General Terms and Info
Below we have listed some explanations of some the most common questions regarding certain terms.
What is an AES Filing
AES is the system U.S. exporters use to electronically declare their international exports, known as Electronic Export Information (EEI), to the Census Bureau to help compile U.S. export and trade statistics. It is also used by other government agencies for trade enforcement purposes.
Electronic Export Information (EEI)
In a standard export transaction, it is the responsibility of the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) to submit the EEI through ACE. However, the USPPI can give their freight forwarder (or some other third party) a power of attorney (POA) or written statement authorizing them to prepare and file the EEI on their behalf.
Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)
The FTR are administered by the International Trade Management Division (formerly known as the Foreign Trade Division) of the U.S. Census Bureau. The FTR allow for the collection of statistical trade data, and they provide the tactical information required by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to perform their export oversight roles.
United States Principal Party in Interest (USPPI)
The USPPI is the person in the U.S. who receives the primary benefit—monetary or otherwise—of an export transaction. According to the Census Bureau, that person can be a:
U.S. seller (wholesaler/distributor) of the merchandise for export.
U.S. manufacturer if selling the merchandise for export.
U.S. order party who directly negotiated between the U.S. seller and foreign buyer and received the order for the export of the merchandise.
Foreign entity if in the U.S. when items are purchased or obtained for export.
There are certain parties who can't be the USPPI. The forwarding agent or the consolidator cannot be listed as the USPPI on the AES record
U.S. seller (wholesaler/distributor) of the merchandise for export.
U.S. manufacturer if selling the merchandise for export.
U.S. order party who directly negotiated between the U.S. seller and foreign buyer and received the order for the export of the merchandise.
Foreign entity if in the U.S. when items are purchased or obtained for export.
There are certain parties who can't be the USPPI. The forwarding agent or the consolidator cannot be listed as the USPPI on the AES record
Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI)
The FPPI is the party who purchases the goods for export or to whom final delivery or end-use of the goods will be made. This party may be the ultimate consignee.
In a routed export transaction, the FPPI is responsible for :
Controlling the movement of the goods out of the U.S. Designating and hiring a forwarder (also known as a U.S. agent) to facilitate the movement of the cargo and file the AES. Providing the Power of Attorney or written authorization to the forwarder or the USPPI in order to file through AES.
In a routed export transaction, the FPPI is responsible for :
Controlling the movement of the goods out of the U.S. Designating and hiring a forwarder (also known as a U.S. agent) to facilitate the movement of the cargo and file the AES. Providing the Power of Attorney or written authorization to the forwarder or the USPPI in order to file through AES.
Schedule B Code and Commodity Description
The Schedule B Code is the 10-digit export classification system of the United States. Universally known as Harmonized Tariff no. Schedule B codes are administered by the U.S. Census Bureau and used to collect and publish export statistics.
Unit of Measure
A look at Chapter 10 of the Schedule B codes reveals that they not only list the 10-digit code and the item description, they also include the correct unit of measure that must be reported. For a small number of goods, two units of measure are required. The quantity and value of the goods should be calculated using the correct unit of measure.
Origin
When we refer to origin in the realm of AES, we’re talking about something specific. While certificates of origin may require that you list the country of origin for each item in your shipment, AES is simply wants to know if the goods originated in the U.S. or in a foreign country.
Shipment Reference Number
The shipment reference number is the number the Census Bureau and Customs use to reference a specific shipments. It is used in situations when inquiries are made about shipments and when shipment details need to change. Every export shipment you submitted needs to include a unique identification number that is permanently associated with a shipment. SRNs are unique and not to be reused.
Routed Export Transaction
A routed export transaction occurs when a foreign purchaser, an FPPI, requests to have their merchandise delivered to another location within the United States. The merchandise is retrieved by a freight forwarder or another agent who has been contracted by the foreign purchaser to export the merchandise from the United States. In a routed export transaction, the FPPI purchases goods from the USPPI and authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate the export of items from the United States on their behalf.
Internal Transaction Number (ITN)
When an AES filing is submitted, an ITN is generated as a receipt of confirmation that the AES has been accepted. That number is your proof of filing, and it should be included in your bills of lading (B/L) and the Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI) so your forwarder—and Customs—know you’ve filed.
Forwarding Agent
Also known as an authorized agent or freight forwarder, forwarding agents work for exporters to move cargo from “dock-to-door,” providing several significant services, including advising and preparing documents. We would be acting as the authorized agent.