EEI is data that must be submitted through the Automated Export System (AES) for shipments from the United States to a foreign country. The filing includes information about the sender and recipient of the goods, as well as information about the exported goods. The Census Bureau uses these documents to calculate U.S. trade statistics, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) use the data to help ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations.
There are various nuances regarding the EEI application. Therefore, it is important to understand how the EEI reporting requirements apply to your shipments - when you need to declare and when your shipments are exempt from these requirements.
General EEI filing requirements
The EEI must be submitted with shipments from the U.S. to foreign destinations if any of the following applies:
- Shipping a single item or item worth more than $2,500. (Note: Goods shipped from the U.S. to Canada are exempt from this requirement.)
- The shipment contains goods that require an export license or license, regardless of value.
- Goods are subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (link is external), regardless of value.
- Shipped as a self-propelled vehicle.
- When exporting "600 Series" items, (i.e. "xY6zz" format for items on the Commercial Control List (CCL) that were previously regulated by the United States Munitions List (USML).
- Export under license exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) (link is external).
- Shipments to China, Russia and Venezuela for military end use, regardless of value or content.
- Goods contain rough diamonds, regardless of value (HTS 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31).
Who submits the EEI?
In standard export transactions, the U.S. Principal Interested Party (USPPI) is responsible for submitting the EEI through AESDirect. However, USPPI may provide its freight forwarder (or other third party) a Letter of Authorization (POA) or written statement authorizing them to prepare and submit an EEI on their behalf. (In most cases, the USPPI is the same as the exporter.)
However, in a routed export transaction, the Foreign Principal Interested Party (FPPI) must provide a POA or other written authorization to submit the EEI to the USPPI or U.S. Authorized Agent. (In most cases, the FPPI is your ultimate consignee or foreign customer.)
