What is the AES ITN?

​The ITN (internal transaction number) is a 14 digit number that is used as proof that the exporter has filed their electronic export information (EEI) to notify U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Census Bureau of the goods they intend to export out of the United States. The ITN is required for export shipments over $2,500 in value, and for all vehicles regardless of value.

The ITN Number is obtained via the AES Filing system which can be done either via ACE or third party providers and portals that can transmit the export data to customs electronically to obtain this number. Many government agencies also refer to the ITN as the “proof of filing citation”.

The ITN is required for most goods and all modes of exports from Canada to USA cross border, passenger airline hand-carry, courier shipments like FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS and ocean vessel & air cargo. The ITN notification requirement also differs from each mode of transport ranging from 72 hours for vehicle exports, 24 hours for ocean vessel cargo, and 2 hours for air and courier shipments. For goods exempted for AES ITN refer this list.