U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs) have the option of filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) themselves or authorizing an agent or broker to file the EEI on their behalf.

If you are a USPPI in a standard transaction, then you can do one of the following:

Apply for an ACE Exporter Account to file via the ACE AESDirect portal, AES WebLink, or EDI Bulk Upload; or
Delegate the EEI filing to an authorized agent by providing the authorized agent with a properly executed executed power of attorney or written authorization; or
Complete the steps in the AES software certification process to file using a third party or self-developed software with a direct connection to the AES.

If you are a USPPI in a routed transaction, please refer to Foreign Trade Regulation 30.3(e).

Authorized Agent:

Authorized Agents may file EEI on behalf of a USPPI or Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) only under the following conditions:

Have a properly executed power of attorney or written authorization from the USPPI or FPPI.
Be physically located in the United States.
Apply for an ACE Exporter Account to file the EEI via the ACE AESDirect portal, AESWebLink, or EDI Bulk Upload.
- Alternatively, complete the steps in the AES software certification process to file using a 3^rd-party or self-developed software with a direct connection to the AES.

AES Certified Service Centers:

Service Centers may only transmit EEI on behalf of the USPPI or Authorized Agent to the AES after completing the AES software certification process. They may not prepare and file EEI.

Refer to the AES Certified Service Centers for a list of already certified service centers.

AES Certified Software Vendor/Developer:

A software vendor/developer may develop software that is used to transmit EEI to AES only after completing the AES software certification process.

Resources are available to assist software developers:

Refer to the AES Certified Software Vendors for a list of already certified software vendors.

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What are the Various AES Filing Methods?

ACE AESDirect Portal:

The ACE AESDirect portal is a free web application available to everyone. If you plan to use ACE AESDirect, you must agree to the certification statements that appear prior to accessing the filing portal.

EDI Bulk Upload:

EDI Bulk Upload allows the filer to upload a file within the ACE AESDirect portal in order to submit multiple shipments at one time. AES will provide the ITNs directly in the portal as well as through an email response. The file must conform to either the AESTIR or X12 601 format.

Additional resources available to assist EDI Bulk Upload filers:

AES WebLink:

AES WebLink interfaces with a company’s existing internet application and pulls as many data elements as possible into ACE AESDirect to help build the EEI shipment. You will need to log in and access ACE AESDirect prior to submitting the information. If any data elements are missing to complete the EEI, you will need to manually enter them within ACE AESDirect before submitting. AES will provide the ITN directly in the portal as well as through an email response.

To get started filing via AES WebLink, you will need to implement the WebLink Submission API.

Additional Resources are available to assist AES WebLink filers:

Direct Connection to AES via Third Party Software or Self-developed Software:

Filers also have the option to transmit EEI through a direct connection to AES.

Please complete the AES Software Certification Process to set up a direct connection. Your assigned CBP Client Representative will be available to provide technical assistance and answer any questions regarding the implementation of your software.

Additional Resources are available to assist software developers:

Contact an Established AES Certified Service Center or Software Vendor

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What is the ACE AESDirect Portal?

The ACE AESDirect portal is the primary, free filing tool for submitting your Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Automated Export System (AES). When a filer submits their EEI, AES will process the information and, if accepted, respond with an Internal Transaction Number (ITN).

The ACE AESDirect portal is available at https://ace.cbp.gov/. Complete this form to request an ACE Exporter Account and start the AESDirect registration process. This quick guide will provide details on how to register and access ACE AESDirect. This document is also available Spanish.

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What is the AES Software Certification Process?

The AES software certification is the process that results in the testing and approval of software used to transmit EEI to AES. This process is used by USPPIs, authorized agents or service centers who choose to develop their own software rather than purchase it. This process is also used by software developers who plan to sell their AES software as a certified vendor.

For USPPIs and authorized agents, completion of the AES software certification process satisfies the requirement for filer certification.

The first step is to complete and submit the Letter of Intent.
Once submitted, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) representative will contact you to discuss your implementation method, assist during testing and verify the system complies with the requirements and necessary edits.
The assigned CBP Client Representative will request you to complete AES Certification Test Scripts as part of the software certification process.

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