The US Electronic Export Information (EEI) requirements formerly operated as the Shipping Export Declaration (SED) system. There are several frequently asked questions in relation to the EEI requirements, including:
- Why are EEI requirements important?
- How and when are EEI requirements submitted?
- What exactly are these EEI requirements?
If you are looking for answers to these questions, read on.
Understanding the Electronic Export Information (EEI) requirements
Why is the US Electronic Export Information (EEI) important?
We understand your dilemma. You know how the bill of lading, invoice and certificate of origin relate to your shipment. Why, however, do you need to cover off these US Electronic Export Information requirements?
You’re probably not aware of this but EEI is very useful in helping the federal government monitor and manage the US export industry. Here are some ways EEI is used:
- Census record of US exports
- Regulatory document
- Shipment monitoring of controlled goods
- Export control document
EEI is also used as an information source for the amounts, nature and value of imports to the federal statistical office. For these reasons it became mandatory under Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR), Title 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 30.
When will Customs require the US Electronic Export Information?
US Customs and Border Protection will require US Electronic Export Information whenever:
- The value of your shipment exceeds $2,500 per single commodity
- Your goods need an export license (regardless of value)
Need to find out if your shipment requires US Electronic Export Information? Talk to us at 1-877-901-2004.
Mandatory submission of US Shipping Export Declaration through ACE system
As of 2 July 2008, the US Census Bureau gave official notice that required mandatory electronic filing of the export declaration. This is done through the Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect (the Automated Commercial Environment.
These applications are hosted on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Electronic submission of this export information removed the paper system that existed in the SED system. This change of filing method was why the term Electronic Export Information (EEI) replaced the term Shipping Export Declaration (SED).
Sample of previous US Shipping Export Declaration now Electronic Export Information
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) System
On March 22, 2014, the ACE system gained all the functionality of AES. From then on the ACE system was able to operate as a single window for exporters and became the primary system by which exporters submitted their EEI.
US Customs and Border Protection and partner government agencies (PGA) use the ACE system to collect, process and track needed trade information. The effects of the ACE System as a single window are as follows:
- Traders submitted their export data once, into a single system
- Interaction between PGAs enabled near real-time decision-making
- Costs for exporters and government are significantly reduced
- Agencies were able to identify unsafe, dangerous or prohibited goods faster than previously
Want to use it now? Start your ACE training.
Do you still have questions? Read up on the ACE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
SED submission (manual) vs ACE system (integrated)
US Customs and Border Protection provide a short video that gives an overview of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
Watch an overview of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)
What are the electronic export information requirements?
There are several mandatory details you have to submit using ACE when exporting your goods and complying with EEI.
Who is the seller? (seller information)
First, it is very important for you to supply the complete seller information. This includes:
- Full individual or business name and address
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Need help finding the EIN or TIN? Call us at 1-877-901-2004.
Seller information required as part of US Electronic Export Information
Who is the customer or recipient of the cargo?
Second, you should also indicate the name and address of the cargo’s recipient. This is to make sure the correct person receives your goods.
Customer information required as part of US Electronic Export Information
Does your shipment contain hazardous materials?
Third, do you have hazardous materials in your shipment? If so, make sure you declare these in your electronic export information. The two ways to declare are as follows:
- Shipper declaration for dangerous goods
- Notification to Captain (NOTOC)
Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods
If you wish to ship dangerous or hazardous goods, you are required to fill out the shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods form. This attests your goods follow the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).
Need help properly completing the shipper declaration for dangerous goods?
Sample of Shipper Declaration for Dangerous Goods
Notification to Captain (NOTOC)
Notification to Captain (NOTOC) is a form used to notify the aircraft pilot of the hazardous goods that are to be loaded to the aircraft and include:
- Name and quantity of the hazardous goods
- Location where it will be loaded
- Instruction for emergency cases
Sample copy of Special Load Notification to Captain
What items are being shipped?
Last but not least, you must submit several specific aspects of your shipment.
Weight
The freight rate on your goods depends on its weight. It is, therefore, important for you to know the billable weight of your goods. Need help? Call 1-877-901-2004.
Quantity
The quantity of your cargo depends on the unit of measure in terms of weight. This could either be in kilograms, tons or grains.
Customs value
To make it simple, this is the total value of your shipment. Hence it determines the amount of tax you’ll need to pay. In addition, Customs will do the customs valuation. They check the value of your goods.
Need help knowing the value of your goods? Our customs clearance experts can help you. Call us at 1-877-901-2004.
Export license
Whether you need an export license or not depends on the following criteria:
- The item you wish to export is included in Commerce Control List (CCL)
- If the place to which your goods will be exported requires it
Harmonized tariff schedule number
This is the primary resource to determine the tariff or customs duty of your goods. This is based on the name, use and the materials used to manufacture your goods.
Get the entire list of the harmonized tariff schedule. and check for the goods you want to import.
Need help processing US Electronic Export Information requirements? We are happy to help. Contact us today.
Goods description requirement for Electronic Export Information
Do you need help with the EEI requirements for your export?
If you would like help with submitting EEI requirements for export, call us at 1-877-901-2004. We can assist and advise you on what you need to do. Check out our freight updates for imports and exporters to find more on freight forwarding tips, explanations and updates. Feel free to follow our LinkedIn Company page to get notified of other updates.
