AES (Automated Export System) is the system used by the U.S. government to collect data on exports.
AES is the primary tool used by the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to collect Electronic Export Information (EEI) from exporters or their authorized agents (such as freight forwarders).
Historically, this data was filed through a separate platform known as AESDirect. Today, all AES filing functions are fully integrated into the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal, making ACE the single interface for both import and export filings.
Purpose and Requirements
The data collected via AES serves two critical functions for the U.S. government:
- Trade statistics: The Census Bureau uses the EEI data to compile official U.S. export statistics. These figures are essential economic indicators used to calculate the nation’s balance of trade.
- Export control: CBP and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) use the EEI to enforce U.S. export laws. This data helps prevent the unauthorized export of sensitive goods, controlled technology, or weapons to embargoed countries, restricted parties, or for prohibited end-uses.
An AES filing (submitting the EEI) is legally required for most exports of merchandise from the U.S. to a foreign country if the value of any single commodity (per Schedule B/HTS code) is over $2,500. A filing is also mandatory for all shipments (regardless of value) that require an export license or are destined for a U.S.-embargoed country.