SED refers to the U.S. Shipper’s Export Declarations. All cargo transported out of the U.S. must be declared directly to the U.S. Department of Security’s ACE Secure Data Portal Every international cargo transportation company that meets the needs of U.S. freight must comply with the U.S. Government export regulations by enforcing the specific condition on any cargo that is being shipped from. U.S. port: “NO DOCS – NO LOAD.”
The presentation of shipping documents for cargo that is being shipped from the US to international markets must include proof of submission with the U.S. shipper’s Export Declaration (ITN or AES Exemption Legend). The shipper must provide all documentation within 72 hours before the cargo departs from the U.S.
Any cargo without a ITN (if not exempt) will not be released for transportation and cannot exit the U.S. It will be subject for hold under the U.S. Customs supervision and penalties due to lack of proper export documentation.
ITN stands for Internal Transaction Number. The ITN is a number that is assigned to a shipment that confirms the ACE has accepted the EEI (Electronic Export Information) and it is currently on file.
Common SED Exemptions
- Shipping goods that have a total declared value of lower than $2500.
- US domestic shipments (shipping freight from the USA and Puerto Rico and the USA and the Virgin Islands require an ITN but from Hawaii to the U.S. does not.
How to File SED
Use an online freight calculator to file U.S. Shipper’s Export Declaration.
- A shipper can file an SED online. You must have a valid ITN from the shipper before the cargo can be delivered to the ocean freight carrier’s terminal (CFS) when shipping from the United States overseas.
- A freight transporter can file an SED on the shipper’s behalf based solely on the commodity description which has been provided in the commercial invoice or valued packing list.
If you want the freight shipper to file, the SED on your behalf then you must have the following:
- A valued packing list or commercial invoice which shows the commodity description, value, and estimated weight
- US citizens can have a U.S. federal tax ID (EIN) or for non-U.S. citizens a copy of the consignor’s foreign passport with the passport number clearly visible.
It should be noted that as of December 3, 2009, a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) is not accepted as a valid USPPI ID. For additional information, read the U.S. Federal Code 15 CFR Part 30.
