The legally required time frame for filing in the Automated Export System (AES) depends on the mode of transport and on what type of merchandise you are sending.
Basic consumer goods
The general rule is two hours prior to export, but there are some exceptions.
- Mail: Provide the post office with the ITN up to two hours prior to export. This will be a given since USPS probably won’t accept your shipment without the proof of filing citation or AES exemption.
- Air: You must get the ITN two hours prior to the aircraft’s scheduled departure time. Again, the carrier, such as FedEx or UPS, is unlikely to proceed with the shipment without you having obtained the AES ITN if it is required.
- Road: File the export one hour before the truck reaches the U.S. border. Note that this time frame does not apply to vehicle exports (see below).
- Rail: The shipment must be filed in AES two hours before the train reaches the border.
- Boat: Here the requirement is 24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is laden.
Vehicle exports
All cars (“used self-propelled vehicles” in legal speak) being exported from the U.S. have to be filed in AES 72 hours beforehand. This is due to a regulation that went into affect on April 5, 2014.
Defense items on the U.S. Munitions List
Understandably, U.S. Customs and Border Protection tends to require more advance notice for these exports.
- Air: eight hours prior to the aircraft’s scheduled departure time
- Road: eight hours before the truck arrives at the border for export
- Rail: 24 hours prior to the train’s arrival at the port
- Boat: 24 hours prior to loading cargo on the vessel at the U.S. port where the cargo is laden
There are also special rules for shipments to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is exempt from the normal time frames. The ITN must be presented to the carrier by the time the shipment arrives at the port of unlading for shipments between the United States and Puerto Rico.