This blog provides a few tips to address some common questions and issues for those who set-up exporter accounts in ACE on behalf of a client, authorized agents and freight forwarder roles, as well as with existing ACE importer accounts. Exporter accounts and the AESDirect filing system now reside in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

Exporter Roles

“Exporter” is an account type within the ACE account structure used for all export related roles including:
- Authorized agent
- Freight forwarder
- Exporting company (U.S. Principal Party in Interest)
When you register in the ACE, you will also be registering for an ACE Exporter Account, regardless of your role in the export transaction.

Filing on Behalf of a Client

When filing on behalf of another company, the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) section in ACE should be completed the same way it was for the legacy AESDirect system. An additional USPPI Employee Identification Number (EIN) should only be added to a top account for company subsidiaries. Authorized agents and freight forwarders should not add an USPPI EIN to their account.

Account Structure for Authorized Agents and Freight Forwarders

A USPPI will not be able to register in ACE if a forwarder or agent added the USPPI’s EIN to their ACE Top Account. The USPPI will not be able to get access to AESDirect or their ACE Export Reports. If you notice this issue, the forwarder or agent must call the ACE Account Service Desk at 1-866-530-4172, option 1, then option 2 to submit a service ticket to solve this issue.

Existing ACE Importer Accounts

Any company with an existing ACE Importer Account needs to add the exporter role to their account to get instant access to their export reports. No vetting would be required in this case.

For further information or questions, please contact the U.S. Census Bureau’s Data Collection Branch.

Telephone: (800) 549-0595, select option 1 for AES.

Email: askaes@census.gov

International Trade Management Division Website