What Do You Need to Know about Export Declaration Amendment Procedures?

An exporter, or an agent on exporter’s behalf, must file a statement called export declaration with the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) of the Customs and Border Protection. The declaration provides detailed information about the consignment being shipped. When the declaration is verified by the Customs, the exporter gets the export declaration number (EDN).

In a number of circumstances, the export party may require to amend the information provided in the declaration. Find out some important details about how it should be done.

Lodging the Amendment

Whenever there is a change in the information earlier provided in the declaration, the exporter must take the responsibility to lodge the amendment with the Customs as soon as possible. Some important things to note include:

• If the original declaration was lodged manually, the amendment must also be lodged manually.
• If the original declaration was lodged electronically using the ICS, the amendment must also be lodged the same way.
• If the consignment contains excisable goods, the amendment can’t be lodged once the consignment leaves the warehouse.
• When an amendment is lodged, a fresh version of the export declaration is created and saved in the ICS. So, the previous declaration gets irrelevant.

What Is Confirming Exporter Status?

In a situation when an exporter is not able to declare precise information (like quantity and weight) in the statement before the consignment is loaded for export, the Customs suggest the exporter apply for the status called ‘confirming exporter’. The status allows the exporter to lodge amendments even after the consignment has been exported. However, you must note that:

• The amendments are allowed only for a specific period of time after the export.
• The exporter must file the export declaration as a ‘confirming exporter’ without fail.
• It is the duty of the exporter to provide the information that was earlier missing from the declaration as soon as it is confirmed.

It is also possible to withdraw the declaration if the exporter cancels the export of the goods. However, if he or she again plans to export the goods, a fresh declaration must be lodged.