Tips on How to Resolve AES Fatal Errors

When a shipment is filed to the AES, a system response message is generated and indicates whether the shipment has been accepted or rejected.  If the shipment is accepted, the AES filer receives an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) as confirmation.  However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received. 

To help you resolve AES Fatal Errors, here are some tips on how to correct the most frequent errors that were generated in AES for this month.

Fatal Error Response Code:  515

Narrative: ECCN Must be Formatted NANNN

Reason: The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) was not reported in the correct format.

Resolution: The Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) must be reported in a NANNN format, where N is a numeric character and A is an alpha character.  

Verify the ECCN, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Fatal Error Response Code:  649

Narrative: Quantity 1 Cannot Exceed Shipping Weight

Reason: Shipping Weight is reported in kilograms.  When the Unit of Measure 1 requires kilograms, the first net quantity (Quantity 1) cannot exceed the Shipping Weight.  Ensure the Shipping Weight includes the weight of the packaging materials. 

Resolution: The first net quantity (Quantity 1) in kilograms cannot exceed the Shipping Weight in kilograms.

Verify the Quantity 1 and Shipping Weight, correct the shipment and resubmit.

For a complete list of Fatal Error Response Codes, their reasons, and resolutions, see Appendix A – Commodity Filing Response Messages.

It is important that AES filers correct Fatal Errors as soon as they are received in order to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations.  These errors must be corrected prior to export for shipments filed predeparture and as soon as possible for shipments filed postdeparture but not later than five calendar days after departure.

For further information or questions, contact the U.S. Census Bureau’s Data Collection Branch.

Telephone: (800) 549-0595, select option 1 for AES

Email: askaes@census.gov

Online: www.census.gov/trade

Blog: www.census.gov/globalreach