AES Filing Guide for Ocean Freight Exports

Ocean Freight Moves Fast. Your AES Filing Has to Move Faster.

For ocean freight exports, the Automated Export System filing deadline is not flexible. Miss it and the carrier cannot legally load your cargo. Understanding the AES ocean freight requirements before your vessel sails is the difference between an on-time shipment and a costly delay.

When AES Is Required for Ocean Exports

EEI must be filed for most ocean exports when the shipment value exceeds $2,500 per Schedule B commodity or when the goods are subject to export controls. The filing is required regardless of whether the shipment is a full container load, less-than-container load, or break-bulk cargo.

Filing Deadlines for Vessel Lading

For standard ocean freight, EEI must be filed and accepted by AES 24 hours before the vessel is laden. Late filing is not a technicality. Carriers will not issue a bill of lading without proof of filing.

Standard vs. Licensed Goods

Standard commercial goods follow the 24-hour rule. Licensed or controlled goods may carry earlier deadlines depending on the applicable export authorization. Check your ECCN and license conditions before scheduling the shipment.

Key Data Elements for Ocean Freight Filings

• Exporter and consignee name and address
• Schedule B or HTS commodity code
• Transaction value
• Port of export and foreign port of unlading
• Carrier SCAC code
• Booking or bill of lading number
• Container and seal numbers where applicable
• ECCN and license data for controlled goods

Accuracy on every field matters. AES rejects filings with missing or inconsistent data.

Proof of Filing for Carriers

Once AES accepts the EEI filing, it returns an ITN. The ITN is the proof carriers require before loading. Keep a copy of the AES filing confirmation and ITN for your records and provide the ITN to the carrier and freight forwarder.

Handling Containers and Split Shipments

If a single commercial transaction is split across multiple containers or vessels, each shipment may require a separate EEI filing. Confirm with your carrier how split shipments are handled at the port of export.

AES Downtime and Exemptions

AES occasionally undergoes scheduled maintenance. If AES is unavailable, the Census Bureau provides alternative procedures for filing. Monitor AES status before critical shipping windows. Some shipments qualify for EEI exemptions. Verify exemption eligibility before assuming one applies.

Streamline Ocean Freight AES Filing with a Pro

Ocean freight filings involve more data elements and tighter deadlines than most export types. A professional filer ensures the EEI is complete, submitted on time, and corrected immediately if AES rejects.