Export, screening, importer identity and de minimis

This glossary covers Export, screening, importer identity and de minimis terms used by importers, customs brokers and trade-compliance teams.

EEI

Electronic Export Information: the export data the USPPI or its agent files in the Automated Export System under 15 CFR part 30, the Foreign Trade Regulations; not an import filing.

AES

Automated Export System: the Census and CBP system, reached through AESDirect in the ACE Secure Data Portal, that receives EEI and returns an ITN; not the import side of ACE.

ITN

Internal Transaction Number: the AES-generated number assigned to a shipment when its EEI is accepted and on file; the proof of filing citation on loading documents; not an entry number.

Schedule B

Schedule B, Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States: the 10-digit Census export classification reported in EEI; not the import HTSUS, though six digits match.

NOEEI 30.37(a)

The exemption legend for shipments needing no Electronic Export Information because the value per Schedule B or HTSUSA number is $2,500 or less (15 CFR 30.37(a)); not a duty exemption.

routed export transaction

An export in which the foreign principal party in interest authorizes a U.S. agent to prepare and file the EEI (15 CFR 30.1, 30.3); not a drop-shipment term.

USPPI

U.S. Principal Party in Interest: the person or entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit from an export transaction (15 CFR 30.1); not the importer of record.

EAR99

The Export Administration Regulations designation for items subject to the EAR not described in any ECCN on the Commerce Control List; a basket category, not a license or tariff code.

ECCN

Export Control Classification Number: the five-character alphanumeric code on the Commerce Control List (15 CFR part 774) identifying an item's license requirements; not an HTS or Schedule B number.

BIS Entity List

The BIS list (Supplement No. 4 to 15 CFR part 744) of parties subject to export license requirements; not the OFAC SDN list or the UFLPA Entity List.

OFAC SDN list

The Treasury OFAC list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, whose property is blocked and with whom U.S. persons generally may not deal; not the BIS Entity List.

non-resident importer

A foreign person or company outside the U.S. customs territory acting as importer of record, with a CBP-assigned number, resident agent and resident surety bond; not a Canadian program.

foreign IOR

A foreign entity named as importer of record, liable for duties and compliance under 19 CFR 141.1(b), with a CBP-assigned number; not a nominal consignee or a marketplace.

ultimate consignee EIN

The EIN (or SSN or CBP-assigned number) of the U.S. party receiving the goods, reported as the ultimate consignee number on the entry summary; not the importer of record number.

Amazon FBA IOR

The importer of record on inventory shipped to Fulfillment by Amazon: the seller or its agent, because Amazon will not act as importer of record; not an Amazon service.

Section 321

Section 321 (19 U.S.C. 1321): the administrative exemptions, including the $800 de minimis entry for one person on one day; commercial de minimis is suspended as of September 2026.

de minimis suspension

The suspension of de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C): China and Hong Kong from 2025-05-02, all countries from 2025-08-29, continued 2026-02-24, indefinite by regulation from 2026-06-24; not a tariff.

Type 86 suspended

The status of ACE entry type 86, the voluntary test entry brokers filed for Section 321 shipments: unavailable since de minimis was suspended on 2025-08-29; not informal entry type 11.

DDP customs value

The customs value issue on Delivered Duty Paid sales: a DDP price includes international freight, insurance, duties and post-import charges that transaction value excludes; not a valuation method.

non-dutiable freight

Freight, insurance and related charges incident to the international shipment to the U.S. place of importation, excluded from transaction value when separately identified and supported; not post-arrival domestic freight.