ITN (Internal Transaction Number)
What is an Internal Transaction Number?
When shipping goods abroad, you may be required to provide your customers with a unique Internal Transaction Number on specific documents. Without this number, your shipment could be held up at customs or at the freight forwarder’s office. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have this number on all of your shipping documents.
According to Census.gov, in order to successfully clear Customs at the port of export and send shipments to its final destination, an ITN number must appear on the following documents:
- Bill of lading
- Air waybill
- Export shipping instructions
- Other commercial loading documents
ITN Shipper Export Declaration
Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is the number assigned to a shipment by a shipper. It represents an electronic record that a transaction was approved. This number is stored in an AES-compliant database. It can be used by a shipper when filing an export declaration for more than $2,500 worth of goods.
It is also used for pre-departure reporting for items that meet certain pre-departure requirements specified in the ITAR. Those requirements are detailed in 22 CFR 120 through 130. AES-Direct filers will receive an email containing an ITN after their export declaration is accepted. An ITN number contains the year, month, and day of acceptance, as well as a 6-digit random number.
This new system also includes an automated system for collecting export information and the Shipper’s Export Declaration. AES collects this information through the Automated Export System. This system is accessed through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The Automated Export System Trade Interface Requirements document describes the technical requirements and presents reference information for the AES.
Electronic export information (EEI)
The AES is required to file electronic export information, or EEI. This information is equivalent to a Shipper’s Export Declaration and is a required part of the export process. The EEI number is an identification number assigned to the exporting company by the IRS. This number is also reported on the company’s quarterly federal tax return. It is used to track and trace shipments.
The EEI must be filed for all goods that move out of the U.S. and must specify the final port of departure and clearance. It must also include the date of sale. The FPPI may also request information from a participating agency to verify the information.
The EEI must be complete and accurate and the filer must demonstrate reasonable reliance on third parties to ensure the information is accurate and complete. While invoices may contain a variety of information required for the preparation of an EEI, parties to export transactions should ensure that all information needed is reported to AES. They should also ensure that the correct export licensing information is provided to a U.S. authorized agent.
When to Use an ITN Number
The Internal Transaction Number is required for exports of certain types of goods that require an export declaration. Previously, you had to complete a Shipper’s Export Declaration, but now, you can fill out the Automated Export System and receive a unique Internal Transaction Number. You must include this number on all bills of ladings. Rail carriers will not accept bills of ladings without these details.
This fourteen-digit number corresponds to your export transaction on the Automated Export System and serves as proof of compliance. In order to use the ITN number, you must enter it on certain documents. If you don’t provide the right information, your shipments may be held up at customs. Customs, carriers, and freight forwarders will be unable to process your shipment if it doesn’t contain an ITN.
Learn more about Internal Transaction Numbers at:
https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/global-reach/2012/05/itn-trade-term-of-the-month.html