include the tax ID and information of a U.S. party that benefits from the transaction. In this case, the AES filing should be submitted under the “Routed Export Transaction” option.
What is a Routed Export Transaction?
It is a transaction in which the FPPI authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate export of items from the U.S. on its behalf and prepare and file the EEI.
In an AES transaction, the responsible party is the U.S. government, and due to the potential for significant penalties in the case of discrepancy on the description, parties who are not experts in this matter should get assistance from knowledgeable and experienced companies.
