Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filings

What is an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing?

Within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing is the primary document required for lawful exports from the U.S.  The federal government requires that all information reported on EEIs must be complete and accurate, and alleged false statements can quickly compound into multiple penalties.  The U.S. Census Bureau (Census) and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) primarily oversee compliance in EEI filings, with CBP acting as the enforcement arm that investigates EEI filings and penalizes exporters.  Such investigations are common because Census relies on the accuracy of the information reported to monitor export statistics, including but not limited to key details about export licensing, classification, end-users, end-uses, and value. 

 

How do EEI filings impact businesses?

Subject to the standard five-year recordkeeping requirement for exports, EEI filings are considered statements to the federal government and therefore must accurately state the various data elements associated with each shipment.  Under the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), Census and other agencies monitor this data and take misstatements seriously.  Incorrect EEI filings can result in fines, penalties, shipment delays, and even detentions and seizures.  Accurate EEI submissions strengthen a company’s compliance record, assist in streamlining international trade operations, and help ensure compliance with the FTR and other export regulations.  Monitoring compliance with the FTR can greatly reduce the risk of costly enforcement actions, supporting smoother export processes.

 

How can Schulz Trade Law PLLC (STL) help clients with EEI filing audits?

Schulz Trade Law PLLC (STL) is well versed in the details of EEIs, as well as internal and external EEI audits. Our trade attorneys and advisors understand how to navigate the ACE system to compare government data with company data and shipping documents.  STL regularly guides exporters through the correction of errors and omissions that could easily result in penalties or delays.  STL’s extensive experience includes compliance audits, customized corrective actions, minimizing risk in routed shipments, and designing and implementing written compliance procedures.  We also devise strategies to improve business processes and maintain a strong export compliance record, helping exporters navigate EEI filing requirements with confidence and success.