You may be exempt, but you still have to have the ITN #........
Coppersmith posted this information on their website.
FAQ’s regarding AES requirements for the Export of Firearms
What is the law: All persons who intend to travel from the United States to a foreign country with firearms and/or ammunition for either permanent or temporary exportation are subject to federal export licensing regulations. The export regulations for handguns, rifles, associated parts and components, and related ammunition are found in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Before exporting firearms and/or ammunition with a valid license or qualifying license exemption, the traveler or an agent acting on the traveler’s behalf, must file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) using the Automated Export System (AES).
What has changed: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the government agency responsible for all goods coming into and going out of the United States. Historically when personal effects traveled with a person, those goods were not of much interest to the government. (Unless there were goods coming into the country valued more than $2500.00) In 2012 the government became aware that firearms were exiting and entering the United States as accompanied baggage of hunters and there was no record of what left and what returned. In order to track firearms and to comply with the Department of State and the Department of Commerce regulations, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now enforcing those 2012 regulations.
Why now: The Department of Commerce has done a major overhaul of the Export Regulations and those new regulations go into effect on May 1, 2015. CBP, the agency charged with enforcing those regulations, has begun telling hunters that their firearms may be seized or confiscated if the rules are not followed.
What do I need to do: In order to comply with the regulations, you must file the Electronic Export Information in AES (Automated Export System) with CBP and receive in return an ITN (Internal Transaction Number). That ITN shows CBP that you have filed an AES and that when you return to the United States, you can prove that you had the gun when you left.
How do I file an AES: There are two ways you can file in AES and obtain an ITN:
# 1 You can file the information yourself with AESDirect.gov. There is no charge to file and the website will explain what you will need to do.
#2 You can have Coppersmith, a licensed Freight Forwarder, file the AES for you for a minimal fee. We will file the information on your behalf, but you must supply a number of items including: A signed Export Power of Attorney, an EIN number, and a completed questionnaire detailing your trip and your firearm’s serial number(s).
What is an EIN: The IRS assigns EIN (Employee Identification Numbers). Previously the exporter could use their Social Security Number instead of the EIN but because of identity theft the EIN is now required. Per the IRS.gov website, to get an EIN you must sign up as a Sole Proprietor and complete the registration. In the comment box you should write “For AES purposes only”. The process takes less than 15 minutes.
What is the cost: You can file your own AES for no charge at
www.AESDirect.gov. Or you can have Coppersmith, a licensed freight forwarder, or another qualified third party file the AES for you. You must provide a signed Export Power of Attorney, your EIN, and complete a questionnaire detailing your trip and the firearms you plan to take with you. The cost to file the AES for you is $50.00