What we file and who signs
The exporter, the U.S. principal party in interest, is responsible for the Electronic Export Information. When we file it, we do so under a power of attorney or written authorization that states each party’s responsibilities[4].
Machines that drive, from excavators to tractors, count as vehicles: they are filed whatever their value, and a used one must be filed at least 72 hours before export, with the VIN or serial number and ownership documents presented to CBP at the port[2][5].
At destination, a customs broker licensed there clears the import. In the United States, only a licensed broker may make import entries for someone else[6].
Who files the EEI
| Method | Use it when | Avoid it when |
|---|---|---|
| Standard export: we file for the U.S. seller | The U.S. seller arranges the freight and authorizes us to file[4]. | The foreign buyer has its own forwarder in the U.S. and books the freight. |
| Routed export: the buyer’s agent files | The foreign buyer controls the shipment and authorizes its U.S. agent; the seller supplies the commodity data[4]. | The seller wants to keep control of the filing. |
Documents for a machinery export
- 01
Commercial invoice and packing list
Values, HS or Schedule B numbers, weights and dimensions for every piece.
- 02
Ownership
Title, bill of sale or manufacturer’s certificate, with the serial number that matches the machine[2].
- 03
- 04
Bill of lading
Issued by the carrier with the ITN and the consignee the buyer’s broker will clear under.
Rules that apply
- Electronic Export Information (15 CFR 30)U.S. Census Bureau
Electronic Export Information is filed in AES for each Schedule B number worth more than $2,500 going to one consignee on one conveyance, and for every vehicle whatever its value. For vessel cargo it is due at least 24 hours before loading; the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) goes to the carrier with the booking.[1][3]
Applies to: Any Schedule B line over $2,500, and every vehicle
- Used self-propelled vehicles: 72-hour ruleU.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. regulations count self-propelled construction and agricultural machinery as vehicles. A used one must be filed in AES at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination, and the ITN, the VIN or serial number and the ownership documents go to CBP at the port of export. Filing after departure is not allowed.[5][2][3]
Applies to: Used machines that drive: excavators, loaders, dozers, tractors, trucks
- Filing through an agent (15 CFR 30.3)U.S. Census Bureau
An agent that files Electronic Export Information in AES must hold a power of attorney or written authorization from a principal party in interest. It should state the responsibilities of each party and that the agent acts as the principal’s lawful agent for creating and filing EEI. In a routed export the U.S. seller does not have to give the foreign buyer’s agent that authorization.[4]
Applies to: Exports where a forwarder files the EEI
- Licensed customs brokers (19 CFR 111.2)U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Anyone transacting customs business for another party must hold a customs broker license. Importers and exporters acting only on their own account, and their regular employees, need no license, nor does a broker’s employee acting for the broker under its authorization and supervision.[6]
Applies to: Import entries made on behalf of another party
- Engines exported without U.S. certification (40 CFR 1068.230)U.S. EPA
New engines and equipment that are not certified to U.S. emission standards may be exported under 40 CFR 1068.230 if they carry a label stating they are solely for export. Selling or offering one to a buyer in the United States voids the exemption, and the machine may only be run in the U.S. to prepare and deliver it for export.[7]
Applies to: New nonroad engines and equipment built for a foreign market
Questions about export filing
Is an ITN needed for a machine worth less than $2,500?
If it is a vehicle, yes: every vehicle is filed whatever its value. That includes self-propelled machines such as excavators and tractors.
Can the export filing be made after the ship leaves?
Not for a used self-propelled vehicle: it must be filed at least 72 hours before export. Other vessel cargo is filed at least 24 hours before loading.
Who clears the machine at destination?
A customs broker in the destination country, on behalf of the buyer. We send them the bill of lading, invoice and packing list in advance.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the documents below, each checked on the date shown. Carriers and authorities revise them, so we confirm the current figure when we book.
- [1]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.37 Miscellaneous exemptions (Foreign Trade Regulations), checked October 18, 2026
- [2]U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Exporting used self-propelled vehicles, checked October 18, 2026
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Regulations FAQs, checked October 18, 2026
- [4]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.3 Electronic Export Information filer requirements, parties and responsibilities, checked October 18, 2026
- [5]eCFR, 19 CFR 192.1 Definitions (used self-propelled vehicles), checked October 18, 2026
- [6]eCFR, 19 CFR 111.2 Customs broker license and permit required, checked October 18, 2026
- [7]eCFR, 40 CFR 1068.230 Exempting engines/equipment for export, checked October 18, 2026
Send us the machine and the destination
Give us the model or the measured dimensions and weight. We come back with the method, the sailing and a price, and the figures behind them.