FedEx International Shipping to China: EEI Filing Error FAQ

The Error

When creating a FedEx label for a shipment to China, you may see this error:

Error from FedEx: The FTR Exemption or AES Citation you provided is not valid for EEI.

This guide explains what it means and how to fix it.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Term What It Means
EEI Electronic Export Information. A federal filing that tells the U.S. government what you are sending out of the country, where it is going, and who is sending it. Think of it as an export declaration.
FTR Exemption A code that tells FedEx you do not need to file EEI because your shipment qualifies for an exception. Example: NOEEI 30.37(a) applies when each item type in the box is valued at $2,500 or less.
AES Automated Export System. The U.S. government portal where EEI is filed online.
ITN Internal Transaction Number. The confirmation number AES gives you after a successful EEI filing. Format: AES X20240327456789. You enter this into the shipping software so FedEx knows the government approved the export.

Why Did My Label Fail?

FedEx received a blank field, an incorrect exemption code, or an ITN in the wrong format.

Shipments to China always require one of the following before a label will generate:

  • A valid ITN from AES, if your shipment value per item type is over $2,500 or the items are on a controlled export list, OR
  • A valid FTR exemption code, even for lower-value shipments

You cannot leave this field blank on a China-bound shipment.

Why Does China Require This?

The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security expanded export control rules effective September 27, 2020. All shipments from the U.S. to China must include one of the following:

  • An EEI filing ITN from AES
  • An ECCN or EAR99 classification for each item
  • An applicable FTR filing exemption

This applies to all shipments to China regardless of value.

How to Fix the Error

Step 1: Determine Which Path Applies

Shipment Type What You Need
Standard goods, $2,500 or less per item type FTR exemption code
Goods over $2,500 per item type, or controlled items ITN from AES filing
AES system is down AES downtime citation – contact your compliance team first

Step 2: Enter the Right Value in the Shipping Software

Scenario Enter This Example
Low-value standard goods FTR exemption code NOEEI 30.37(a)
Higher-value or controlled goods ITN from AES AES X20240327456789
AES downtime Downtime citation AESDOWN [ID] MM/DD/YYYY

Step 3: If You Need to File EEI and Get an ITN

  1. Go to the ACE AESDirect portal at aesdirect.census.gov. Your company must be registered to use this.
  2. Log in and start a new EEI filing. You will need:
    • Shipper’s Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • Item description and Schedule B number
    • Declared value
    • Destination country
  3. Submit the filing. AES will return an ITN in this format: AES X20240327456789
  4. Copy the ITN exactly and enter it into the AES Citation field in the shipping software.
  5. The label must be created before the package is picked up. File EEI at least two hours before the shipment is exported.

Note: FedEx also offers an Export AgentFile service where FedEx files the EEI on your behalf. Call FedEx International Customer Service at 1-800-463-3339 and say “international services.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake Why It Causes the Error
Leaving the field blank China requires something in the EEI field even for low-value shipments. A blank field always fails.
Using the wrong exemption code NOEEI 30.36 applies to Canada only. Do not use Canada codes for China shipments.
Entering the ITN in the wrong format The ITN must start with AES X followed by 14 digits. Any variation will fail FedEx validation.
Filing EEI too late EEI must be filed and the ITN obtained at least two hours before the package departs.

Who to Contact

Contact Phone Notes
AES Call Center 1-800-549-0595 EEI filing questions
FedEx International Customer Service 1-800-463-3339 Say “international services”
Your compliance or trade manager – ECCN classification or export license questions

Sources: FedEx Electronic Export Information (fedex.com), U.S. Census Bureau AES Filing Guidance (trade.gov), U.S. BIS Regulatory Alert for China/Russia/Venezuela (FedEx, 2020). EEI requirements may change – verify current rules with FedEx or your compliance team before shipping.