When is EEI required for US export shipments?
If you’re shipping goods from the United States to another country, you may need to file Electronic Export Information (EEI) before the shipment departs.
EEI is a US export filing requirement used for customs and trade compliance.
When EEI is usually required?
EEI is generally required when:
the shipment is going from the US to a foreign country
the value is over $2,500 per HS code / Schedule B number
an export license is required
the goods or destination fall under specific US export-control rules
If EEI is required, the exporter usually needs to file through the Automated Export System (AES) and receive an ITN (Internal Transaction Number) before the shipment leaves the US.
When EEI is usually not required
EEI is usually not required when:
the shipment is going from the US to Canada, unless an export license is required
the value is $2,500 or less per HS code / Schedule B number
the goods are not license-controlled
the shipment is documents only or otherwise not subject to export filing rules
What is an ITN?
An ITN is the confirmation number returned after a successful EEI filing.
You may be asked for this number before your shipment can be processed.
What information is usually needed?
To file EEI, you may need:
exporter name and EIN
consignee details
destination country
HS code or Schedule B number
value of goods
ECCN if applicable
mode of transport
How is EEI filed?
EEI can usually be filed:
through CBP’s AES / ACE system
through a freight forwarder or customs broker
through a carrier filing service if offered by the carrier
Common questions
Why is my carrier asking for EEI?
Your shipment may meet a US export filing requirement because of its value, product classification, destination, or export-control status.
Does every shipment over $2,500 need EEI?
Not always based on total shipment value alone. The threshold is generally evaluated per HS code / Schedule B number.
Is EEI required for Canada?
Usually no, unless the goods require an export license or fall under a special exception.
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether EEI applies to your shipment, have the following ready:
shipment origin country
destination country
product value
HS code
whether the goods require an export license