How do you decide between AES and ACE for your export shipments?

1 What is AES?

AES stands for Automated Export System, and it is the primary system for reporting export information to the US Census Bureau and other government agencies. AES collects data on the origin, destination, value, quantity, classification, and license of your export shipments. AES also generates an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which is a unique identifier for your export transaction that you need to include on your shipping documents.

2 What is ACE?

ACE stands for Automated Commercial Environment, and it is the main system for managing trade and customs processes in the US. ACE allows you to file your export data through the Electronic Export Information (EEI) portal, which is integrated with AES. ACE also provides access to other trade-related services, such as filing export licenses, requesting rulings, paying duties, and tracking shipments.

3 When to use AES or ACE?

When deciding between AES and ACE, several factors must be taken into account, such as the value, destination, and licensing of your export shipments. Generally, if your shipment is valued at more than $2,500 per Schedule B number (a 10-digit code that classifies goods according to the Harmonized System), requires an export license from any US government agency (e.g., BIS or OFAC), is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or is destined to certain countries (e.g., Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria) which are subject to sanctions or embargoes, then you need to use AES or ACE to file your export data. However, exceptions and exemptions may apply, so always check the specific requirements for your export shipments before filing your data.

4 How to use AES or ACE?

In order to use AES or ACE to file your export data, you must first register for an account and obtain a filer identification number (FIRMS) from the US Census Bureau. Additionally, you need a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) to identify yourself as the US Principal Party in Interest (USPPI). This is the person or entity in the US that receives the primary benefit from the export transaction. After obtaining these credentials, you can log in to AES or ACE and enter your export data through the online forms or upload them using a software program. The information required includes USPPI name, address, and contact details; ultimate consignee name, address, and contact details; intermediate consignee name, address, and contact details (if applicable); freight forwarder name, address, and contact details (if applicable); carrier name and mode of transportation; port of export and port of unlading; date of export and estimated date of arrival; country of ultimate destination and country of origin; schedule B number and description of goods; quantity and unit of measure of goods; value and currency of goods; export license number and type (if applicable); AES exemption or exclusion code (if applicable). Upon submission of your export data, you will receive a confirmation message along with an ITN from AES or ACE. This ITN must be printed or written on your shipping documents such as the bill of lading, air waybill, or commercial invoice. Furthermore, you should keep a copy of your export data and ITN for at least five years for recordkeeping purposes.

5 What are the benefits of using AES or ACE?

Using AES or ACE to file your export data can provide numerous advantages, such as reducing paperwork and errors, improving compliance and security, saving time and money, and enhancing visibility and communication. This eliminates the need for paper forms and manual data entry, ensuring that your shipments meet legal and regulatory requirements, streamlining the export process, and allowing you to track your shipments, receive notifications, and access trade data and reports. Consequently, you can avoid delays, fines, or penalties.

6 What are the challenges of using AES or ACE?

Using AES or ACE to file your export data also has some challenges, such as learning the technical and procedural aspects of the systems, obtaining and maintaining the necessary hardware and software, and ensuring the quality and security of your data. Additionally, you must protect the data from unauthorized access or misuse, as well as resolve any issues or discrepancies that may arise during the filing or verification process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?