How to Resolve Common AES Response Messages
June 2, 2026
Note: This message is sent to all AES Updates subscribers and is for educational purposes only.
When submitting your Electronic Export Information (EEI) to the Automated Export System (AES), you can receive different response messages: Fatal, Compliance, Verify, Informational and Warning. It is important that AES filers address and/or correct Response Messages as soon as they are received to comply with the Foreign Trade Regulations.
To help you take the appropriate action, here is guidance on how to address one of the most frequent Response Messages that was generated in the AES during the previous month.
Response Code: 821
Narrative: Shipping Weight Too High for Vessel Shipment
Severity: Verify
Reason: The Mode of Transportation is Vessel and the reported Shipping Weight is too high for a Vessel shipment.
Resolution: The Gross Shipping Weight in kilograms has exceeded the amount that can be reported when the Mode of Transportation is Vessel based on historical statistical data and industry input. Gross Shipping Weights outside of this pre-determined parameter might indicate either a keying error or an invalid Mode of Transportation.
Verify the Shipping Weight and Mode of Transportation, correct the shipment and resubmit (if necessary). If the information is verified correct as reported, no action is necessary
For a complete list of the AES Response Codes, their reasons and resolutions, see Appendix A – Commodity Filing Response Messages.
As a reminder, filers have multiple resources that they can use when filing EEI in the AES. You can access User Guides, Walk-through videos and other resources on our website.
Please contact the U.S. Census Bureau’s Trade Data Collection Branch for further information or questions.
Telephone: (800) 549-0595, select option 1 for AES
Email: askaes@census.gov
Online: www.census.gov/trade
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