Electronic Export Information (EEI) is filed using Automated Export Systems for ease of automation and ease of access to trade information. The requirement by the Foreign Trade Regulations of the United States is that commodities and goods worth above $2500 is filed by AES.
Filing your merchandise for export through the automated export systems can be achieved by creating an account and logging into the platform of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) of the United States’ Custom and Border Protection agency, then making your entries and updating your data. Likewise, there are software programs like the shipping solutions, and export documentation software, where you can access AESDirect not having to enter important information that has already been inputted.
When your electronic export information has been submitted to AESDirect and recorded on the ACE website, a confirmation number called the ITN (internal transaction number) is generated by the Automated Export System server which confirms your data entry and inputs.
An e-mail will be sent to you containing your ITN number and on the AESDirect page, the summary screen of the website will show a green box that says your entry has been accepted.
3 Reasons You Need An ITN
#1: Filing evidence
As requested and required by the United States’ Foreign Trade Regulations, your Internal Transaction Number is the proof that your electronic export information has been filed and submitted by either you or a hired agency. It is a criminal activity and you will be charged and expected to pay a fine which could be as high as $9,000 if you deliberately manipulated or provided incorrect or misleading information which violates the laws implemented by the OOE (office of export enforcement) of the United States Department of Commerce and U.S. CBP.
#2: Certain documents require that your ITN is represented
Ultimately, this means that you may not be able to clear your goods without an ITN. Many important shipping documents require that your ITN reflect, if not, you may experience some delays as your shipment and merchandise will be held up at the border. I’m sure your customs broker must have earlier told you this. If not, then you may need to change him based on incompetency.
#3: Filing accuracy can be verified in routed transactions by you ITN
Although it is advisable that you personally handle filing and information input for accuracy, especially when filing via AES. If not, the ITN is a means to ensure that filing input made on your behalf is accurately done. You can access the ACE portal and assess third-party report made on your behalf.
