Understanding the Difference Between AES ITN Filing and ITN Notification to CBP

Exporting vehicles from the USA to Canada involves several regulatory steps to ensure compliance with customs and export laws. Two key terms often come up in this process: AES ITN filing and ITN notification to CBP. While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and involve distinct procedures. Understanding these differences can help exporters avoid delays when self crossing the border.

US-Canada border crossing

What is AES ITN Filing?

AES stands for Automated Export System, a platform used by the U.S. Census Bureau to collect export data. When exporting goods, including vehicles, from the United States, exporters or their agents must file export information electronically through AES. This filing generates an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which serves as proof that the export data has been submitted and accepted.

Why is AES ITN Filing Important?

• Legal Requirement: For all cross border vehicle exports regardless of value, AES filing is mandatory.

• Obtain ITN for Proof of Export: The AES ITN Filing provides U.S. Customs the U.S exporter information, Canadian recipient information and vehicle details which will be used to match the information when you cross the border and confirms that the shipment has been reported to U.S. authorities and Census Bureau.

• 72 Hour Advance Notification: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the ITN to verify compliance with export regulations. 72 hours advance notice is required for them to pre-screen and check all information.

• Data Collection: The U.S. Census Bureau uses AES data to track trade statistics and monitor exports.

  
  

How Does AES ITN Filing Work?

1. File AES ITN: The AES Filing to obtain the ITN can be filed via ACE, a third party agent or through AES-FILE.COM. Details about the vehicle, such as description, value, destination, and shipping method, must be gathered and submitted electronically.

   
   

2. Receive ITN: Once AES ITN is submitted and accepted by CBP, the system issues an ITN, in which the agent or company that filed for you will send you a copy of the export filing information (EEI) and copy which contains the ITN Number and CBP ITN Notification details via email.

   
   
   
   

What is ITN Notification to CBP?

The term "ITN Notification to CBP" refers to the process of informing U.S. Customs and Border Protection 72 hours in advance before your date of crossing the border that you have filed the ITN. This notification is done primarily via an email to U.S. Customs which contains the ITN Number and a copy of your vehicle title. Note that each port may vary as to how what information and format they require you to send in the email. Some border ports such as Derby Line, Vermont do not require a separate email to notify CBP after the ITN is filed, as long as you have filed the AES ITN 72 hours in advance before your crossing date. For more information of the CBP ITN Notification details, please refer to our list.

To make sure you notify CBP your ITN 72 hours before your crossing date, it is recommended to start the AES Filing at least 5-7 business days in advance before your intended date of crossing and to give time to the filer to work on the export filing. Early is always better than late.

Practical Example

Mary Smith is exporting a used vehicle from Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario. Her intended date of crossing is next Friday January 10th. Since CBP requires the ITN Notification 72 business hours in advance, she will need to email the ITN Notification to CBP by Tuesday January 7th. In this scenario, it is best for her to start AES ITN service from January 2nd to the 5th so she will have time to obtain the completed AES ITN Filing and to email customs by January 7th.

Summary

AES ITN filing and ITN notification to CBP are two linked but distinct steps in exporting vehicles from the USA to Canada. AES filing involves submitting export data electronically to receive an ITN, while ITN notification means presenting that ITN to CBP at export. Both steps are essential for legal compliance and smooth border crossing.