Automated Export System (AES)

The Automated Export System (AES) is an electronic filing platform operated by the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that collects export shipment data from U.S. exporters and freight forwarders. All export shipments valued at $2,500 or more per Schedule B commodity code, along with any shipments requiring an export license regardless of value, must be reported through AES before the goods leave the country. The system replaced paper-based Shipper’s Export Declarations (SED) and is now accessed through the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) portal.

Who Files and When

The U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), which is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, or order party, is responsible for filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through AES. In practice, many exporters authorize their freight forwarder to file on their behalf using a power of attorney. The forwarder enters the shipment details into AES and receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), a unique identifier that must appear on the bill of lading or air waybill.

Filing deadlines depend on the mode of transport. For vessel shipments, the EEI must be filed at least 24 hours before loading at the U.S. port. For air shipments, the filing must be completed before the cargo is delivered to the airline or its agent. For truck and rail shipments to Canada or Mexico, the EEI must be filed before the vehicle crosses the border. Meeting these deadlines is the responsibility of the exporter or their authorized agent.

Required Data Elements

An AES filing includes the USPPI’s name, address, and EIN (Employer Identification Number); the ultimate consignee’s name and address in the foreign country; the Schedule B number (the U.S. export classification, similar to an HS Code); the quantity, unit of measure, and value of the goods; the country of ultimate destination; the export carrier; and the mode of transport. If the goods require an export license from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) or another agency, the license number and authorization details must also be included.

Accuracy matters. The Census Bureau cross-references AES data with trade statistics, and CBP uses it for export enforcement. Filing incorrect information, whether intentionally or through carelessness, can result in penalties. Civil fines for late filing range from $1,100 per violation to $10,000 per violation for knowing failures to file. Criminal penalties for willful violations can include fines up to $250,000 and imprisonment.

Exemptions from AES Filing

Not all exports require an AES filing. Key exemptions include shipments valued under $2,500 per Schedule B number (unless a license is required), shipments to Canada (with some exceptions for controlled items), personal baggage, diplomatic pouches, and certain humanitarian shipments. However, relying on exemptions without verifying the specific regulatory requirements for the product and destination is risky. Items controlled under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) require AES filing regardless of value.

AES for E-Commerce and Amazon Sellers

Most Amazon sellers operate as importers, bringing goods into the United States for domestic sale. AES becomes relevant when a seller exports goods, whether shipping returns to an overseas supplier, sending inventory to Amazon fulfillment centers outside the U.S. (such as Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de), or selling directly to foreign buyers. Sellers participating in Amazon Global Selling who ship inventory from U.S. warehouses to international Amazon marketplaces must comply with AES filing requirements for qualifying shipments.

Working with a freight forwarder experienced in export compliance ensures that AES filings are completed accurately and on time. The forwarder handles the ITN generation, Schedule B classification, and filing deadline management, keeping the seller in compliance without requiring them to become an expert in export regulations.