AES

What is AES?

AES is an acronym for A utomated E xport S ystem, a means of reporting shipper's export information electronically. AES replaces AERP and supplements the use of paper filing of the Shipper's Export Declaration. The use of AERP was discontinued on January 1 st , 2000. If you are using paper export declarations, you may continue to do so, but expect this option to be eliminated soon.

What kind of shipments can be reported using AES?

NLR (No License Required) and U.S. Commerce Department licensed shipments, except to restricted countries. DOS (Department of State) licensed shipments cannot be reported through AES.

Who can use AES?

Shippers or Forwarders can report using AES by means of an approved link to their computer system or by using AES Direct on the internet.

What must shippers do to allow their forwarder to report their shipments using AES?

Shippers can continue to use paper export declarations or paper SLI's (Shipper's Letter of Instruction) giving authorization for each shipment, or they can issue an Export Power of Attorney (POA) to allow their forwarder to report their shipments. Shippers are still responsible for providing complete and correct information regarding classification (Schedule B) and licensing. If a POA is granted, the shipment information can be in any format, as long as it is complete and accurate.

What is an Export Power of Attorney?

An Export POA is a document that grants the forwarder the right to act in the shipper's behalf with respect to export transactions.

Do I need to execute an Export POA if I have already granted a Customs POA?

No, a Customs POA already grants the authority for export transactions.

What is the difference between the Customs POA and the Export POA?

The Customs POA grants specified authority according to the requirements of the Customs Regulations. The Export POA grants limited rights for only export transactions. Like a Customs POA, an Export POA is not exclusive and can be given to any number of persons at the same time. The Export POA can be in effect until revoked or can have a specified expiry date. While a Customs POA must contain very specific rights, an Export POA is less rigorous. The rights granted and other conditions are as stated on the Export POA, so exporters should read closely before signing.

Who may sign an Export POA?

According to 15 CFR 758.3(j)," the requisite authority rests with employees who, by their official titles, are apparently vested with power to deal with exports, such as export managers or such corporate officers as the president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary of a corporation, any partner of a partnership, and any responsible head of any other form of private or quasi-governmental organization, and assistant officers." This is a less stringent requirement than for a Customs POA.

How does AES make the shipper's job easier?

By executing either a Customs POA or an Export POA, the shipper is no longer required to issue a Shipper's Export Declaration provided that a means can be established to transmit the required information for each shipment to the forwarder. Although this communication can take any of several forms, it must be provided before the shipment can be cleared for export by the forwarder.