Obtain an ITN
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL WITH SPORTING FIREARMS
How to obtain an International Transaction Number (ITN)
Dealing with the Automated Export System can be cumbersome and time consuming. Following are some tips that could save you some time in submitting Electronic Export Information (EEI) in order to receive an ITN.1. | Open this website link: | ||
→ | aesdirect.census.gov | ||
2. | Register a new account | ||
→ | You need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Sole Proprietor EIN | ||
→ | Visit www.irs.gov or www.ein-gov.us for more information | ||
→ | Do not use a hyphen in your EIN | ||
3. | After registration, a registration e-mail will be sent to you | ||
→ | Click on the link and follow the instructions | ||
→ | Save or write down your login details and store in a safe place | ||
4. | There’s a required exam you need to take with two sections - multiple choice x 17 questions and true/false x 13 questions | ||
→ | For easy reference, print out your answers for each section before submitting because your wrong answers will immediately pop-up and with the printed answers you can rectify quickly | ||
→ | On completion of the exam you will receive an activation e-mail with your AES Direct Account Authorisation | ||
5. | You will now be able to access the “Create New Shipment” feature, allowing you to submit an EEI. | ||
→ | While logged in on aesdirect.census.gov click on “AES Direct” [Top Left], type your user name and password and click on “Continue” *If for any reason, you need to leave the website and cannot complete all the sections described below, click “Save as Template” to continue at a later stage. |
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→ | Click on “Shipment Information” [upper left white box] | ||
• | Click on “Edit Section” and fill in all blank fields | ||
• | Use “Predeparture” as filing option | ||
• | Use the state of your flight departure for Origin State | ||
• | Use the city of your flight departure for Port of Export | ||
• | Use “South Africa” as your country of destination | ||
• | Use “Passenger, Hand Carried” for mode of transport | ||
• | Select “Not a routed transaction” | ||
• | For“Are USPPI and Ultimate Consignee Related Companies”, Answer “Yes” if you register with a Sole Proprietor EIN obtained for the sole purpose of obtaining an ITN. Answer “No” if you register with a company EIN. *USPPI is the United States Principal Party in Interest, defined as the person/entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit (monetary or otherwise) from the export transaction. |
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• | Answer “No” for “Is commodity hazardous” (according to the AES help line at customer service - 877 715 4433, option 6) | ||
• | In the olive green section, go to “VIEW EEI”. If all information is complete, you will see this under General Information. | ||
→ | Click on "USPPI" [upper left white box] | ||
• | Click on "Edit Section" | ||
• | Fill in all relevant fields | ||
• | For ID,use your EIN without hyphens | ||
• | Go to “VIEW USPPI” to see if this section is complete | ||
→ | Click on "Ultimate Consignee" | ||
• | Click on "Edit Section" | ||
• | Fill in all relevant fields | ||
• | Use “Direct Consumer” for Consignee Type | ||
• | Use your home/company address as the “Ultimate Consignee” | ||
• | Go to “VIEW Ultimate Consumer” to see if this section is complete | ||
→ | Skip to “Commodity Line” | ||
• | Click on "Edit Section" | ||
• | For Schedule B use the search engine. 10 digit numbers without periods is the preferred format. - Shotgun is 9303200030 - Centerfire Rifle is 9303303020 |
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• | According to the helpl line, do not add “Shells”, “bullets”, “cartridges” or “ammo” | ||
• | Use “1” for “First Quantity” (for one firearm / one carrying case) | ||
• | Use “Number” for “Units” (don’t fill in a second quantity) | ||
• | Fill in the estimated value without a comma | ||
• | Although the ‘red’ of “Gross Weight” indicates it is required, it is not and may not result in a “Complete” if filled in | ||
• | Use “TE” (Temporary Export of goods for return to the United stated in the same condition) for “Export Code” | ||
• | Use “C33” (No license required) for license type | ||
• | Go to “VIEW Commodity Line” to see if this section is complete | ||
6. | When all four sections are “COMPLETE” you can click on “SUBMIT EEI” | ||
→ | You will receive your ITN by e-mail in a few minutes. | ||
→ | Take your ITN and Customs Form 4457 with you when travelling on the specific dates specified in your filing | ||
SOURCE: Ken Wilson |