Navigating International Shipping: A Guide to Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) Forms

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

The Shipper’s Export Declaration, or SED form, is an official US government document used to collect export statistics and control exports. It provides key details about an international shipment, including:

• Exporter and consignee information
• Description of goods being exported
• Value of the shipment
• Export control classification
• Shipping details like port of export

For shipments valued over $2,500, exporters must obtain an International Transaction Number (ITN) by submitting information through the Automated Export System (AES). The electronic AES filing has replaced the paper SED form, but understanding how to complete an SED is still valuable for exporters.

When is an SED Form Required?

An SED form or electronic AES filing is required for:

• Shipments valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number
• Exports requiring an export license
• Exports to countries under US embargo
• Shipments of rough diamonds

There are some exceptions, such as shipments between the US and Canada. But in general, most commercial exports over $2,500 will require AES filing.

Key Information Needed for the SED Form

To complete an SED form or AES filing, exporters will need to gather the following information:

• Exporter details – Name, address, EIN number
• Ultimate consignee information
• Shipment details – Origin, destination, transport method
• Product details – Schedule B numbers, quantities, values
• Export control information – License numbers if applicable

Having this information organized ahead of time will streamline the filing process. Now let’s walk through each section of the SED form in detail.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the SED Form

1. Exporter Information (Sections 1a-1c)

1a. U.S. Principal Party In Interest (USPPI): Enter the name and address of the US exporter (typically the seller of the goods).

1b. USPPI EIN Number: Provide the exporter’s 9-digit Employer Identification Number assigned by the IRS.

1c. Parties To Transaction: Indicate if the shipper and consignee are related companies by checking “related” or “non-related”.

2. Consignee Information (Sections 4a-4b)

4a. Ultimate Consignee: Enter the name and address of the foreign party receiving the exported goods.

4b. Intermediate Consignee: If applicable, provide details of any foreign intermediary involved in the transaction. This could be an agent or distributor.

3. Transportation Information (Sections 6, 7, 9, 11-13)

6. Point of Origin: List the US state where the goods are originating from.

7. Country of Ultimate Destination: Enter the final country where goods will be consumed or processed.

9. Method of Transportation: For ocean shipments, indicate “vessel”.

11. Port of Export: Specify the US port where goods will depart, e.g. “Port of Miami”.

12. Port of Unloading: List the foreign port where goods will arrive.

13. Containerized: For containerized ocean shipments, check “Yes”.

4. Shipment Details (Sections 19, 21-27)

19. Routed Export Transaction: Indicate “Yes” if the foreign buyer is arranging the US export. Otherwise, mark “No”.

21. Domestic/Foreign Indicator: Mark “D” for goods produced/processed in the US, or “F” for foreign goods being re-exported.

22. Schedule B Number: Enter the 10-digit Schedule B commodity classification code for the goods.

23. Quantity and Schedule B Units: List the quantity and unit of measure specified in the Schedule B classification.

24. Shipping Weight: Provide the gross shipping weight in kilograms.

25. VIN/Product Number: For used vehicles, enter the Vehicle Identification Number.

26. Value: List the value of the goods in US dollars.

27. Export License: Enter any applicable export license number, or “NLR” if no license required.

5. Certification (Sections 29-30)

29-30. Signature and Certification: An authorized representative of the exporter must sign to certify the accuracy of the information provided.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on SED Forms

When completing SED forms or AES filings, watch out for these frequent errors:

• Incorrect or missing Schedule B/HTS codes
• Inaccurate valuation of goods
• Failing to report all required data elements
• Misclassifying export control requirements
• Late filing (AES submissions must be completed prior to export)

Mistakes on export documentation can lead to shipment delays, customs holds, and even penalties. That’s why it’s crucial to be thorough and accurate when preparing SED information.

How FreightAmigo Can Help with Export Documentation

At FreightAmigo, we understand that export compliance and documentation can be challenging, especially for businesses new to international shipping. Our Digital Logistics Platform is designed to simplify the export process:

• Easy online booking for ocean, air, and multimodal shipments
• Automated document preparation to reduce errors
• Export compliance checks integrated into the booking flow
• 24/7 support from logistics experts to answer your questions

Our goal is to make international shipping as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on growing your business globally. With FreightAmigo, you can streamline export documentation, ensure compliance, and ship with confidence.

Conclusion

Properly completing Shipper’s Export Declaration forms or AES filings is a critical step in the export process. While it may seem complex at first, understanding the key elements of the SED form can help exporters avoid delays and ensure smooth customs clearance.

By following this guide and leveraging digital tools like FreightAmigo’s Digital Platform, businesses can navigate export documentation more efficiently. This allows you to expand your international trade opportunities while staying compliant with US export regulations.

Remember, when in doubt about export requirements, it’s always best to consult with customs experts or reach out to official sources like US Customs and Border Protection. And for a simplified approach to managing your exports end-to-end, consider how FreightAmigo’s digital solutions can support your international shipping needs.