Export Declarations; Export Regulations; Export Compliance; International Trade Compliance

The U.S. Department of Commerce requires exporters to use the "shipper's export declaration" (SED). The Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) is generally required by the U.S. Census Bureau for shipping single commodities valued at more than $2,500 USD or more ($500 for parcel post shipments), or for commodities requiring a license or license exception.  This document is used for compiling U.S. export trade statistics, as well as for export control.  The SED provides basic information about an export to the U.S. government.

It is also required to request an export license, or if the shipment has been consigned to a controlled destination. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Administration (BXA) administers export licensing and control. The Bureau of Census compiles and publishes export statistics. The U.S. Customs Service is in charge of document review, data collection, and export inspections.  SEDs may be filed electronically through the Automatic Export System (AES), or the free internet-based AES Direct System. The U.S. Customs Service, and the U.S. Department of Commerce offer these. Additional information can be found at:

• www.aesdirect.gov 
• www.census.gov/foreign-trade 

The data required on the form is outlined below.

1. Parties to the transaction:

• The Exporter; 
• Intermediate consignee; 
• Consignee; 
• Forwarding agent 

2. Transport information:

• Loading pier; 
• Mode of transportation; 
• Exporting Carrier; 
• Port of export; 
• Port of unloading; 
• Point of origin; 
• Country of ultimate destination; 
• Bill of lading number 

3. Commodity information:

• Domestic or foreign; 
• Schedule B number (Harmonized Tariff Schedule); 
• Schedule B units;
• Shipping weight; 
• Value; 
• Export license number; 
• Export Commodity Control Number (ECCN) 

4. Certification that the information provided is true and correct.

Effective November 1, 2000, those customers not filing electronically, but continuing to send original SEDs will be assessed a $25.00 per SED Handling Fee.

One final comment:   Proper export compliance as required by U.S. law is complicated and requires knowledge, attention to detail and the preservation of relevant supporting documentation.  The U.S Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security primarily monitors exports to prevent the distribution of dual use goods and technology.  The U.S. Department of State is responsible for licensing the export of defense related items and services.  The U.S. Treasury Department's Iffice if Foreign Assets Control is primarly responsible for controlling the distribution of money.

U.S. based exporters are required to screen all parties involved in an international transaction against the "Prohibited Parties Lists." This is a term used to describe the four lists of entities with which an exporter is prohibited from doing business under most circumstances.  Millions of dollars in civil penalties are imposed each year for violations of export control laws. In cases where there is criminal intent to violate export control laws, criminal penalties can be imposed which can result in personal fines or imprisonment.

Edited by Michael C. Dennis.  Mr. Dennis is the author of several books including "The Credit Manager's Concise Desk Reference."