AES — the Automated Export System — is the electronic system through which U.S. exporters file Electronic Export Information (EEI) for goods leaving the United States. AES is jointly operated by CBP and the U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Division. Census uses the data to compile official U.S. export trade statistics; CBP uses it for export enforcement, sanctions screening, and license verification.
EEI filing is mandatory for:
- Shipments valued over $2,500 per Schedule B classification
- Any shipment requiring an export license (regardless of value)
- Shipments to certain destinations (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria) regardless of value
- All Foreign Trade Zone withdrawals
The 30+ data elements required on each EEI include:
- USPPI (U.S. Principal Party in Interest)
- Ultimate consignee and intermediate consignee
- Country of ultimate destination
- Schedule B number for each item (or HTSUS)
- Value and quantity per Schedule B
- Port of export
- Export license details (where applicable)
- ITAR / EAR controls
AES has been integrated into ACE as the export side of the U.S. single window. Filings are submitted through AESDirect (the free CBP-hosted portal) or through ABI-connected service provider software.
A successful filing returns an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) — a 14-character code beginning "X" — that must be reported on shipping documents and presented at the port of export.