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US brands

Schedule B and AES filing: what US brands need before shipping stock to an EU warehouse

US export rules require the right Schedule B classification and, above certain thresholds, an AES filing before stock can leave the country for an EU warehouse.

Classifying the shipment before it leaves the US

Every commercial export from the United States needs a Schedule B number — a 10-digit code, maintained by the US Census Bureau, that classifies the goods for export statistics and customs purposes. This is separate from any HS or tariff code used on the EU import side.

Getting the Schedule B classification right matters beyond paperwork: it is one of the details customs authorities on both sides use to check that a declared shipment matches what is actually inside it.

When an AES filing is required

Above defined value and licensing thresholds, US exporters must file through the Automated Export System (AES) before the goods leave the country. Whether a given consolidated stock shipment crosses that threshold, and which licensing exceptions may apply, depends on the goods, their value and their Schedule B classification.

A brand shipping a single consolidated pallet of stock to Breda is a different filing situation from a brand shipping frequent smaller parcels — consolidating shipments generally simplifies this side of the process, but it does not remove the classification and filing requirement itself.

Where Vareya's role starts

The Schedule B classification, any required AES filing, and the export documentation that goes with the shipment are the brand's responsibility, or that of its freight forwarder.

Customs clearance support is available for shipments into and out of Europe. Contact Vareya to discuss specific requirements.

Once the consolidated shipment arrives at the warehouse in Breda, it is received, checked in and made available for fulfilment. Vareya uses ShipHero as its warehouse management system, fully integrated with Shopify.

Frequently asked

Is a Schedule B number the same as an EU customs code?

No. Schedule B is a US export classification maintained by the Census Bureau. The EU uses its own tariff nomenclature on the import side. The two are related in intent but are separate systems.

Do I need an AES filing for every shipment to an EU warehouse?

It depends on the value, the goods and their Schedule B classification. Confirm the current thresholds and any licence exceptions for your specific products with the Census Bureau's guidance or your freight forwarder.

Sources

  1. 1.Schedule B — US Census Bureau
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