Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) in Shipping Goods from the USA Abroad

Shipper’s Declaration of International Shipment (SED) requirements apply when shipping internationally from the USA.

SED is the acronym for U.S. Shipper's Export Declarations

According to U.S. export regulations, all cargo transported from the USA must be declared to the US Department of Homeland Security through the ACE Secure Data Portal.

To comply with these international shipping documentation rules, all cargo transportation companies involved in international shipping from the USA enforce the following condition: "NO DOCS – NO LOAD." This means presenting all required overseas filing documentation, including proof of the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) submission, is mandatory.

This proof is typically the ITN (Internal Transaction Number) or an AES Exemption Legend, and it must be provided by the shipper no later than 72 hours before international cargo transportation begins from the USA.

Cargo without a valid ITN (unless exempt) cannot be released for international freight forwarding and will be held by US Customs. Due to the lack of proper US export compliance documentation, non-compliance may result in fines or penalties.

Note: The U.S. government uses the data collected through SED filings for trade statistics, export enforcement, and national security screening.

Who is Responsible for Filing the SED?

The party responsible for submitting the Shipper’s Export Declaration is called the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI)—usually the U.S.-based exporter, manufacturer, or seller. The USPPI is legally obligated to ensure that accurate export data is filed under U.S. regulations.

What is ITN?

ITN stands for Internal Transaction Number. It is a code issued upon successful filing of Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the ACE system. The ITN confirms that the shipment has been declared following US export documentation rules.

Common Exemptions from Filing a Shipper's Export Declaration

• Shipping from the USA goods valued under US$2500
• US domestic shipments (e.g., shipping to Hawaii)
• Note: An ITN is still required for freight between the USA and Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, even though they are US territories

How to File a Shipper's Export Declaration

Our online freight calculator supports both self-filing and assisted filing of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED).

Shippers may file their Shipper’s Export Declaration online at ace.cbp.dhs.gov

In this case, we must receive a valid ITN before the cargo is delivered to the ocean freight terminal (CFS) for overseas shipping from the United States.

Alternatively, we can file the SED for you based on the commodity description in your commercial invoice or valued packing list. Our service costs $35 for one Harmonized Tariff Number, and $25 for each additional number.

To file on your behalf, we require:

• A commercial invoice or valued packing list showing the:
• Description of goods
• Value of the international shipment in USD
• Estimated weight of cargo

Identification:

• For US citizens: a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• For non-US citizens: a copy of the passport’s first page clearly showing the passport number

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to file a required Shipper’s Export Declaration or to submit accurate EEI data may result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, as outlined in the Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR Part 30). Shipments may also be delayed or rejected by U.S. Customs.

Obtaining an EIN for SED Filing

As of December 3, 2009, Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are not accepted as valid USPPI IDs.

According to the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required when filing a Shipper’s Export Declaration.

To get an EIN, visit irs.gov and select "Employer ID Numbers (EIN)" for your international shipment filings.

If you’re a US citizen without an EIN, you may apply for one online at the IRS site. Choose the EIN for Sole Proprietors, which satisfies local and banking requirements for international cargo transportation and export compliance. Consider the steps in this PDF file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)?

A Shipper’s Export Declaration is a mandatory document filed with U.S. Customs before exporting most goods valued over $2,500. It contains details about the shipment, including its value, destination, and the nature of the goods.

Who is responsible for filing the SED?

The U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI), typically the U.S.-based exporter or seller, is legally responsible for ensuring the SED is filed correctly and on time.

Do I always need to file an SED for shipping from the USA?

No. You do not need to file an SED if:

• Your goods are valued under $2,500 (unless restricted)
• You are shipping domestically within the 50 states. However, a SED is still required for shipments to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What is an ITN number, and why is it important?

An ITN (Internal Transaction Number) proves that your export data was successfully submitted via the ACE system. Without a valid ITN (or exemption), your cargo cannot legally leave the United States.

Can you file the SED for me?

Yes. We can file the Shipper’s Export Declaration on your behalf for a flat fee, as long as you provide the required documents and identification (EIN or passport copy).

For more information, refer to a copy of U.S. Federal Code 15 CFR Part 30 in this link.