When an EEI is required
An EEI is required for the following situations:
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If a single item (by HS code) exceeds 2,500 USD in value and is not going to Canada
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If any commodity requires an export license (due to the commodity and/or destination country)
- See a list of items that require an export license here
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If a shipment is going to China, Russia, or Venezuela, regardless of value
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Exceptions apply. Visit the following resources for more information:
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If the commodity is on the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) list
ITAR is a set of U.S. government regulations that control the export and import of defense-related goods and services on the U.S. Munitions List. If you are using Zonos to generate shipment labels, the software will prompt you to file an EEI whenever it is needed.
How to file an EEI
You can file an EEI online through CBP’s ACE system. You will need to create an account if you do not have one. You can find instructions to register on the Census Bureau’s website. The Census also provides step-by-step instructions for filing.
The major carriers offer an “agent file,” which allows the exporter to file an EEI with the carrier acting as their agent for filing purposes. See the resources below:
FedEx
- FedEx EEI Agent file online tool
- FedEx EEI filing requirements for CN, RU, and VE 2020
- FedEx Agent file form
UPS
DHL
When to file an EEI
Most U.S. companies need to file before the departure of the shipment. “Pre-departure” means that the sender/shipper needs to have the EEI filing number before the courier company picks up the shipment. The EEI ITN is included on the shipping label. Filing deadlines for EEI transmissions are as follows:
- Non-ITAR shipments: No later than two hours before departure
- ITAT shipments: No later than eight hours before departure
When an EEI is not required
Here are some of the most common circumstances where an EEI is not required:
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Shipments valued under 2,500 USD based on their HS code
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Example A: A shipment includes two items classified under two different HS code numbers:
- Item A with HS code 1 is valued at 500 USD
- Item B with HS code 2 is valued at 3,000 USD
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In this example, the 30.37(a) Exemption only applies to Item A. An EEI filing must be obtained on item B since it is over 2,500 USD by HS Code.
- Example B: A shipment includes three 700 USD items classified under the same HS code, the total value is 2,100 USD, and the items are not subject to licenses by government agencies or require an EEI filing by any U.S. export laws or regulations.
In this example, the 30.37(a) Exemption applies, and no EEI filing is required.
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Shipments from the U.S. to Canada, unless the commodity meets one or more of the following criteria below:
- Subject to the Department of State’s ITAR
- Requires an export license or permit
- Includes rough diamonds
- Transiting through Canada
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Shipments from the U.S. or Puerto Rico to other U.S. territories (American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Howland Islands, and Wake Island)
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Shipments from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico
AES/FTR exemption codes
See the table below for AES/FTR exemption codes that classify why a shipment is exempt from EEI filing. Retailers can enter these codes through their shipping system.
These codes do not apply to shipments that:
- Require an export license/permit
- Are sent for storage in Canada but ultimately destined for a third country
- Contain rough diamonds
- Contain commodities controlled by USML of ITAR
Exemption codes
| Code | Description |
| NOEEI 30.2(d)(1) | Goods shipped under CBP bond through the U.S., 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 U.S. |
| NOEEI 30.2(d)(2) | Goods shipped from U.S. territories and goods shipped between the U.S. and U.S. territories do not require EEI filing |
| NOEEI 30.2(d)(4) | Goods shipped to or from Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba and the U.S. |
| NOEEI 30.36 | Shipments to Canada and not controlled by BIS, State/ITAR or other license regulations |
| NOEEI 30.37(a) | Values of commodities classified under an individual Schedule B or HTS code is under 2,501 USD and not controlled by a U.S. government export license/permit or ITAR exemption |
| NOEEI 30.37(c) | Shipments from one point in the U.S. to another point in the U.S. by routes passing through Canada or Mexico |
| NOEEI 30.37(d) | Shipments from one point in Canada or Mexico passing through the U.S. to another point in same country by routes through the U.S. |
| NOEEI 30.37(f) | Exports of technology and software as defined in 15 CFR part 772 of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that do not require an export licence are exempt from AES filing requirements. |
| NOEEI 30.37(g) | Books, maps, charts, pamphlets and similar articles shipped by U.S. government offices to U.S. or foreign libraries, government establishments, or similar institutions as provided in section 15 CFR 30.40(d) |
| NOEEI 30.37(h) | Shipments, except those that require licensing, as authorized under License Exception “GFT” for gift parcels and humanitarian donations (see section 15 CFR 740.12 of the EAR for details) |
| NOEEI 30.37(i) | Any properly identified/sealed pouch, package, envelope, bag, or other container used to transport official correspondence/documents for use between embassies/consulates and the foreign office of any government |
| NOEEI 30.37(j) | Human remains and accompanying appropriate receptacles and flowers |
| NOEEI 30.37(k) | Shipments of interplant correspondence and other company business documents from a U.S. firm to its subsidiary or affiliate (excluding highly technical plans, etc. that could be licensed) |
| NOEEI 30.37(l) | Shipments of pets as baggage, accompanied or unaccompanied by people leaving the U.S., including members of crews on vessels and aircraft |
| NOEEI 30.37(m) | Carriers' stores, not shipped under a bill of lading or an air waybill |
| NOEEI 30.37(n) | Dunnage, not shipped under a bill of lading or an air waybill as defined in 30.37(n) |
| NOEEI 30.37(o) | Shipments of aircraft parts/equipment, for use on aircraft by a U.S. airline to its own installations, aircraft and agents abroad, under EAR license exception “AVS” for aircraft and vessels (see 15CFR740.15(c)) |
| NOEEI 30.37(s) | Issued bank notes, securities and coins in circulation exported as evidence of financial claims An AES filing is required for unissued bank notes, securities and coins not in circulation |
| NOEEI 30.37(t) | Documents used in international transactions, moving from the U.S. to facilitate international transactions including airline tickets, internal revenue stamps, liquor stamps and advertising literature |
| NOEEI 30.37(u) | Exports of technical data and defense service exemptions as cited in section 22 CFR 123.22(b)(3)(iii) of the ITAR |
| NOEEI 30.37(v) | Vessels, aircraft, and other vehicles, trailers, pallets, or similar shipping containers, not considered "shipped" in terms of the FTR when they are moving as carriers of goods or as instruments of such carriers |
| NOEEI 30.37(w) | Shipments via Army Post Office, Diplomatic Post Office, or Fleet Post Office |
| NOEEI 30.37(x) | Shipments exported under license exception Baggage (BAG) (15 CFR 740.14) |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(1) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: Books, maps, charts, pamphlets, and similar to foreign libraries, government establishments, or similar institutions |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(2) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: Shipments to U.S. government agencies/employees per License Exception GOV of the EAR 740.11 valued over 2,500 USD per Schedule B/HTS |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(3) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: Personal effects per EAR 740.14(b)(1) lawfully exported under License Exception BAG of the EAR (15 CFR 740) |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(4) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: gift parcels and humanitarian donations lawfully exported under License Exception “GFT” of the EAR (15 CFR 740.12) |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(5) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: Vessels and aircraft lawfully leaving the U.S. for a sojourn to or in a Country Group E1 country. |
| NOEEI 30.37(y)(6) | Shipments to a destination in Country Group E1 as in Supp#1 to EAR 740 are not required to be filed in AES: Tools of trade lawfully exported by a traveler and returned to the U.S. within 1 year per License Exceptions BAG or TMP |
| NOEEI 30.39 | Shipments to U.S. Armed Services. Does not apply to USML/ITAR controlled commodities not consigned to the U.S. military but for their usage. |
| NOEEI 30.40(a) | Office furniture, office equipment, and office supplies shipped to and for the exclusive use of U.S. Government employees. |
| NOEEI 30.40(b) | Household goods and personal property shipped to and for the exclusive and personal use of U.S. Government employees. |
| NOEEI 30.40(c) | Food, medicine, commissary and related supplies shipped to U.S. Government offices, employees, employee co-ops/associations for the exclusive use of such employees, or other distribution to such employees. |
Frequently asked questions
How does Zonos accept or handle EEI filing?
EEI filing is the responsibility of the sender. Zonos does not process EEI filing. The sender will need to submit the EEI via agent filing with the carrier. If you are printing labels out of Dashboard, Zonos gives you the ability to pass the ITN number to the carrier. Zonos will not prevent label generation and it is your responsiblity to ensure that EEI filing is handled for applicable shipments.
Electronic Export Information
Learn when an EEI is required and how to file one.Electronic Export Information (EEI) is the electronic report and documentation of goods exported from the United States (U.S.) to a foreign country. EEI filing is required when one or more items in a shipment are valued at over 2,500 USD. An “item” is determined per harmonized code (HS code), meaning that multiple items with the same HS code count as one item for EEI filing purposes. EEI filings are submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) online. EEI data is used by CBP to enforce customs laws on higher-value shipments.
Automated Export System (AES) - The AES is a computer system that collects Electronic Export Information (EEI). In many cases, the law requires you to report EEI for goods exported from the United States and its territories.
Electronic Export Information (EEI) - EEI, formerly referred to as a “Shippers Export Declaration” (SED), is the electronic filing of goods exported from the U.S. that are valued at over 2,500 USD through the AES.
Internal Transaction Number (ITN) - An ITN number is provided after submitting a request for an EEI filing through the AES system or the carrier's agent file request process.