(a) This part sets forth the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) as required under the provisions of Title 13, United States Code (U.S.C.), Chapter 9, section 301. These regulations are revised pursuant to provisions of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Public Law 107-228 (the Act). This Act authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to publish regulations mandating that all persons who are required to file export information under Chapter 9 of 13 U.S.C., file such information through the Automated Export System (AES) for all shipments where a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) was previously required. The law further authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue regulations regarding imposition of civil and criminal penalties for violations of the provisions of the Act and these regulations.

(b) Electronic filing through the AES strengthens the U.S. government's ability to prevent the export of certain items to unauthorized destinations and/or end users because the AES aids in targeting, identifying, and when necessary confiscating suspicious or illegal shipments prior to exportation.

(c) Definitions used in the FTR. As used in this part, the following definitions apply:

AES applicant. The USPPI or authorized agent who reports export information electronically to the AES, or through AESDirect.

AESDirect. An Internet portal within the Automated Commercial Environment that allows USPPIs and authorized agents to transmit EEI to the AES. All regulatory requirements pertaining to the AES also apply to AESDirect.

AES downtime filing citation. A statement used in place of a proof of filing citation when the AES or AESDirect are inoperable.

Air waybill. The shipping document used for the transportation of air freight includes conditions, limitations of liability, shipping instructions, description of commodity, and applicable transportation charges. It is generally similar to a straight non-negotiable bill of lading and is used for similar purposes.

Annotation. An explanatory note (e.g., proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption or exclusion legend) on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions, other commercial loading documents or electronic equivalent.

Authorized agent. An individual or legal entity physically located in or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the United States that has obtained power of attorney or written authorization from a USPPI or FPPI to act on its behalf, and for purposes of this part, to complete and file the EEI.

Automated Broker Interface (ABI). A CBP system through which an importer or licensed customs broker can electronically file entry and entry summary data on goods imported into the United States.

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). A CBP authorized electronic data interchange system for processing import and export data.

Automated Export System (AES). The system for collecting EEI (or any successor to the Shipper's Export Declaration) from persons exporting goods from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; between Puerto Rico and the United States; and to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States or Puerto Rico. The AES is currently accessed through the Automated Commercial Environment.

Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements (AESTIR). The document that describes the technical and operational requirements of the AES. The AESTIR presents record formats and other reference information used in the AES.

Bill of Lading (BL). A document that establishes the terms of a contract under which freight is to be moved between specified points for a specified charge. It is issued by the carrier based on instructions provided by the shipper or its authorized agent. It may serve as a document of title, a contract of carriage, and a receipt for goods.

Bond. An instrument used by CBP as security to ensure the payment of duties, taxes and fees and/or compliance with certain requirements such as the submission of manifest information.

Bonded warehouse. An approved private warehouse used for the storage of goods until duties or taxes are paid and the goods are properly released by CBP. Bonds must be posted by the warehouse proprietor and by the importer to indemnify the government if the goods are released improperly.

Booking. A reservation made with a carrier for a shipment of goods on a specific voyage, flight, truck or train.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce is concerned with the advancement of U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests. The BIS is responsible for regulating the export of sensitive goods and technologies; enforcing export control, antiboycott, and public safety laws; cooperating with and assisting other countries on export control and strategic trade issues; and assisting U.S. industry to comply with international arms control agreements.

Buyer. The principal in the export transaction that purchases the commodities for delivery to the ultimate consignee. The buyer and ultimate consignee may be the same.

Cargo. Goods being transported.

Carnet. An international customs document that allows the carnet holder to import into the United States or export to foreign countries certain goods on a temporary basis without the payment of duties.

Carrier. An individual or legal entity in the business of transporting passengers or goods. Airlines, trucking companies, railroad companies, shipping lines, pipeline companies, slot charterers, and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) are all examples of carriers.

Civil penalty. A monetary penalty imposed on a USPPI, authorized agent, FPPI, carrier, or other party to the transaction for violating the FTR, including failing to file export information, filing false or misleading information, filing information late, and/or using the AES to further any illegal activity, and/or violating any other regulations of this part.

Commerce Control List (CCL). A list of items found in Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the EAR. Supplement No. 2 to Part 774 of the EAR contains the General Technology and Software Notes relevant to entries contained in the CCL.

Commercial loading document. A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company under which freight is to be moved between points for a specific charge. It is usually prepared by the shipper, the shipper's agent or the carrier and serves as a contract of carriage. Examples of commercial loading documents include the air waybill, ocean bill of lading, truck bill, rail bill of lading, and U.S. Postal Service customs declaration form.

Compliance alert. An electronic response sent to the filer by the AES when the shipment was not reported in accordance with this part (e.g., late filing). The filer is required to review their filing practices and take steps to conform with export reporting requirements.

Consignee. The person or entity named in a freight contract, a contract of carriage that designates to whom goods have been consigned, and that has the legal right to claim the goods at the destination.

Consignment. Delivery of goods from a USPPI (the consignor) to an agent (consignee) under agreement that the agent sells the goods for the account of the USPPI.

Container. The term container shall mean an article of transport equipment (lift-van, movable tank or other similar structure):

(i) Fully or partially enclosed to constitute a compartment intended for containing goods;

(ii) Of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use;

(iii) Specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods, by one or more modes of transport, without intermediate reloading;

(iv) Designed for ready handling, particularly when being transferred from one mode of transport to another;

(v) Designed to be easy to fill and to empty; and

(vi) Having an internal volume of one cubic meter or more; the term “container” shall include the accessories and equipment of the container, appropriate for the type concerned, provided that such accessories and equipment are carried with the container. The term “container” shall not include vehicles, accessories or spare parts of vehicles, or packaging. Demountable bodies are to be treated as containers.

Controlling agency. The agency responsible for the license determination on specified goods exported from the United States.

Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods is the sum of expenses incurred in the USPPI acquisition or production of the goods.

Country of origin. The country where the goods were mined, grown, or manufactured or where each foreign material used or incorporated in a good underwent a change in tariff classification indicating a substantial transformation under the applicable rule of origin for the good. The country of origin for U.S. imports are reported in terms of the International Standards Organization (ISO) codes designated in the Schedule C, Classification of Country and Territory Designations.

Country of ultimate destination. The country where the goods are to be consumed, further processed, stored, or manufactured, as known to the USPPI at the time of export. (See § 30.6(a)(5).

Criminal penalty. For the purpose of this part, a penalty imposed for knowingly or willfully violating the FTR, including failing to file export information, filing false or misleading information, filing information late, and/or using the AES to further illegal activity. The criminal penalty includes fines, imprisonment, and/or forfeiture.

Customs broker. An individual or entity licensed to enter and clear imported goods through CBP for another individual or entity.

Destination. The foreign location to which a shipment is consigned.

Diplomatic pouch. Any properly identified and sealed pouch, package, envelope, bag, or other container that is used to transport official correspondence, documents, and articles intended for official use, between embassies, legations, or consulates, and the foreign office of any government.

Distributor. An agent who sells directly for a supplier and maintains an inventory of the supplier's products.

Domestic goods. Goods that are grown, produced, or manufactured in the United States, or previously imported goods that have undergone substantial transformation in the United States, including changes made in a U.S. FTZ, from the form in which they were imported, or that have been substantially enhanced in value or improved in condition by further processing or manufacturing in the United States.

Drayage. The charge made for hauling freight, carts, drays, or trucks.

Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS). The DUNS Number is a unique 9-digit identification sequence that provides identifiers to single business entities while linking corporate family structures together.

Dunnage. Materials placed around cargo to prevent shifting or damage while in transit.

Duty. A charge imposed on the import of goods. Duties are generally based on the value of the goods (ad valorem duties), some other factor, such as weight or quantity (specific duties), or a combination of value and other factors (compound duties).

Electronic CBP Form 214 Admissions (e214). An automated CBP mechanism that allows importers, brokers, and zone operators to report FTZ admission information electronically via the CBP's Automated Broker Interface. The e214 is the electronic mechanism that replaced the Census Bureau's Automated Foreign Trade Zone Reporting Program (AFTZRP).

Electronic Export Information (EEI). The electronic export data as filed in the AES. This is the electronic equivalent of the export data formerly collected on the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) and now mandated to be filed through the AES or AESDirect.

Employer identification number (EIN). The USPPI's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) EIN is the 9-digit numerical code as reported on the Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return, Treasury Form 941.

End user. The person abroad that receives and ultimately uses the exported or reexported items. The end user is not an authorized agent or intermediary, but may be the FPPI or ultimate consignee.

Enhancement. A change or modification to goods that increases their value or improves their condition.

Entry number. Consists of a three-position entry filer code and a seven-position transaction code, plus a check digit assigned by the entry filer as a tracking number for goods entered into the United States.

Equipment number. The identification number for shipping equipment, such as container or igloo (Unit Load Device (ULD)) number, truck license number, or rail car number.

Exclusions. Transactions outside of the scope of the FTR that are excluded from the requirement of filing EEI.

Exemption. A specific reason as cited within this part that eliminates the requirement for filing EEI.

Exemption legend. A notation placed on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions, or other commercial loading document that describes the basis for not filing EEI for an export transaction. The exemption legend shall reference the number of the section or provision in the FTR where the particular exemption is provided (See appendix B to this part).

Export. To send or transport goods out of a country.

Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Regulations administered by the BIS that, among other things, provide specific instructions on the use and types of export licenses required for certain commodities, software, and technology. These regulations are located in 15 CFR parts 730 through 774.

Export control. Governmental control of exports for statistical or strategic and short supply or national security purposes, and/or for foreign policy purposes.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). The number used to identify items on the CCL, Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the EAR. The ECCN consists of a set of digits and a letter. Items that are not classified under an ECCN are designated “EAR99.” Section 738.2 of the EAR describes the ECCN format.

Export license. A controlling agency's document authorizing export of particular goods in specific quantities or values to a particular destination. Issuing agencies include, but are not limited to, the U.S. State Department; the BIS; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms; and the Drug Enforcement Administration permit to export.

Export statistics. The measure of quantity and value of goods (except for shipments to U.S. military forces overseas) moving out of the United States to foreign countries, whether such goods are exported from within the Customs territory of the United States, a CBP bonded warehouse, or a U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).

Fatal error message. An electronic response sent to the filer by the AES when invalid or missing data has been encountered, the EEI has been rejected, and the information is not on file in the AES.

Filer. The USPPI or authorized agent (of either the USPPI or FPPI) who has been approved to file EEI.

Filer ID. The Employer Identification Number or Dun & Bradstreet Number of the company or individual filing the export information in the Automated Export System.

Filing electronic export information. The act of entering the EEI in the AES.

Foreign entity. A person that temporarily enters into the United States and purchases or obtains goods for export. This person does not physically maintain an office or residence in the United States. This is a special class of USPPI.

Foreign goods. Goods that were originally grown, produced, or manufactured in a foreign country, then subsequently entered into the United States, admitted to a U.S. FTZ, or entered into a CBP bonded warehouse, but not substantially transformed in form or condition by further processing or manufacturing in the United States, U.S. FTZs, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Foreign port of unlading. The port in a foreign country where the goods are removed from the exporting carrier. The foreign port does not have to be located in the country of destination. The foreign port of unlading shall be reported in terms of the Schedule K, “Classification of CBP Foreign Ports by Geographic Trade Area and Country.”

Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI). The party abroad 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.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). Specially licensed commercial and industrial areas in or near ports of entry where foreign and domestic goods, including raw materials, components, and finished goods, may be brought in without being subject to payment of customs duties. Goods brought into these zones may be stored, sold, exhibited, repacked, assembled, sorted, graded, cleaned, manufactured, or otherwise manipulated prior to reexport or entry into the country's customs territory.

Forwarding agent. The person in the United States who is authorized by the principal party in interest to facilitate the movement of the cargo from the United States to the foreign destination and/or prepare and file the required documentation.

Goods. Merchandise, supplies, raw materials, and products or any other item identified by a Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) code.

Harmonized system. A method of classifying goods for international trade developed by the Customs Cooperation Council (now the World Customs Organization).

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUSA). An organized listing of goods and their duty rates, developed by the U.S. International Trade Commission, as the basis for classifying imported products.

Household goods. Usual and reasonable kinds and quantities of personal property necessary and appropriate for use by the USPPI in the USPPI's dwelling in a foreign country that are shipped under a bill of lading or an air waybill and are not intended for sale.

Imports. All goods physically brought into the United States, including:

(1) Goods of foreign origin, and

(2) Goods of domestic origin returned to the United States without substantial transformation affecting a change in tariff classification under an applicable rule of origin.

Inbond. A procedure administered by CBP under which goods are transported or warehoused under CBP supervision until the goods are either formally entered into the customs territory of the United States and duties are paid, or until they are exported from the United States. The procedure is so named because the cargo moves under a bond (financial liability assured by the principal on the bond) from the gateway seaport, airport, or land border port and remains “inbond” until CBP releases the cargo at the inland Customs point or at the port of export.

Inland freight. The cost to ship goods between points inland and the seaport, airport, or land border port of exportation, other than baggage, express mail, or regular mail.

Intermediate consignee. The person or entity in the foreign country who acts as an agent for the principal party in interest with the purpose of effecting delivery of items to the ultimate consignee. The intermediate consignee may be a bank, forwarding agent, or other person who acts as an agent for a principal party in interest.

Internal Transaction Number (ITN). The AES generated number assigned to a shipment confirming that an EEI transaction was accepted and is on file in the AES.

International Standards Organization (ISO) Country Codes. The 2-position alphabetic ISO code for countries used to identify countries for which shipments are reportable.

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Regulations administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls within the U.S. State Department that provide for the control of the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services. These regulations are located in 22 CFR 120-130.

International waters. Waters located outside the U.S. territorial sea, which extends 12 nautical miles measured from the baselines of the United States, and outside the territory of any foreign country, including the territorial waters thereof. Note that vessels, platforms, buoys, undersea systems, and other similar structures that are located in international waters, but are attached permanently or temporarily to a country's continental shelf, are considered to be within the territory of that country.

Interplant correspondence. Records or documents from a U.S. firm to its subsidiary or affiliate, whether in the United States or overseas.

In-transit. Goods shipped through the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from one foreign country or area to another foreign country or area without entering the consumption channels of the United States.

Issued banknote. A promissory note intended to circulate as money, usually printed on paper or plastic, issued by a bank with a specific denomination, payable to an individual, entity or the bearer.

Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC). A forgery resistant document used to certify the origin of rough diamonds from sources which are free of conflict.

License applicant. The person who applies for an export or reexport license. (For example, obtaining a license for commodities, software, or technology that are listed on the CCL.)

License exception. An authorization that allows a USPPI or other appropriate party to export or reexport under stated conditions, items subject to the EAR that would otherwise require a license under the EAR. The BIS License Exceptions are currently contained in Part 740 of the EAR (15 CFR part 740).

Manifest. A collection of documents, including forms, such as the cargo declaration and annotated bills of lading, that lists and describes the cargo contents of a carrier, container, or warehouse. Carriers required to file manifests with CBP Port Director must include an AES filing citation, or exemption or exclusion legend for all cargo being transported.

Mass-market software. Software that is produced in large numbers and made available to the public. It does not include software that is customized for a specific user.

Merchandise. Goods, wares, and chattels of every description, and includes merchandise the exportation of which is prohibited, and monetary instruments as defined in 31 U.S.C. 5312.

Method of transportation. The method by which goods are exported from the United States by way of seaports, airports, or land border crossing points. Methods of transportation include vessel, air, truck, rail, mail or other. Method of transportation is synonymous with mode of transportation.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The formal agreement, or treaty, among Canada, Mexico, and the United States to promote trade amongst the three countries. It includes measures for the elimination of tariffs and nontariff barriers to trade, as well as numerous specific provisions concerning the conduct of trade and investment.

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). An agency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury that administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The OFAC acts under Presidential wartime and national emergency powers, as well as authority granted by specific legislation, to impose controls on transactions and freeze foreign assets under U.S. jurisdiction.

Order party. The person in the United States that conducts the direct negotiations or correspondence with the foreign purchaser or ultimate consignee and who, as a result of these negotiations, receives the order from the FPPI. If a U.S. order party directly arranges for the sale and export of goods to the FPPI, the U.S. order party shall be listed as the USPPI in the EEI.

Packing list. A list showing the number and kinds of items being shipped, as well as other information needed for transportation purposes.

Partnership agencies. U.S. government agencies that have statistical and analytical reporting and/or monitoring and enforcement responsibilities related to AES postdeparture filing privileges.

Party ID type. Identifies whether the Party ID is an EIN, DUNS, or Foreign Entity reported to the AES, for example, E = EIN, D = DUNS, T = Foreign Entity.

Person. Any natural person, corporation partnership or other legal entity of any kind, domestic or foreign.

Port of export. The port of export is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seaport or airport where the goods are loaded on the aircraft or vessel that is taking the goods out of the United States, or the CBP port where exports by overland transportation cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico. For EEI reporting purposes only, for goods loaded aboard an aircraft or vessel that stops at several ports before clearing to the foreign country, the port of export is the first CBP port where the goods were loaded. For goods off-loaded from the original conveyance to another conveyance (even if the aircraft or vessel belongs to the same carrier) at any of the ports, the port where the goods were loaded on the last conveyance before going foreign is the port of export. The port of export is reported in terms of Schedule D, “Classification of CBP Districts and Ports.” Use port code 8000 for shipments by mail.

Postdeparture filing. The privilege granted to approved USPPIs for their EEI to be filed up to five (5) calendar days after the date of export.

Postdeparture filing citation. A notation placed on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions, or other commercial loading documents that states that the EEI will be filed after departure of the carrier. (See appendix B of this part.)

Power of attorney. A legal authorization, in writing, from a USPPI or FPPI stating that an agent has authority to act as the principal party's true and lawful agent for purposes of preparing and filing the EEI in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United States. (See Appendix A of this part.)

Primary benefit. Receiving the majority payment or exchange of item of value or other legal consideration resulting from an export trade transaction; usually monetary.

Principal parties in interest. Those persons in a transaction that receive the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the transaction. Generally, the principals in a transaction are the seller and the buyer. In most cases, the forwarding or other agent is not a principal party in interest.

Proof of filing citation. A notation on the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions, other commercial loading document or electronic equivalent, usually for carrier use, that provides evidence that the EEI has been filed and accepted in the AES.

Related party transaction. A transaction involving trade between a USPPI and an ultimate consignee where either party owns directly or indirectly 10 percent or more of the other party.

Remission. The cancellation or release from a penalty, including fines, and/or forfeiture, under this part.

Retention. The necessary act of keeping all documentation pertaining to an export transaction for a period of at least five years for an EEI filing, or a time frame designated by the controlling agency for licensed shipments, whichever is longer.

Routed export transaction. A transaction in which the FPPI authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate export of items from the United States on its behalf and prepare and file the EEI.

Schedule B. The Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States. These 10-digit commodity classification numbers are administered by the Census Bureau and cover everything from live animals and food products to computers and airplanes. It should also be noted that all import and export codes used by the United States are based on the Harmonized Tariff System.

Schedule C. The Classification of Country and Territory Designations. The Schedule C provides a list of country of origin codes. The country of origin is reported in terms of the International Standards Organization codes.

Schedule D. The Classification of CBP districts and ports. The Schedule D provides a list of CBP districts and ports and the corresponding numeric codes used in compiling U.S. foreign trade statistics.

Schedule K. The Classification of Foreign Ports by Geographic Trade Area and Country. The Schedule K lists the major seaports of the world that directly handle waterborne shipments in the foreign trade of the United States, and includes numeric codes to identify these ports. This schedule is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Seller. A principal in the transaction, usually the manufacturer, producer, wholesaler, or distributor of the goods, that receives the monetary benefit or other consideration for the exported goods.

Service center. A company, entity, or organization that has been certified and approved to facilitate the transmission of EEI to the AES.

Shipment. All goods being sent from one USPPI to one consignee located in a single country of destination on a single conveyance and on the same day. Except as noted in § 30.2(a)(1)(iv), the EEI shall be filed when the value of the goods is over $2,500 per Schedule B or HTSUSA commodity classification code.

Shipment Reference Number (SRN). A unique identification number assigned to the shipment by the filer for reference purposes. The reuse of the SRN is prohibited.

Shipper's Export Declaration (SED). The Department of Commerce paper form used under the Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations to collect information from an entity exporting from the United States. This form was used for compiling the official U.S. export statistics for the United States and for export control purposes. The SED became obsolete on October 1, 2008, with the implementation of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and has been superseded by the EEI filed in the AES or through the AESDirect.

Shipping documents. Documents that include but are not limited to commercial invoices, export shipping instructions, packing lists, bill of ladings and air waybills.

Shipping weight. The total weight of a shipment in kilograms including goods and packaging.

Split shipment. A shipment covered by a single EEI record booked for export on one conveyance, that is divided by the exporting carrier prior to export where the cargo is sent on two or more of the same conveyances of the same carrier leaving from the same port of export within 24 hours by vessel or 7 days by air, truck or rail.

Subzone. A special purpose foreign trade zone established as part of a foreign trade zone project with a limited purpose that cannot be accommodated within an existing zone. Subzones are often established to serve the needs of a specific company and may be located within an existing facility of the company.

Tariff schedule. A comprehensive list or schedule of goods with applicable duty rates to be paid or charged for each listed article as it enters or leaves a country.

Transmitting electronic export information. The act of sending the completed EEI to the AES.

Transportation Reference Number (TRN). A reservation number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the carrier for cargo being shipped. It is the booking number for vessel shipments, the master air waybill number for air shipments, the bill of lading number for rail shipments, and the freight or pro bill for truck shipments.

Transshipment. The transfer of merchandise from the country or countries of origin through an intermediary country or countries to the country of ultimate destination.

Ultimate consignee. The person, party, or designee that is located abroad and actually receives the export shipment. This party may be the end user or the FPPI.

United States Munitions List (USML). Articles and services designated for defense purposes under the ITAR and specified in 22 CFR 121.

Unlading. The physical removal of cargo from an aircraft, truck, rail, or vessel.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The border agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry of the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). An agency within the DHS that is responsible for enforcing customs, immigration and related laws and investigating violations of laws to secure the Nation's borders.

U.S. Postal Service customs declaration form. The shipping document, or its electronic equivalent, that a mailer prepares to declare the contents for the purposes of domestic and foreign customs authorizations and other relevant government agencies. For more information, please see Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, International Mail Manual, section 123.

U.S. principal party in interest (USPPI). The person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction. Generally, that person or entity is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, or order party, or the foreign entity while in the United States when purchasing or obtaining the goods for export.

Value. The selling price (or the cost if the goods are not sold) in U.S. dollars, plus inland or domestic freight, insurance, and other charges to the U.S. seaport, airport, or land border port of export. Cost of goods is the sum of expenses incurred in the USPPI's acquisition or production of the goods. (See § 30.6(a)(17)).

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A number issued by the manufacturer and used for the identification of a self-propelled vehicle.

Verify message. An electronic response sent to the filer by the AES when an unlikely condition is found.

Violation of the FTR. Failure of the USPPI, FPPI, authorized agent of the USPPI, FPPI, carrier, or other party to the transaction to comply with the requirements set forth in 15 CFR 30, for each export shipment.

Voided Kimberley Process Certificate. A Kimberley Process Certificate intended to be used for the exportation of rough diamonds from the United States that has been cancelled for reasons such as loss or error.

Voluntary Self-Disclosure (VSD). A narrative account with supporting documentation that sufficiently describes suspected violations of the FTR. A VSD reflects due diligence in detecting, and correcting potential violation(s) when required information was not reported or when incorrect information was provided that violates the FTR.

Warning message. An electronic response sent to the filer by the AES when certain incomplete and conflicting data reporting conditions are encountered.

Wholesaler/distributor. An agent who sells directly for a supplier and maintains an inventory of the supplier's products.

Written authorization. An authorization, in writing, by the USPPI or FPPI stating that the agent has authority to act as the USPPI's or FPPI's true and lawful agent for purposes of preparing and filing the EEI in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United States. (See Appendix A of this part.)

Zone admission number. A unique and sequential number assigned by a FTZ operator or user for shipments admitted to a zone.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 74 FR 38916, Aug. 5, 2009; 78 FR 16373, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18388, Apr. 19, 2017; 82 FR 43843, Sept. 20, 2017; 83 FR 17751, Apr. 24, 2018]

(a) Filing requirements. (1) The EEI shall be filed through the AES by the United States Principal Party In Interest (USPPI), the USPPI's authorized agent, or the authorized U.S. agent of the Foreign Principal Party In Interest (FPPI) for all exports of physical goods, including shipments moving pursuant to orders received over the Internet. The Automated Export System (AES) is the electronic system for collecting Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) (or any successor document) information from persons exporting goods from the United States, Puerto Rico, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) located in the United States or Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, between Puerto Rico and the United States, and to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States or Puerto Rico. Exceptions, exclusions, and exemptions to this requirement are provided for in paragraph (d) of this section and Subpart D of this part. References to the AES also shall apply to AESDirect unless otherwise specified. For purposes of the regulations in this part, the SED information shall be referred to as EEI. Filing through the AES shall be done in accordance with the definitions, specifications, and requirements of the regulations in this part for all export shipments, except as specifically excluded in § 30.2(d) or exempted in Subpart D of this part, when shipped as follows:

(i) To foreign countries or areas, including free (foreign trade) zones located therein (see § 30.36 for exemptions for shipments from the United States to Canada) from any of the following:

(A) The United States, including the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

(B) Puerto Rico.

(C) FTZs located in the United States or Puerto Rico.

(D) The U.S. Virgin Islands.

(ii) Between any of the following nonforeign areas including goods previously admitted to customs warehouses or FTZs and moving under a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) bond:

(A) To Puerto Rico from the United States.

(B) To the United States from Puerto Rico.

(C) To the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States or Puerto Rico.

(iii) The EEI shall be filed for goods moving as described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section by any mode of transportation. (Instructions for filing EEI for vessels, aircraft, railway cars, and other carriers when sold while outside the areas described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) are covered in § 30.26.)

(iv) Notwithstanding exemptions in Subpart D, EEI shall be filed for the following types of export shipments, regardless of value:

(A) Requiring a Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) license or requiring reporting under the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 758.1(b)).

(B) Requiring a Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) license under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120 through 130).

(C) Subject to the ITAR, but exempt from license requirements, except as noted by the ITAR.

(D) Requiring a Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) export permit (21 CFR 1312).

(E) Requiring a general or specific export license issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under 10 CFR part 110.

(F) Requiring an export license issued by any other federal government agency.

(G) Classified as rough diamonds under 6-digit HS subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31.

(H) Used self-propelled vehicles as defined in 19 CFR 192.1 of U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, except as noted in CBP regulations.

Note to paragraph (a)(1)(iv):

For the filing requirement for exports destined for a country in Country Group E:1 or E:2 as set forth in the Supplement No. 1 to 15 CFR part 740, see FTR § 30.16.

(2) Filing methods. The USPPI has four means for filing EEI: use AESDirect; develop AES software using the AESTIR (see www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/automated/aes/tech_docs/aestir/); purchase software developed by certified vendors using the AESTIR; or use an authorized agent. An FPPI can only use an authorized agent in a routed transaction.

(b) General requirements—(1) The EEI shall be filed prior to exportation (see § 30.4) unless the USPPI has been approved to submit export data on a postdeparture basis (see § 30.5(c)). Shipments requiring a license or license exemption may be filed postdeparture only when the appropriate licensing agency has granted the USPPI authorization. See Subpart B of this part.

(2) Specific data elements required for EEI filing are contained in § 30.6.

(3) The AES downtime procedures provide uniform instructions for processing export transactions when the government's AES or AESDirect is unavailable for transmission. (See § 30.4(b)(1) and (4)).

(4) Instructions for particular types of transactions and exemptions from these requirements are found in Subparts C and D of this part.

(5) The EEI is required to be filed in the AES prior to export for shipments by vessel going directly to the countries identified in U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 4.75(c) and by aircraft going directly or indirectly to those countries. (See U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 122.74(b)(2).)

(c) Application and certification process. The USPPI or authorized agent will either submit an ACE Exporter Account Application or a Letter of Intent based on their transmission method and, as a result, may be subject to the certification process.

(1) AESDirect. USPPIs or authorized agents who choose to file via the AESDirect shall complete an online ACE Exporter Account Application. In addition, once the ACE Exporter Account is created, all users must agree to the AES Certification Statements prior to filing through AESDirect.

(2) Methods other than AESDirect. USPPIs or authorized agents who choose to file by a means other than AESDirect shall submit a Letter of Intent to CBP and may be required to complete the certification process.

(i) Certification. A two-part communication test to ascertain whether the system is capable of both transmitting data to and receiving responses from the AES. CBP client representatives make the sole determination as to whether or not the system of the self-programming filer, service center, or software vendor passes certification.

(ii) Parties requiring certification:

(A) Self-programming USPPIs or authorized agents;

(B) Service centers; and

(C) Software vendors who develop AES software.

(d) Exclusions from filing EEI. The following types of transactions are outside the scope of this part and shall be excluded from EEI filing.

(1) Goods shipped under CBP bond through the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands from one foreign country or area to another where such goods do not enter the consumption channels of the United States.

(2) Except Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, goods shipped from the U.S. territories and goods shipped between the United States and these territories do not require EEI filing. However, goods transiting U.S. territories to foreign destinations require EEI filing.

(3) Electronic transmissions and intangible transfers.

(4) Goods shipped to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba from the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands and from Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (See § 30.39 for filing requirements for shipments exported to the U.S. Armed Services.)

(5) Goods licensed by a U.S. federal government agency where the country of ultimate destination is the United States or goods destined to international waters where the person(s) or entity assuming control of the item(s) is a citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States or a juridical entity organized under the laws of the United States or a jurisdiction within the United States.

(e) Penalties. Failure of the USPPI, the authorized agent of either the USPPI or the FPPI, the exporting carrier, or any other person subject thereto to comply with any of the requirements of the regulations in this part renders such persons subject to the penalties provided for in Subpart H of this part.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 16375, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18389, Apr. 19, 2017; 88 FR 54326, Aug. 10, 2023]

(a) General requirements. The filer of EEI for export transactions is either the USPPI, or the U.S. authorized agent. All EEI submitted to the AES shall be complete, correct, and based on personal knowledge of the facts stated or on information furnished by the parties to the export transaction. The filer shall be physically located in the United States at the time of filing, have an EIN or DUNS and be certified to report in the AES. In the event that the filer does not have an EIN or DUNS, the filer must obtain an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service. The filer is responsible for the truth, accuracy, and completeness of the EEI, except insofar as that party can demonstrate that it reasonably relied on information furnished by other responsible persons participating in the transaction. All parties involved in export transactions, including U.S. authorized agents, should be aware that invoices and other commercial documents may not necessarily contain all the information needed to prepare the EEI. The parties shall ensure that all information needed for reporting to the AES, including correct export licensing information, is provided to the U.S. authorized agent for the purpose of correctly preparing the EEI.

(b) Parties to the export transaction—(1) Principal parties in interest. Those persons in a transaction that receive the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, are considered principal parties to the transaction. Generally, the principal parties in interest in a transaction are the seller and buyer. In most cases, the forwarding or other agent is not a principal party in interest.

(2) USPPI. For purposes of filing EEI, the USPPI is the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the transaction. Generally, that person or entity is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, order party, or foreign entity if in the United States at the time goods are purchased or obtained for export. The foreign entity shall be listed as the USPPI if it is in the United States when the items are purchased or obtained for export. The foreign entity shall then follow the provisions for filing the EEI specified in §§ 30.3 and 30.6 pertaining to the USPPI.

(i) If a U.S. manufacturer sells goods directly to an entity in a foreign area, the U.S. manufacturer shall be listed as the USPPI in the EEI.

(ii) If a U.S. manufacturer sells goods, as a domestic sale, to a U.S. buyer (wholesaler/distributor) and that U.S. buyer sells the goods for export to a FPPI, the U.S. buyer (wholesaler/distributor) shall be listed as the USPPI in the EEI.

(iii) If a U.S. order party directly arranges for the sale and export of goods to the FPPI, the U.S. order party shall be listed as the USPPI in the EEI.

(iv) If a customs broker is listed as the importer of record when entering goods into the United States for immediate consumption or warehousing entry, the customs broker may be listed as the USPPI in the EEI if the goods are subsequently exported without change or enhancement.

(v) If a foreign person is listed as the importer of record when entering goods into the United States for immediate consumption or warehousing entry, the customs broker who entered the goods, may be listed as the USPPI in the EEI if the goods are subsequently exported without change or enhancement.

(3) Authorized agent. The agent shall be authorized by the USPPI or, in the case of a routed export transaction, the agent shall be authorized by the FPPI to prepare and file the EEI. In a routed export transaction, the authorized agent can be the “exporter” for export control purposes as defined in 15 CFR 772.1 of the U.S. Department of Commerce EAR. However, the authorized agent shall not be shown as the USPPI in the EEI unless the agent acts as a USPPI in the export transaction as defined in paragraphs (b)(2)(iii), (iv), and (v) of this section.

(4) Carrier. A carrier is an individual or legal entity in the business of transporting passengers or goods. Airlines, trucking companies, railroad companies, shipping lines, and pipeline companies are all examples of carriers.

(c) General responsibilities of parties in export transactions—(1) USPPI responsibilities. (i) The USPPI can prepare and file the EEI itself, or it can authorize an agent to prepare and file the EEI on its behalf. If the USPPI prepares the EEI itself, the USPPI is responsible for the accuracy and timely transmission of all the export information reported to the AES.

(ii) When the USPPI authorizes an agent to file the EEI on its behalf, the USPPI is responsible for:

(A) Providing the authorized agent with accurate and timely export information necessary to file the EEI.

(B) Providing the authorized agent with a power of attorney or written authorization to file the EEI (see paragraph (f) of this section for written authorization requirements for agents).

(C) Retaining documentation to support the information provided to the authorized agent for filing the EEI, as specified in § 30.10.

(2) Authorized agent responsibilities. The agent, when authorized by a USPPI to prepare and file the EEI for an export transaction, is responsible for performing the following activities:

(i) Accurate preparation and timely filing of the EEI based on information received from the USPPI and other parties involved in the transaction.

(ii) Obtaining a power of attorney or written authorization from the USPPI to file the EEI.

(iii) Retaining documentation to support the information reported to the AES, as specified in § 30.10.

(iv) Upon request, providing the USPPI with a copy of the export information filed in a mutually agreed upon format.

(3) Carrier responsibilities. (i) The carrier must not load or move cargo unless the required documentation, from the USPPI or authorized agent, contains the required AES proof of filing, postdeparture, downtime, exclusion or exemption citations. This information must be cited on the first page of the bill of lading, air waybill, or other commercial loading documents.

(ii) The carrier must annotate the AES proof of filing, postdeparture, downtime, exclusion or exemption citations on the carrier's outbound manifest when required.

(iii) The carrier is responsible for presenting the required AES proof of filing, postdeparture, downtime, exclusion or exemption citations to the CBP Port Director at the port of export as stated in Subpart E of this part. Such presentation shall be without material change or amendment of the proof of filing, postdeparture, downtime, exclusion or exemption citation.

(iv) The carrier shall notify the USPPI or the authorized agent of changes to the transportation data, and the USPPI or the authorized agent shall electronically transmit the corrections, cancellations, or amendments as soon as the corrections are known in accordance with § 30.9. Manifest amendments must be made in accordance with CBP regulations.

(v) Retain documents pertaining to the export shipment as specified in § 30.10.

(d) Filer responsibilities. Responsibilities of USPPIs and authorized agents filing EEI are as follows:

(1) Filing complete and accurate information (see § 30.4 for a delineation of filing responsibilities of USPPIs and authorized agents).

(2) Filing information in a timely manner in accordance with the provisions and requirements contained in this part.

(3) Responding to fatal errors, warning, verify and reminder messages, and compliance alerts generated by the AES in accordance with provisions and requirements contained in this part.

(4) Providing the exporting carrier with the required proof of filing citations or exemption legends in accordance with provisions contained in this part.

(5) Promptly filing corrections or cancellations to EEI in accordance with provisions contained in § 30.9.

(6) Retaining all necessary and proper documentation related to EEI transactions in accordance with provisions contained in this part (see § 30.10 for specific requirements for retaining and producing documentation for export shipments).

(e) Responsibilities of parties in a routed export transaction. The Census Bureau recognizes “routed export transactions” as a subset of export transactions. A routed export transaction is a transaction in which the FPPI authorizes a U.S. agent to facilitate the export of items from the United States and to prepare and file EEI.

(1) USPPI responsibilities. In a routed export transaction, the FPPI may authorize or agree to allow the USPPI to prepare and file the EEI. If the FPPI agrees to allow the USPPI to file the EEI, the FPPI must provide a written authorization to the USPPI assuming the responsibility for filing. The USPPI may authorize an agent to file the EEI on its behalf. If the USPPI or its agent prepares and files the EEI, it shall retain documentation to support the EEI filed. If the FPPI agrees to allow the USPPI to file EEI, the filing of the export transaction shall be treated as a routed export transaction. If the FPPI authorizes an agent to prepare and file the EEI, the USPPI shall retain documentation to support the information provided to the agent for preparing the EEI as specified in § 30.10 and provide the agent with the following information to assist in preparing the EEI:

(i) Name and address of the USPPI.

(ii) USPPI Identification Number.

(iii) State of origin (State).

(iv) FTZ if applicable.

(v) Commercial description of commodities.

(vi) Origin of goods indicator: Domestic (D) or Foreign (F).

(vii) Schedule B or HTSUSA, Classification Commodity Code.

(viii) Quantities/units of measure.

(ix) Value.

(x) Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) or sufficient technical information to determine the ECCN.

(xi) All licensing information necessary to file the EEI for commodities where the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, or other U.S. government agency issues a license for the commodities being exported, or the merchandise is being exported under a license exemption or license exception.

(xii) Any information that it knows will affect the determination of license authorization (see Subpart B of this part for additional information on licensing requirements).

Note to paragraph (e)(1) of this section:

For items in paragraph (e) (1) (ix), (x),(xi) and (xii) of this section, where the FPPI has assumed responsibility for determining and obtaining license authority see requirements set forth in 15 CFR 758.3 of the EAR.

(2) Authorized agent responsibilities. In a routed export transaction, if an authorized agent is preparing and filing the EEI on behalf of the FPPI, the authorized agent must obtain a power of attorney or written authorization from the FPPI and prepare and file the EEI based on information obtained from the USPPI or other parties involved in the transaction. The authorized agent shall be responsible for filing EEI accurately and timely in accordance with the FTR. Upon request, the authorized agent will provide the USPPI with a copy of the power of attorney or written authorization from the FPPI. The authorized agent shall also retain documentation to support the EEI reported through the AES. The authorized agent shall upon request, provide the USPPI with the data elements in paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (xii) of this section, the date of export as submitted through the AES, the filer name, and the ITN. The authorized agent shall provide the following information through the AES:

(i) Date of export.

(ii) Transportation Reference Number.

(iii) Ultimate consignee.

(iv) Intermediate consignee, if applicable.

(v) Authorized agent name and address.

(vi) EIN or DUNS of the authorized agent.

(vii) Country of ultimate destination.

(viii) Method of transportation.

(ix) Carrier identification and conveyance name.

(x) Port of export.

(xi) Foreign port of unlading.

(xii) Shipping weight.

(xiii) ECCN.

(xiv) License or license exemption information.

(xv) Ultimate consignee type.

Note to paragraph (e)(2) of this section:

For items in paragraphs (e)(2)(xiii) and (xiv) of this section, where the FPPI has assumed responsibility for determining and obtaining license authority, see requirements set forth in 15 CFR 758.3 of the EAR.

(f) Authorizing an agent. In a power of attorney or other written authorization, authority is conferred upon an agent to perform certain specified acts or kinds of acts on behalf of a principal (see 15 CFR 758.1(h) of the EAR). In cases where an authorized agent is filing EEI to the AES, the agent shall obtain a power of attorney or written authorization from a principal party in interest to file the information on its behalf. A power of attorney or written authorization should specify the responsibilities of the parties with particularity and should state that the agent has authority to act on behalf of a principal party in interest as its true and lawful agent for purposes of creating and filing EEI in accordance with the laws and regulations of the United States. In routed export transactions the USPPI is not required to provide an agent of the FPPI with a power of attorney or written authorization.

Note to § 30.3:

The EAR defines the “exporter” as the person in the United States who has the authority of a principal party in interest to determine and control the sending of items out of the United States (see 15 CFR 772 of the EAR). For statistical purposes “exporter” is not defined in the FTR. Instead, however, the USPPI is defined in the FTR.

For purposes of licensing responsibility under the EAR, the U.S. agent of the FPPI may be the “exporter” or applicant on the license in certain routed export transactions (see 15 CFR 758.3 of the EAR). Therefore, due to the differences in export reporting requirements among Federal agencies, conformity of documentation is not required in the FTR. [73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 74 FR 38916, Aug. 5, 2009; 78 FR 16375, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18389, Apr. 19, 2017; 82 FR 43843, Sept 20, 2017; 88 FR 54326, Aug. 10, 2023]

Two electronic filing options (predeparture and postdeparture) for transmitting EEI are available to the USPPI or authorized agent. The electronic postdeparture filing takes into account that complete information concerning export shipments may not always be available prior to exportation and accommodates these circumstances by providing, when authorized, for filing of EEI after departure. For example, for exports of seasonal and agricultural commodities, only estimated quantities, values, and consignees may be known prior to exportation. The procedures for obtaining certification as an AES filer and for applying for authorization to file on a postdeparture basis are described in § 30.5.

(a) EEI transmitted predeparture. The EEI shall always be transmitted prior to departure for the following types of shipments:

(1) Used self-propelled vehicles as defined in 19 CFR 192.1 of U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations.

(2) Essential and precursor chemicals requiring a permit from the DEA;

(3) Shipments defined as “sensitive” by Executive Order;

(4) Shipments where a U.S. government agency requires predeparture filing;

(5) Shipments defined as “routed export transactions” (see § 30.3(e));

(6) Shipments where complete outbound manifests are required prior to clearing vessels going directly to the countries identified in U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 4.75(c) and aircraft going directly or indirectly to those countries. (See U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulation 19 CFR 122.74(b)(2));

(7) Items identified on the USML of the ITAR (22 CFR 121);

(8) Shipments that require a license from the BIS and exports listed under BIS's grounds for denial of postdeparture filing status (see 15 CFR 758.2);

(9) Shipments that require a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

(10) Shipments of rough diamonds classified under HS subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31 and exported (reexported) in accordance with the Kimberley Process; and

(11) Shipments for which the USPPI has not been approved for postdeparture filing.

(b) Filing deadlines for EEI transmitted predeparture. The USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the required EEI and have received the AES ITN no later than the time period specified as follows:

(1) For USML shipments, refer to the ITAR (22 CFR 123.22(b)(1)) for specific requirements concerning predeparture filing time frames. In addition, if a filer is unable to acquire an ITN because the AES or AESDirect is not operating, the filer shall not export until the AES is operating and an ITN is acquired. The downtime filing citation is not to be used when the filer's system is down or experiencing delays.

(2) For non-USML shipments, except shipments between the United States and Puerto Rico, file the EEI and provide the ITN as follows (See § 30.4(b)(3), for filing timeframes for shipments between the United States and Puerto Rico):

(i) For vessel cargo, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI required by § 30.6 and provide the filing citation or exemption legend to the exporting carrier twenty-four hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is laden.

(ii) For air cargo, including cargo being transported by Air Express Couriers, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI required by § 30.6 and provide the filing citation or exemption legend to the exporting carrier no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the aircraft.

(iii) For truck cargo, including cargo departing by Express Consignment Couriers, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI required by § 30.6 and provide the filing citation or exemption legend to the exporting carrier no later than one (1) hour prior to the arrival of the truck at the United States border to go foreign.

(iv) For rail cargo, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI required by § 30.6 and provide the filing citation or exemption legend to the exporting carrier no later than two (2) hours prior to the time the train arrives at the U.S. border to go foreign.

(v) For mail, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI as required by § 30.6 and provide the proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption or exclusion legend to the U.S. Postal Service no later than two (2) hours prior to exportation.

(vi) For all other modes, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the required EEI no later than two (2) hours prior to exportation.

(3) For shipments between the United States and Puerto Rico, the USPPI or authorized agent shall provide the proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption or exclusion legend to the exporting carrier by the time the shipment arrives at the port of unlading.

(4) For non-USML shipments when the AES or AESDirect is unavailable, use the following instructions:

(i) If the participant's AES is unavailable, the filer must delay the export of the goods or find an alternative filing method;

(ii) If AES or AESDirect is unavailable, the goods may be exported and the filer must:

(A) Provide the appropriate downtime filing citation as described in § 30.7(b) and appendix B of this part; and

(B) Report the EEI at the first opportunity AES or AESDirect is available.

(5) For used self-propelled vehicles as defined in 19 CFR 192.1 of U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations, the USPPI or the authorized agent shall file the EEI as required by § 30.6 and provide the filing citation to the CBP at least 72 hours prior to export. The filer must also provide the carrier with the filing citation as required by paragraph (b) of this section.

(c) EEI transmitted postdeparture—(1) Postdeparture filing procedures. Postdeparture filing is only available for approved USPPIs. For all methods of transportation other than pipeline, approved USPPIs or their authorized agent may file data elements required in accordance with § 30.6 no later than five (5) calendar days after the date of exportation, except for shipments where predeparture filing is specifically required.

(2) Pipeline filing procedures. USPPIs or authorized agents may file data elements required by § 30.6 no later than four (4) calendar days following the end of the month. The operator of a pipeline may transport goods to a foreign country without the prior filing of the proof of filing citation, exemption, or exclusion legend, on the condition that within four (4) calendar days following the end of each calendar month the operator will deliver to the CBP Port Director the proof of filing citation, exemption, or exclusion legend covering all exports through the pipeline to each consignee during the month.

(d) Proof of filing citation and exemption and exclusion legends. The USPPI or the authorized agent shall provide the exporting carrier with the proof of filing citation and exemption and exclusion legends as described in § 30.7.

(e) Collection of KPCs and voided KPCs. Any voided KPC must be faxed by the voiding party to the Census Bureau on (800) 457-7328, or provided by other methods as permitted by the Census Bureau, immediately upon voiding. The collection of KPCs, including voided KPCs, is performed pursuant to the Clean Diamond Trade Act, Public Law 108-19, 19 U.S.C. Section 3901 et seq. (CDTA), and Executive Order 13312, and not Title 13, U.S.C.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 16376, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18390, Apr. 19, 2017; 82 FR 43843, Sept. 20, 2017; 83 FR 17751, Apr. 24, 2018]

(a)-(b) [Reserved]

(c) Postdeparture filing approval process. Postdeparture filing is a privilege granted to approved USPPIs for their EEI to be filed up to five (5) calendar days after the date of export. The USPPI or its authorized agent may not transmit EEI postdeparture for certain types of shipments that are identified in § 30.4(a). The USPPI may apply for postdeparture filing privileges by submitting a postdeparture filing application at www.census.gov/aes. An authorized agent may not apply on behalf of a USPPI. The Census Bureau will distribute the applications submitted by USPPI's who are applying for postdeparture to the CBP and the other federal government partnership agencies for their review and approval. Failure to meet the standards of the Census Bureau, CBP or any of the partnership agencies is reason for denial of the AES applicant for postdeparture filing privileges. Each partnership agency will develop its own internal postdeparture filing acceptance standards, and each agency will notify the Census Bureau of the USPPI's success or failure to meet that agency's acceptance standards. Any partnership agency may require additional information from USPPIs that are applying for postdeparture filing. The Census Bureau will notify the USPPI of the decision to either deny or approve its application for postdeparture filing privileges within ninety (90) calendar days of receipt of the postdeparture filing application by the Census Bureau.

(1) Grounds for denial of postdeparture filing status. The Census Bureau may deny a USPPI's application for postdeparture filing privileges for any of the following reasons:

(i) There is no history of filing for the USPPI through the AES.

(ii) The USPPI's volume of EEI reported through the AES does not warrant participation in postdeparture filing.

(iii) The USPPI or its authorized agent has failed to submit EEI through the AES in a timely and accurate manner.

(iv) The USPPI has a history of noncompliance with the Census Bureau export regulations contained in this part.

(v) The USPPI has been indicted, convicted, or is currently under investigation for a felony involving a violation of federal export laws or regulations and the Census Bureau has evidence of probable cause supporting such violation, or the USPPI is in violation of Census Bureau export regulations contained in this part.

(vi) The USPPI has made or caused to be made in the LOI a false or misleading statement or omission with respect to any material fact.

(vii) The USPPI would pose a significant threat to national security interests such that its participation in postdeparture filing should be denied.

(viii) The USPPI has multiple violations of either the EAR (15 CFR 730 through 774) or the ITAR (22 CFR 120 through 130) within the last three (3) years.

(ix) The USPPI fails to demonstrate the ability to meet the AES predeparture filing requirements.

(2) Notice of denial. A USPPI denied postdeparture filing privileges by other agencies shall contact those agencies regarding the specific reason(s) for nonselection and for their appeal procedures. A USPPI denied postdeparture filing status by the Census Bureau will be provided with a specific reason for nonselection and a Census Bureau point of contact in an electronic notification letter. A USPPI may appeal the Census Bureau's nonselection decision by following the appeal procedure and reapplication procedure provided in paragraph (c)(5) of this section.

(3) Revocation of postdeparture filing privileges—(i) Revocation by the Census Bureau. The Census Bureau may revoke postdeparture filing privileges of an approved USPPI for the following reasons:

(A) The USPPI's volume of EEI reported in the AES does not warrant continued participation in postdeparture filing;

(B) The USPPI or its authorized agent has failed to submit EEI through the AES in a timely and accurate manner;

(C) The USPPI has made or caused to be made in the LOI a false or misleading statement or omission with respect to material fact;

(D) The USPPI submitting the LOI has been indicted, convicted, or is currently under investigation for a felony involving a violation of federal export laws or regulations and the Census Bureau has evidence of probable cause supporting such violation, or the AES applicant is in violation of export rules and regulations contained in this part;

(E) The USPPI has failed to comply with existing export regulations or has failed to pay any outstanding penalties assessed in connection with such noncompliance; or

(F) The USPPI would pose a significant threat to national security interests such that its continued participation in postdeparture filing should be terminated.

(G) The USPPI or its authorized agent files postdeparture for commodities that are identified in § 30.4(a).

(ii) Revocation by other agencies. Any of the other agencies may revoke a USPPI's postdeparture filing privileges with respect to transactions subject to the jurisdiction of that agency. When doing so, the agency shall notify both the Census Bureau and the USPPI whose authorization is being revoked.

(4) Notice of revocation. Approved postdeparture filing USPPIs whose postdeparture filing privileges have been revoked by other agencies shall contact those agencies for their specific revocation and appeal procedures. When the Census Bureau makes a determination to revoke an approved USPPI's postdeparture filing privileges, the USPPI will be notified electronically of the reason(s) for the decision. In most cases, the revocation shall become effective when the USPPI has either exhausted all appeal procedures, or thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of the notice of revocation, if no appeal is filed. However, in cases judged to affect national security, revocations shall become effective immediately upon notification.

(5) Appeal procedure. Any USPPI whose request for postdeparture filing privileges has been denied by the Census Bureau or whose postdeparture filing privileges have been revoked by the Census Bureau may appeal the decision by filing an appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the notice of decision. Appeals should be addressed to the Chief, Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Census Bureau, Washington, DC 20233-6700. The Census Bureau will issue a written decision to the USPPI within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of receipt of the appeal by the Census Bureau. If a written decision is not issued within thirty (30) calendar days, the Census Bureau will forward to the USPPI a notice of extension within that time period. The USPPI will be provided with the reasons for the extension of this time period and an expected date of decision. The USPPIs who have had their postdeparture filing status denied or revoked may not reapply for this privilege for one year following written notification of the denial or revocation.

(d) Electronic Export Information filing standards. The data elements required for filing EEI are contained in § 30.6. When filing EEI, the USPPI or authorized agent shall comply with the data transmission procedures determined by CBP and the Census Bureau and shall agree to stay in complete compliance with all export rules and regulations in this part. Failure of the USPPI or the authorized agent of either the USPPI or FPPI to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of the regulations in this part, and renders such principal party or the authorized agent subject to the penalties provided for in Subpart H of this part. In the case of AESDirect, when submitting a registration form to AESDirect, the registering company is certifying that it will be in compliance with all applicable export rules and regulations. This includes complying with the following security requirements:

(1) AESDirect user names and passwords are to be kept secure by the account administrator and not disclosed to any unauthorized user or any persons outside the registered company.

(2) Registered companies are responsible for those persons having a user name and password. If an employee with a user name and password leaves the company or otherwise is no longer an authorized user, the company shall immediately deactivate that username in the system to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Title 13 data.

(e) Monitoring the filing of EEI. The USPPI's or the authorized agent's AES filings will be monitored and reviewed for quality, timeliness, and coverage. The Census Bureau will provide performance reports to USPPIs and authorized agents who file EEI. The Census Bureau will take appropriate action to correct specific situations where the USPPI or authorized agent fails to maintain acceptable levels of data quality, timeliness, or coverage.

(f) Support. The Census Bureau provides online services that allow the USPPI and the authorized agent to seek assistance pertaining to the AES and this part. For AES assistance, filers may send an email to [email protected]. For FTR assistance, filers may send an email to [email protected].

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 16376, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18390, Apr. 19, 2017]

The information specified in this section is required for EEI transmitted to the AES. The data elements identified as “mandatory” shall be reported for each transaction. The data elements identified as “conditional” shall be reported if they are required for or apply to the specific shipment. The data elements identified as “optional” may be reported at the discretion of the USPPI or the authorized agent. Additional data elements may be required to be reported in the AES in accordance with other federal agencies' regulations. Refer to the other agencies' regulations for reporting requirements.

(a) Mandatory data elements are as follows:

(1) USPPI. The person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction. Generally, that person or entity is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, or order party, or the foreign entity while in the United States when purchasing or obtaining the goods for export. The name, address, identification number, and contact information of the USPPI shall be reported to the AES as follows:

(i) Name of the USPPI. In all export transactions, the name listed in the USPPI field in the EEI shall be the USPPI in the transaction. (See § 30.1 for the definition of the USPPI and § 30.3 for details on the USPPI's reporting responsibilities.)

(ii) Address of the USPPI. In all EEI filings, the USPPI shall report the address or location (no post office box number) from which the goods actually begin the journey to the port of export even if the USPPI does not own/lease the facility. For example, the EEI covering goods laden aboard a truck at a warehouse in Georgia for transport to Florida for loading onto a vessel for export to a foreign country shall show the address of the warehouse in Georgia. For shipments with multiple origins, report the address from which the commodity with the greatest value begins its export journey. If such information is not known, report the address in the state where the commodities are consolidated for export.

(iii) USPPI identification number. Report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the USPPI. If the USPPI has only one EIN, report that EIN. If the USPPI has more than one EIN, report the EIN that the USPPI uses to report employee wages and withholdings, and not the EIN used to report only company earnings or receipts. Use of another company's EIN is prohibited. If a USPPI reports a DUNS, the EIN is also required to be reported. If a foreign entity is in the United States at the time goods are purchased or obtained for export, the foreign entity is the USPPI. In such situations, when the foreign entity does not have an EIN, the authorized agent shall report a border crossing number, passport number, or any number assigned by CBP on behalf of the foreign entity.

(iv) USPPI contact information. The person who has the most knowledge regarding the specific shipment or related export controls.

(2) Date of export. The date of export is the date when goods are scheduled to leave the port of export on the exporting carrier that is taking the goods out of the United States.

(3) Ultimate consignee. The ultimate consignee is the person, party, or designee that is located abroad and actually receives the export shipment. The name and address of the ultimate consignee, whether by sale in the United States or abroad or by consignment, shall be reported in the EEI. The ultimate consignee as known at the time of export shall be reported. For shipments requiring an export license including shipments to international waters, the ultimate consignee reported in the AES shall be the person so designated on the export license or authorized to be the ultimate consignee under the applicable license exemption or exception in conformance with the EAR or ITAR, as applicable. For goods sold en route, report the appropriate “To be Sold En Route” indicator in the EEI, and report corrected information as soon as it is known (see § 30.9 for procedures on correcting AES information).

(4) U.S. state of origin. The U.S. state of origin is the 2-character postal code for the state in which the goods begin their journey to the port of export. For example, a shipment covering goods laden aboard a truck at a warehouse in Georgia for transport to Florida for loading onto a vessel for export to a foreign country shall show Georgia as the state of origin. The U.S. state of origin may be different from the U.S. state where the goods were produced, mined, or grown. For shipments of multi-state origin, reported as a single shipment, report the U.S. state of the commodity with the greatest value. If such information is not known, report the state in which the commodities are consolidated for export.

(5) Country of ultimate destination. The country of ultimate destination is the country in which goods are to be consumed, further processed, stored, or manufactured, as known to the USPPI at the time of export. The country of ultimate destination is the code issued by the ISO.

(i) Shipments under an export license. For shipments under an export license issued by the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), or the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the country of ultimate destination shall conform to the country of ultimate destination as shown on the license. In the case of a DDTC or BIS license, the country of ultimate destination is the country specified with respect to the end user, which may also be the ultimate consignee. For goods licensed by other government agencies, refer to the agencies' specific requirements for providing country of ultimate destination information.

(ii) Shipments not moving under an export license. The country of ultimate destination is the country known to the USPPI or U.S. authorized agent at the time of exportation. The country to which the goods are being shipped is not the country of ultimate destination if the USPPI or U.S. authorized agent has knowledge, at the time the goods leave the United States, that they are intended for reexport or transshipment in the form received to another known country. For goods shipped to Canada, Mexico, Panama, Hong Kong, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, The Netherlands, or Singapore, special care should be exercised before reporting these countries as the ultimate destinations because these are countries through which goods from the United States are frequently transshipped. If the USPPI or U.S. authorized agent does not know the ultimate destination of the goods, the country of ultimate destination to be shown is the last country, as known to the USPPI or U.S. authorized agent at the time the goods leave the United States, to which the goods are to be shipped in their present form. (For instructions as to the reporting of country of ultimate destination for vessels sold or transferred from the United States to foreign ownership, see § 30.26). In addition, the following types of shipments must be reported as follows:

(A) Department of State, DDTC, license exemption. The country of ultimate destination is the country specified with respect to the end user as noted in the ITAR (22 CFR 123.9(a)).

(B) Department of Commerce, BIS, license exception. The country of ultimate destination is the country of the end user as defined in 15 CFR 772.1 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

(C) For shipments to international waters. The country of ultimate destination is the nationality of the person(s) or entity assuming control of the good(s) exported to international waters.

(iii) For goods to be sold en route, report the country of the first port of call and then report corrected information as soon as it is known.

(6) Method of transportation. The method of transportation is the means by which the goods are exported from the United States.

(i) Conveyances exported under their own power. The mode of transportation for aircraft, vessels, or locomotives (railroad stock) transferring ownership or title and moving out of the United States under its own power is the mode of transportation by which the conveyance moves out of the United States.

(ii) Exports through Canada, Mexico, or other foreign countries for transshipment to another destination. For transshipments through Canada, Mexico, or another foreign country, the mode of transportation is the mode of the carrier transporting the goods out of the United States.

(7) Conveyance name/carrier name. The conveyance name/carrier name is the name of the conveyance/carrier transporting the goods out of the United States as known at the time of exportation. For exports by sea, the conveyance name is the vessel name. For exports by air, rail, or truck, the carrier name is that which corresponds to the carrier identification as specified in paragraph (a)(8) of this section. Terms, such as airplane, train, rail, truck, vessel, barge, or international footbridge are not acceptable. For shipments by other methods of transportation, including mail, fixed methods (pipeline), the conveyance/carrier name is not required.

(8) Carrier identification. The carrier identification is the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) for vessel, rail, and truck shipments or the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for air shipments. The carrier identification specifies the carrier that transports the goods out of the United States. The carrier transporting the goods to the port of export and the carrier transporting the goods out of the United States may be different. For vessel shipments, report the carrier identification code of the party whose booking number was reported in the AES. For transshipments through Canada, Mexico, or another foreign country, the carrier identification is that of the carrier that transports the goods out of the United States. For modes other than vessel, air, rail and truck valid methods of transportation, including but not limited to mail, fixed transport (pipeline), and passenger hand carried, the carrier identification is not required. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) issues and maintains the SCAC. (See www.nmfta.org.) The IATA issues and maintains the IATA codes. (See www.census.gov/trade for a list of IATA codes.)

(9) Port of export. The port of export is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seaport or airport where the goods are loaded on the carrier that is taking the goods out of the United States, or the CBP port where exports by overland transportation cross the U.S. border into Canada or Mexico. For EEI reporting purposes only, for goods loaded aboard a conveyance (aircraft or vessel) that stops at several ports before clearing to the foreign country, the port of export is the first port where the goods were loaded on this conveyance. For goods off-loaded from the original conveyance to another conveyance (even if the aircraft or vessel belongs to the same carrier) at any of the ports, the port where the goods were loaded on the last conveyance before going foreign is the port of export. The port of export shall be reported in terms of Schedule D, “Classification of CBP Districts and Ports.” Use port code 8000 for shipments by mail.

(10) Related party indicator. Used to indicate when a transaction involving trade between a USPPI and an ultimate consignee where either party owns directly or indirectly 10 percent or more of the other party.

(11) Domestic or foreign indicator. Indicates if the goods exported are of domestic or foreign origin. Report foreign goods as a separate line item from domestic goods even if the commodity classification number is the same.

(12) Commodity classification number. Report the 10-digit commodity classification number as provided in Schedule B, Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States in the EEI. The 10-digit commodity classification number provided in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUSA) may be reported in lieu of the Schedule B commodity classification number except as noted in the headnotes of the HTSUSA. The HTSUSA is a global classification system used to describe most world trade in goods. Furnishing the correct Schedule B or HTSUSA number does not relieve the USPPI or the authorized agent of furnishing a complete and accurate commodity description. When reporting the Schedule B number or HTSUSA number, the decimals shall be omitted. (See http://www.census.gov/trade for a list of Schedule B classification numbers.)

(13) Commodity description. Report the description of the goods shipped in English in sufficient detail to permit verification of the Schedule B or HTSUSA number. Clearly and fully state the name of the commodity in terms that can be identified or associated with the language used in Schedule B or HTSUSA (usually the commercial name of the commodity), and any and all characteristics of the commodity that distinguish it from commodities of the same name covered by other Schedule B or HTSUSA classifications. If the shipment requires a license, the description reported in the EEI shall conform with that shown on the license. If the shipment qualifies for a license exemption, the description shall be sufficient to ensure compliance with that license exemption. However, where the description on the license does not state all of the characteristics of the commodity that are needed to completely verify the commodity classification number, as described in this paragraph, report the missing characteristics, as well as the description shown on the license, in the commodity description field of the EEI.

(14) Primary unit of measure. The unit of measure shall correspond to the primary quantity as prescribed in the Schedule B or HTSUSA. If neither Schedule B nor HTSUSA specifies a unit of measure for the item, an “X” is required in the unit of measure field.

(15) Primary quantity. The quantity is the total number of units that correspond to the first unit of measure specified in the Schedule B or HTSUSA. Where the unit of measure is in terms of weight (grams, kilograms, metric tons, etc.), the quantity reflects the net weight, not including the weight of barrels, boxes, or other bulky coverings, and not including salt or pickle in the case of salted or pickled fish or meats. For a few commodities where “content grams” or “content kilograms” or some similar weight unit is specified in Schedule B or HTSUSA, the quantity may be less than the net weight. The quantity is reported as a whole unit only, without commas or decimals. If the quantity contains a fraction of a whole unit, round fractions of one-half unit or more up and fractions of less than one-half unit down to the nearest whole unit. (For example, where the unit for a given commodity is in terms of “tons,” a net quantity of 8.4 tons would be reported as 8 for the quantity. If the quantity is less than one unit, the quantity is 1.)

(16) Shipping weight. The shipping weight is the weight in kilograms, which includes the weight of the commodity, as well as the weight of normal packaging, such as boxes, crates, barrels, etc. The shipping weight is required for exports by air, vessel, rail, and truck, and required for exports of household goods transported by all methods. For exports (except household goods) by mail, fixed transport (pipeline), or other valid methods, the shipping weight is not required and shall be reported as zero. For containerized cargo in lift vans, cargo vans, or similar substantial outer containers, the weight of such containers is not included in the shipping weight. If the shipping weight is not available for each Schedule B or HTSUSA item included in one or more containers, the approximate shipping weight for each item is estimated and reported. The total of these estimated weights equals the actual shipping weight of the entire container or containers.

(17) Value. In general, the value to be reported in the EEI shall be the value of the goods at the U.S. port of export in U.S. dollars. The value shall be the selling price (or the cost, if the goods are not sold), plus inland or domestic freight, insurance, and other charges to the U.S. seaport, airport, or land border port of export. Cost of goods is the sum of expenses incurred in the USPPI's acquisition or production of the goods. Report the value to the nearest dollar, omit cents. Fractions of a dollar less than 50 cents should be ignored, and fractions of 50 cents or more should be rounded up to the next dollar.

(i) Selling price. The selling price for goods exported pursuant to sale, and the value to be reported in the EEI, is the USPPI's price to the FPPI (the foreign buyer). Deduct from the selling price any unconditional discounts, but do not deduct discounts that are conditional upon a particular act or performance on the part of the foreign buyer. For goods shipped on consignment without a sale actually having been made at the time of export, the selling price to be reported in the EEI is the market value at the time of export at the U.S. port.

(ii) Adjustments. When necessary, make the following adjustments to obtain the value.

(A) Where goods are sold at a point other than the port of export, freight, insurance, and other charges required in moving the goods from their U.S. point of origin to the exporting carrier at the port of export or border crossing point shall be added to the selling price (as defined in paragraph (a)(17)(i) of this section) for purposes of reporting the value in the EEI.

(B) Where the actual amount of freight, insurance, and other domestic costs is not available, an estimate of the domestic costs shall be made and added to the cost of the goods or selling price to derive the value to be reported in the EEI. Add the estimated domestic costs to the cost or selling price of the goods to obtain the value to be reported in the EEI.

(C) Where goods are sold at a “delivered” price to the foreign destination, the cost of loading the goods on the exporting carrier, if any, and freight, insurance, and other costs beyond the port of export shall be subtracted from the selling price for purposes of reporting value in the EEI. If the actual amount of such costs is not available, an estimate of the costs should be subtracted from the selling price.

(D) Costs added to or subtracted from the selling price in accordance with the instructions in this paragraph (a)(17)(ii) should not be shown separately in the EEI, but the value reported should be the value after making such adjustments, where required, to arrive at the value of the goods at the U.S. port of export.

(iii) Exclusions. Exclude the following from the selling price of goods exported.

(A) Commissions to be paid by the USPPI to its agent abroad or commissions to be deducted from the selling price by the USPPI's agent abroad.

(B) The cost of loading goods on the exporting carrier at the port of export.

(C) Freight, insurance, and any other charges or transportation costs beyond the port of export.

(D) Any duties, taxes, or other assessments imposed by foreign countries.

(iv) For definitions of the value to be reported in the EEI for special types of transactions where goods are not being exported pursuant to commercial sales, or where subsidies, government financing or participation, or other unusual conditions are involved, see Subpart C of this part.

(18) Export information code. A code that identifies the type of export shipment or condition of the exported items (e.g., goods donated for relief or charity, impelled shipments, shipments under the Foreign Military Sales program, household goods, and all other shipments).

(19) Shipment Reference Number (SRN). A unique identification number assigned by the filer that allows for the identification of the shipment in the filer's system. The reuse of the SRN is prohibited.

(20) Line number. A number that identifies the specific commodity line item within a shipment.

(21) Hazardous material indicator. An indicator that identifies whether the shipment is hazardous as defined by the Department of Transportation.

(22) Inbond code. The code indicating whether the shipment is being transported under bond.

(23) License code/license exemption code. The code that identifies the commodity as having a federal government agency requirement for a license, permit, authorization, license exception or exemption or that no license is required.

(24) Routed export transaction indicator. An indicator that identifies that the shipment is a routed export transaction as defined in § 30.3.

(25) Shipment filing action request indicator. An indicator that allows the filer to add, change, replace, or cancel an export shipment transaction.

(26) Line item filing action request indicator. An indicator that allows the filer to add, change, or delete a commodity line within an export shipment transaction.

(27) Filing option indicator. An indicator of whether the filer is reporting export information predeparture or postdeparture. See § 30.4 for more information on EEI filing options.

(28) Ultimate consignee type. Provide the business function of the ultimate consignee that most often applies. If more than one type applies to the ultimate consignee, report the type that applies most often. For purposes of this paragraph, the ultimate consignee will be designated as a Direct Consumer, Government Entity, Reseller, or Other/Unknown, defined as follows:

(i) Direct Consumer—a non-government institution, enterprise, or company that will consume or use the exported good as a consumable, for its own internal processes, as an input to the production of another good or as machinery or equipment that is part of a manufacturing process or a provision of services and will not resell or distribute the good.

(ii) Government Entity—a government-owned or government-controlled agency, institution, enterprise, or company.

(iii) Reseller—a non-government reseller, retailer, wholesaler, distributor, distribution center or trading company.

(iv) Other/Unknown—an entity that is not a Direct Consumer, Government Entity or Reseller, as defined above, or whose ultimate consignee type is not known at the time of export.

(b) Conditional data elements are as follows:

(1) Authorized agent and authorized agent identification. The authorized agent is the person or entity in the United States who is authorized by the USPPI or the FPPI to prepare and file the EEI or the person or entity, if any, named on the export license. If an authorized agent is used, the following information shall be provided to the AES:

(i) U.S. Authorized agent's identification number. Report the U.S. authorized agent's own EIN or DUNS for the first shipment and for each subsequent shipment. Use of another company's or individual's EIN or other identification number is prohibited. The party ID type of agent identification (E = EIN, D = DUNS) shall be indicated.

(ii) Name of the authorized agent. Report the name of the authorized agent. (See § 30.3 for details on the specific reporting responsibilities of authorized agents and Subpart B of this part for export control licensing requirements for authorized agents.)

(iii) Address of the authorized agent. Report the address or location (no post office box number) of the authorized agent. The authorized agent's address shall be reported with the initial shipment. Subsequent shipments may be identified by the agent's identification number.

(iv) Contact information. Report the contact name and telephone number.

(2) Intermediate consignee. The name and address of the intermediate consignee (if any) shall be reported. The intermediate consignee acts in a foreign country as an agent for the principal party in interest or the ultimate consignee for the purpose of effecting delivery of the export shipment to the ultimate consignee. The intermediate consignee is the person named as such on the export license or authorized to act as such under the applicable general license and in conformity with the EAR.

(3) FTZ identifier. If goods are removed from a FTZ and not entered for consumption, report the FTZ identifier. This is the unique 9-digit alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Foreign Trade Zone Board that identifies the FTZ, subzone or site from which goods are withdrawn for export.

(4) Foreign port of unlading. The foreign port of unlading is the foreign port in the country where the goods are removed from the exporting carrier. The foreign port does not have to be located in the country of destination. For exports by sea to foreign countries, not including Puerto Rico, the foreign port of unlading is the code in terms of Schedule K, Classification of Foreign Ports by Geographic Trade Area and Country. For exports by sea or air between the United States and Puerto Rico, the foreign port of unlading is the code in terms of Schedule D, Classification of CBP Districts and Ports. The foreign port of unlading is not required for exports by other modes of transportation, including rail, truck, mail, fixed (pipeline), or air (unless between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

(5) Export license number/CFR citation/KPC number. License number, permit number, citation, or authorization number assigned by the Department of Commerce, BIS; Department of State, DDTC; Department of the Treasury, OFAC; Department of Justice, DEA; Nuclear Regulatory Commission; or any other federal government agency.

(6) Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). The number used to identify items on the CCL, Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the EAR. The ECCN consists of a set of digits and a letter. Items that are not classified under an ECCN are designated “EAR99”.

(7) Secondary unit of measure. The unit of measure that corresponds to the secondary quantity as prescribed in the Schedule B or HTSUSA. If neither Schedule B nor HTSUSA specifies a secondary unit of measure for the item, the unit of measure is not required.

(8) Secondary quantity. The total number of units that correspond to the secondary unit of measure, if any, specified in the Schedule B or HTSUSA. See the definition of primary quantity for specific instructions on reporting the quantity as a weight and whole unit, rounding fractions.

(9) Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)/Product ID. The identification number found on the reported used vehicle. For used self-propelled vehicles that do not have a VIN, the Product ID is reported. “Used” vehicle refers to any self-propelled vehicle where the equitable or legal title to which has been transferred by a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to an ultimate purchaser. See U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations 19 CFR 192.1 for more information on exports of used vehicles.

(10) Vehicle ID qualifier. The qualifier that identifies the type of used vehicle number reported. The valid codes are V for VIN and P for Product ID.

(11) Vehicle title number. The number issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration.

(12) Vehicle title state code. The 2-character postal code for the state or territory that issued the vehicle title.

(13) Entry number. The entry number must be reported for goods that are entered in lieu of being transported under bond for which the importer of record is a foreign entity or, for reexports of goods withdrawn from a FTZ for which a NAFTA deferred duty claim (entry type 08) could have been made, but that the importer elected to enter for consumption under CBP entry type 06. For goods imported into the United States for export to a third country of ultimate destination, where the importer of record on the entry is a foreign entity, the USPPI will be the authorized agent designated by the foreign importer for service of process. The USPPI, in this circumstance, is required to report the import entry number.

(14) Transportation Reference Number (TRN). The TRN is as follows:

(i) Vessel shipments. Report the booking number for vessel shipments. The booking number is the reservation number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the vessel for cargo being exported. The TRN is required for all vessel shipments.

(ii) Air shipments. Report the master air waybill number for air shipments. The air waybill number is the reservation number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the aircraft for cargo being exported. The TRN is optional for air shipments.

(iii) Rail shipments. Report the bill of lading (BL) number for rail shipments. The BL number is the reservation number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the rail car for cargo being exported. The TRN is optional for rail shipments.

(iv) Truck shipments. Report the freight or pro bill number for truck shipments. The freight or pro bill number is the number assigned by the carrier to hold space on the truck for cargo being exported. The freight or pro bill number correlates to a bill of lading number, air waybill number or trip number for multimodal shipments. The TRN is optional for truck shipments.

(15) License value. For shipments requiring an export license, report the value designated on the export license that corresponds to the commodity being exported.

(16) Department of State requirements. (i) Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) registration number. The number assigned by the DDTC to persons who are required to register per part 122 of the ITAR (22 CFR parts 120 through 130), and have an authorization (license or exemption) from DDTC to export the article.

(ii) DDTC Significant Military Equipment (SME) indicator. A term used to designate articles on the USML (22 CFR part 121) for which special export controls are warranted because of their capacity for substantial military utility or capability. See sections 120.36 and 120.10(c) of the ITAR (22 CFR parts 120 through 130) for a definition of SME and for items designated as SME articles, respectively.

(iii) DDTC eligible party certification indicator. Certification by the U.S. exporter that the exporter is an eligible party to participate in defense trade. See 22 CFR 120.16(c). This certification is required only when an exemption is claimed.

(iii) DDTC eligible party certification indicator. Certification by the U.S. exporter that the exporter is an eligible party to participate in defense trade. See 22 CFR 120.1(c). This certification is required only when an exemption is claimed.

(iv) DDTC United States Munitions List (USML) category code. The USML category of the article being exported (22 CFR part 121).

(v) DDTC Unit of Measure (UOM). This unit of measure is the UOM covering the article being shipped as described on the export authorization or declared under an ITAR exemption.

(vi) DDTC quantity. This quantity is the number of articles being shipped. The quantity is the total number of units that corresponds to the DDTC UOM code.

(vii) DDTC exemption number. The exemption number is the specific citation from the ITAR (22 CFR parts 120 through 130) that exempts the shipment from the requirements for a license or other written authorization from DDTC.

(viii) DDTC export license line number. The line number of the State Department export license that corresponds to the article being exported.

(ix) DDTC Category XXI Determination Number. The unique number issued by DDTC to a member of the regulated community (usually the original equipment manufacturer) in conjunction with a notification that a specific commodity is described in USML Category XXI. This number is required only when citing USML Category XXI as an export classification and is used to confirm that an authoritative USML Category XXI determination is being referenced to do so.

(17) Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) number. The unique identifying number on the KPC issued by the United States Kimberley Process Authority that must accompany all export shipments of rough diamonds. Rough diamonds are classified under 6-digit HS subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31. Enter the KPC number in the license number field excluding the 2-digit ISO country code for the United States.

(c) Optional data elements:

(1) Seal number. The security seal number placed on the equipment or container.

(2) Equipment number. Report the identification number for the shipping equipment, such as container or igloo number (Unit Load Device (ULD)), truck license number, rail car number, or container number for containerized vessel cargo.

(3) Original ITN. The ITN associated with a previously filed shipment that is replaced or divided and for which additional shipment(s) must be filed. The original ITN field can be used in certain scenarios, such as, but not limited to, shipments sold en route or cargo split by the carrier where the succeeding parts of the shipment are not exported within the timeframes specified in § 30.28.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 74 FR 38916, Aug. 5, 2009; 78 FR 16376, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 18390, Apr. 19, 2017; 82 FR 43843, Sept. 20, 2017; 88 FR 54236, Aug. 10, 2023]

(a) Items identified on the USML shall meet the predeparture reporting requirements identified in the ITAR (22 CFR 120 through 130) for the U.S. State Department requirements concerning the time and place of filing. For USML shipments, the proof of filing citations shall include the statement in “AES,” followed by the returned confirmation number provided by the AES when the transmission is accepted, referred to as the ITN.

(b) For shipments other than USML, the USPPI or the authorized agent is responsible for annotating the proper proof of filing citation or exemption legend on the first page of the bill of lading, air waybill, export shipping instructions or other commercial loading documents. The USPPI or the authorized agent must provide the proof of filing citation or exemption legend to the exporting carrier. The carrier must annotate the proof of filing citation, exemption or exclusion legends on the carrier's outbound manifest when required. The carrier is responsible for presenting the appropriate proof of filing citation or exemption legend to CBP Port Director at the port of export as stated in subpart E of this part. Such presentation shall be without material change or amendment of the proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, or exemption legend as provided to the carrier by the USPPI or the authorized agent. The proof of filing citation will identify that the export information has been accepted as transmitted. The postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, or exemption legend will identify that no filing is required prior to export. The proof of filing citations, postdeparture filing citations, or exemption legends shall appear on the bill of lading, air waybill or other commercial loading documentation and shall be clearly visible. The AES filing citation, exemption or exclusion legends are provided for in appendix B of this part. The exporting carrier shall annotate the manifest or other carrier documentation with the AES filing citations, exemption or exclusions legends.

(c) Exports of rough diamonds classified under HS subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21, and 7102.31 require the proof of filing citation, as stated in paragraph (b) of this section, to be indicated on the Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC). In addition, the KPC must be faxed by the USPPI or U.S. authorized agent to the Census Bureau on (800) 457-7328, or provided by other methods as permitted by the Census Bureau, immediately after export of the shipment from the United States.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 16378, Mar. 14, 2013; 82 FR 43843, Sept. 20, 2017; 83 FR 17751, Apr. 24, 2018]

The following conditions govern the time and place to present proof of filing citations, postdeparture filing citations, AES downtime filing citation, exemption, or exclusion legends. The USPPI or the authorized agent is required to deliver the proof of filing citations, postdeparture filing citations, AES downtime filing citations, exemption, or exclusion legends required in § 30.7 to the exporting carrier. See appendix B of this part for the properly formatted proof of filing citations, exemption, or exclusion legends. Failure of the USPPI or the authorized agent of either the USPPI or FPPI to comply with these requirements constitutes a violation of the regulations in this part and renders such principal party or the authorized agent subject to the penalties provided for in subpart H of this part.

(a) Mail exports. The proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption and/or exclusion legend for items exported by mail as required in § 30.4(b) shall be annotated on the appropriate U.S. Postal Service customs declaration form (and/or its electronic equivalent) and presented with the packages at the time of mailing. The Postal Service is required to deliver the proof of filing citation, postdeparture filing citation, AES downtime filing citation, exemption or exclusion legend prior to export.

(b) Pipeline exports. The proof of filing citations or exemption and exclusion legends for items being sent by pipeline shall be presented to the operator of a pipeline no later than four calendar days after the close of the month. See § 30.4(c)(2) for requirements for the filing of export information by pipeline carriers.

(c) Exports by other methods of transportation. For exports sent other than by mail or pipeline, the USPPI or the authorized agent is required to deliver the proof of filing citations and/or exemption and exclusion legends to the exporting carrier in accord with the time periods set forth in § 30.4(b).

[78 FR 16378, Mar. 14, 2013, as amended at 82 FR 18391, Apr. 19, 2017; 82 FR 43843, Sept. 20, 2017]

(a) The USPPI or the authorized filing agent is responsible for electronically transmitting accurate EEI as known at the time of filing in the AES and transmitting any changes to that information as soon as they are known. Corrections, cancellations, or amendments to that information shall be electronically identified and transmitted to the AES for all required fields as soon as possible. The provisions of this paragraph relating to the reporting of corrections, cancellations, or amendments to EEI, shall not be construed as a relaxation of the requirements of the rules and regulations pertaining to the preparation and filing of EEI. Failure to correct the EEI is a violation of the provisions of this part.

(b) For shipments where the USPPI or the authorized agent has received an error message from AES, the corrections shall take place as required. Fatal error messages are sent to filers when EEI is not accepted in the AES and update rejected messages are sent when a correction is not accepted in the AES. Fatal errors must be corrected and EEI resubmitted prior to export for shipments filed predeparture and for post-departure shipments but not later than five (5) calendar days after the date of export. Failure to respond to fatal error messages for shipments filed predeparture prior to export of the cargo subjects the principal party or authorized agent to penalties provided for in Subpart H of this part. Failing to transmit corrections to the AES constitutes a violation of the regulations in this part and renders such principal party or authorized agent subject to the penalties provided for in Subpart H of this part. Update rejected messages must be corrected as soon as possible. For EEI that generates a warning message, the correction shall be made within four (4) calendar days of receipt of the original transmission. For EEI that generates a verify message, the correction, when warranted, shall be made within four (4) calendar days of receipt of the message. A compliance alert indicates that the shipment was not reported in accordance with the FTR. The USPPI or the authorized agent is required to review its filing practices and take required corrective actions to conform with export reporting requirements.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 78 FR 16378, Mar. 14, 2013]

(a) Retention of export information. All parties to the export transaction (owners and operators of export carriers, USPPIs, FPPIs and/or authorized agents) shall retain documents pertaining to the export shipment for five years from the date of export. If the Department of State or other regulatory agency has recordkeeping requirements for exports that exceed the retention period specified in this part, then those requirements prevail. The USPPI or the authorized agent of the USPPI or FPPI may request a copy of the electronic record or submission from the Census Bureau as provided for in Subpart G of this part. The Census Bureau's retention and maintenance of AES records does not relieve filers from requirements in § 30.10.

(b) Authority to require production of documents. For purposes of verifying the completeness and accuracy of information reported as required under § 30.6, and for other purposes under the regulations in this part, all parties to the export transaction (owners and operators of the exporting carriers, USPPIs, FPPIs, and/or authorized agents) shall provide upon request to the Census Bureau, CBP, ICE, BIS and other participating agencies EEI, shipping documents, invoices, orders, packing lists, and correspondence as well as any other relevant information bearing upon a specific export transaction at anytime within the five year time period.

Note to § 30.10:

Section 1252(b)(2) of Public Law 106-113, Proliferation Prevention Enhancement Act of 1999, required the Department of Commerce to print and maintain on file a paper copy or other acceptable back-up record of the individual's submission at a location selected by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau will maintain a data base of EEI filed in AES to ensure that requirements of Public Law 106-113 are met and that all filers can obtain a validated record of their submissions.

[73 FR 31555, June 2, 2008, as amended at 82 FR 18391, Apr. 19, 2017]