If you are shipping goods from the United States to another country, you may need to fill out an export declaration form. This is a document that provides information about the exporter, the consignee, the origin, the destination, the value, and the description of the goods. An export declaration is required for statistical purposes and for customs clearance in the destination country. It also helps to prevent illegal exports of restricted or prohibited items.

There are different types of export declaration forms depending on the mode of transportation, the value of the shipment, and the destination country. Some of the most common forms are:

• Electronic Export Information (EEI): This is an electronic form that is submitted through the Automated Export System (AES) or AESDirect. It is required for shipments valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number (a 10-digit code that classifies the goods), or for shipments that require an export license, regardless of value. It is also required for shipments to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria, regardless of value or license requirement.
• Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED): This is a paper form that was used before the implementation of AES. It is still accepted for shipments by mail or hand-carried by an individual traveler, but it is not recommended as it may cause delays or errors in processing.
• Certificate of Origin (CO): This is a document that certifies the origin of the goods and may be required by the destination country for preferential tariff treatment under a free trade agreement or other trade arrangement. The CO may be issued by the exporter, a chamber of commerce, or a third-party certifier, depending on the rules of origin and the destination country’s requirements.
• Commercial Invoice (CI): This is a document that provides information about the seller, the buyer, the terms of sale, and the description and value of the goods. It is required for all shipments and serves as a basis for customs valuation and duty assessment in the destination country.

To fill out an export declaration form correctly, you should follow these steps:

• Identify the type of form you need based on your shipment details and destination country’s requirements.
• Obtain the form from the appropriate source, such as AESDirect, your freight forwarder, your carrier, or your chamber of commerce.
• Provide accurate and complete information about your shipment, such as your name and address, your tax identification number (TIN), your Schedule B number, your export license number (if applicable), your destination country code, your port of export code, your mode of transportation code, your date of exportation, your ultimate consignee’s name and address, your value of goods in U.S. dollars, and your quantity and description of goods.
• Sign and date the form and keep a copy for your records.
• Submit the form to the appropriate authority, such as AESDirect, your freight forwarder, your carrier, or your customs broker.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you comply with U.S. export regulations and facilitate a smooth customs clearance process in the destination country.