What Is a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)?

A Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is a historical export document used to declare export information about goods leaving the United States, including the nature, value, and destination of the cargo. For decades, it was submitted to U.S. Customs to help the U.S. Census Bureau collect trade data and enforce export control regulations.

While the paper SED form (U.S. Commerce Form 7525-V) is no longer in use, the same data is now submitted electronically through the Automated Export System (AES). This digital filing is called Electronic Export Information (EEI) and is required for most shipments above $2,500 in value per Schedule B number or if the goods are subject to export controls.

What Replaced the SED?

The SED was officially retired in 2008, and since then, all U.S. exports requiring declaration must be filed via AESDirect, which is managed through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). The data once provided on the SED is now known as EEI and is submitted electronically by the exporter, their freight forwarder, or authorized agent.

Today, when people refer to the “SED,” they are usually talking about EEI filing, which remains a vital part of U.S. export compliance.

When Is EEI Filing Required (Formerly SED)?

When the value of goods per Schedule B/HTS code exceeds $2,500 USD
If the shipment is subject to ITAR or EAR export control regulations
When the export destination is embargoed or sanctioned
For shipments of licensed goods or restricted commodities
When required by government agencies like BIS, DDTC, or USDA
For foreign military sales, regardless of value
For used self-propelled vehicles, even under $2,500

What Information Is Included in an EEI Filing?

The Electronic Export Information includes details about the shipper, consignee, commodity, value, origin, license type (if applicable), and mode of transport. It must be accurate, complete, and filed before the cargo departs the U.S., depending on mode (e.g., 24 hours before vessel departure).

U.S. Customs and Census use EEI data to enforce export controls, manage trade statistics, and identify suspicious or unauthorized shipments. Missing or incorrect filings can result in fines, shipment holds, or loss of export privileges.

Do You Still Need an SED Today?

Technically, no—the paper SED form is obsolete. However, the data and the responsibility behind the SED still very much exist in the form of EEI via AES. If you’re exporting from the U.S. and your shipment meets any of the filing criteria, you are legally required to file your EEI electronically.

Exporters who fail to file EEI (or file it incorrectly) may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and criminal penalties for willful violations.

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