Customer Advisory: Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) Filing (Update September 17th)
The U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of the Census, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have issued the Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) final rule with full enforcement effective as of September 30, 2008. Enforcement will be by CBP.
What does the rule state?
U.S. load port exporters must now file Electronic Export Information (EEI) using the Automated Export System (AES) and provide proof of an AES Citation Number to carrier 24 hours before cargo is loaded on board vessel. Paper Shipping Export Declaration (SED) is no longer acceptable effective September 30, 2008.
A non compliant AES filing party shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 per violation.
What impact does this rule have on exporters?
Exporters are required to submit one of the following in writing to OOCL by the designated AES documentation information cut off, and no later then 24 hours (1 business day) prior to cargo loading:
- AES Proof of Filing Citation - Internal Transaction Number (ITN)
- AES Post Departure (Option 4) Citation
- Exclusions or Exemptions Legend (i.e., Exclusion: shipment value less than $2,500; Exemption: in bond shipments exporting from U.S. load ports and originating outside the U.S.)
AES documentation cut off time frames will be provided at time of booking registration confirmation. OOCL will also post the proforma AES information cut off time on OOCL.com.
How does an exporter provide this information to OOCL?
AES Citation Number information must be provided to OOCL in writing by one of the following methods: - Option 4 Filers who book via CargoSmart or email can include their AES post departure citation number along with their written booking details
- Notate the information on your Shipping Instructions as long as received by designated AES documentation cut off
- Submit via email to aes@oocl.com including booking number and vessel/voyage along with ITN citation number
What is the required time frame to submit AES information to comply with this ruling?
Exporters are required to provide their AES citation number (ITN) no later than 24 hours prior to cargo loading on vessel. To ensure cargo without the required AES documentation does not inadvertently get loaded we have implemented an AES Documentation Cut Off schedule. As a general rule OOCL’s AES documentation cut off is 24 hours (1 business day) prior to load port cut off. The actual cut off will be provided to you at time of booking registration; however you can use the attached AES Cut Off spreadsheet based on our proforma schedule as a guideline.
What if I want to book after the designated AES information cut off but prior to cargo cut off and/or vessel arrival?
As long as AES information is received in writing by OOCL no later then 24 hours prior to cargo laden on board, you are within the required timeline of the ruling as mandated by the U.S. Commerce Department, Bureau of the Census, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For booking requests after the AES cut off OOCL will require AES information be advised in writing within one business hour of booking registration to OOCL Customer Service Booking Representative with a copy to aes@oocl.com. Containers cannot be received at the marine terminal without this information. Failure to do so may result in cargo not being loaded and or a penalty if cargo is loaded without the AES information prior loading receipt.
Furthermore, in order to be granted late gate receiving status into the marine terminal gate, the AES information and container number must first be received in writing by OOCL. What if I am moving cargo from an U.S. inland point, do you require my AES information prior to cargo moving from inland origin? AES ITN number is not required to be received by OOCL prior to inland rail ramp delivery. OOCL will require the AES documentation information by the designated vessel/voyage AES documentation cut off for the respective load port that will export your cargo. What if I am moving intermodal cargo from the U.S. to load out of a Canada Load Port?
For export cross border truck shipments originating in the U.S. and to load via a Canada load port for a foreign destination, exporters are required to provide the AES Citation Number in writing to the exporting truck carrier no later than one business hour prior to arrival of truck at the U.S. port of export.
For export cross border rail shipments originating in the U.S. and to load via Canada load port for a foreign destination, exporters are required to provide the AES Citation Number to the exporting rail carrier prior to arrival of the export load at the U.S. origin rail ramp. OOCL requires that no later than 2 business hours prior arrival of an export container at the U.S. origin rail ramp that the exporter or trucker provide the AES Citation Number in writing included with the rail billing request to OOCL, along with relevant booking number, container number, and vessel/voyage information. If AES Citation Number is not provided at time of rail billing request, rail billing will be denied and trucker will not be able to turn in container at the originating rail ramp in the U.S. This is already the process in place today and is not a new requirement.
What if I am moving intermodal cargo from Mexico or Canada to load out of a U.S. Load Port?
Exporters are required to provide the AES Exemption statement to OOCL in writing by one of the above described methods prior to the AES Documentation Cut Off Schedule for the intended vessel/voyage. Exporters are still required to send any 7512's or Shipper's Export Declaration for In-Transit Goods (7513) to the OOCL designated port of loading staff no later than vessel arrival date at port of loading. What if AES information is not received by the established documentation cut off?
Cargo cannot load without written confirmation of AES Citation Number. Cargo, if already received, would be rolled to the next available vessel with exporter being responsible for all associated costs incurred in addition to a $200 per bill of lading fee. If you have any questions, please email us at aes@oocl.com.
Should you have any questions or require assistance with regards to this advisory or your shipment needs, contact OOCL Customer Service Department in China.
Visit us and track and trace your cargo on www.oocl.com or www.cargosmart.com
