Take the quiz below to assess your company's readiness to be AES compliant.

True or False?

1. Exports from the US to any foreign country valued at $2,500 or more are not required to file using AES.
2. Regardless of value, exports that require an export license from the Commerce or State Departments are required to file through AES.
3. The filing deadlines for export documentation have not changed.
4. Since my freight-forwarder files all my export information I am not responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of the filings
5. Instead of filing a Shipper's Export Declaration, I will now need to file that same information using AES.
6. I don't need to certify the software I develop or use to file through AES.

Answers to the AES compliance readiness quiz:

1. False. All companies exporting merchandise valued greater than $2,500 from the US to any foreign country must file using AES.
2. True. All exports requiring an export license from the Commerce or State departments require you to file through AES.
3. False. The time frame for filing your export documentation have changed and varies based on the type of shipment (USML or non-USML) and by mode of transportation (vessel, air, truck, rail, mail, pipeline). These time frames can vary from 1 hour prior to the arrival at the US border to 24 hours prior to loading cargo at a US port.
4. False. Even if you do rely on your freight-forwarder to file your export information, you are still not delegating the responsibility of an accurate and timely filing to the freight forwarder. Due to the increase in fines and penalties for late or incorrect filings, many companies are setting up to file via AES instead of continuing to send the information to their freight-forwarder.
5. True. The Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) will no longer be used, however, the same information will be transmitted via AES and is now called the Electronic Export Information (EEI).
6. False. Software used to file through AES must be certified by the US Census Bureau. Companies can choose to use an AES-certified software vendor or develop software based on AES-recommended specifications.
   
   

How did you do?

AES compliance is not as hard as you may think. It requires knowledge of the new regulations, deadlines and penalties, as well as having the correct software in place.

Integration Point offers an integrated AES filing feature - certified by the Census Bureau - for exporters still looking to get AES compliant before September 30, 2008.

Integration Point AES includes:

• Direct AES submissions to the US Census Bureau
• Automatic return of the ITN and XTN reference numbers to your shipment details
• Create hard and soft copies of export documentation for internal record keeping
• On-demand availability

The AES solution also integrates with Integration Point Export Management. Using the entire Export Management solution, you can:

• Automate AES filing and create necessary export documentation
• Manage Restricted Party Screening
• Integrate with carriers and 3PLs to reduce unnecessary re-keying of shipment information, including the acceptance of ASNs
• Audit all requirements necessary to make a drawback claim
• Classify products easily with a step-by-step online tool
• Manage export license requirements or restrictions

For more information on the AES integration offered by Integration Point, please fill out the form to the right.