Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

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March 19, 2019

Tips on How to Resolve AES Response Messages

Fatal Error Screen - Large

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. Though the shipment is accepted, the filer may still receive a Verify Message, Compliance Alert, Informational Message or Warning Message along with their ITN. However, if the shipment is rejected, a Fatal Error notification is received and must be corrected to receive a valid ITN.

To help you take the appropriate action for the different AES Response Messages, here are some tips on how to address the most frequent messages that were generated in AES for this month.

Response Code: 166

Narrative: Transportation Reference Number Missing

Severity: Fatal

Reason: The Mode of Transportation is declared as Vessel and the Transportation Reference Number is missing.

Resolution: A number referencing the transportation booking number must be declared on a vessel shipment.

Verify the Transportation Reference Number, correct the shipment and resubmit.

Response Code: 8H1

Narrative: Value/Quantity 1 Out of Range - High

Severity: Verify

Reason: For the reported Schedule B/HTS Number, the Value of Goods/Quantity (1) ratio is outside of the expected range. The ratio is too high.

Resolution: For a particular Schedule B/HTS Number declared, the value of the goods divided by the first quantity should fall within a certain parameter based on historical statistical averages for that commodity. Ratios outside this pre-determined parameter might indicate either a keying error or misclassification of the product.

Verify the Value of Goods, Quantity 1 and Schedule B/HTS Number, correct the shipment and resubmit (if necessary). If the line item is verified correct as reported, no action is necessary.

AES Training Resources

For a complete list of AES 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
Governments and Trade Management Division Website
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