Shipper's letter of instruction (SLI) template

A shipper's letter of instruction (SLI) is the exporter's written instruction to the freight forwarder. It tells the forwarder how to move the shipment and gives the data the forwarder needs for export filing. In a standard transaction, if your forwarder files the Electronic Export Information (EEI), the U.S. Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) require you, the U.S. principal party in interest (USPPI), to give it a power of attorney or written authorization. Many forwarders handle this through the SLI or a separate power of attorney. In a routed transaction, the foreign buyer authorizes its own forwarder, and you provide the export data the forwarder needs.

What to include

• U.S. principal party in interest (USPPI): name, address, EIN or other ID, and a contact person.
• Ultimate consignee and intermediate consignee, if any.
• Forwarding agent receiving the instructions.
• Who files the EEI (you or the forwarder) and, in a standard transaction where the forwarder files, your authorization.
• Routed or not routed transaction: whether the foreign buyer chose the forwarder.
• Related or unrelated parties between the USPPI and the consignee.
• Commodity lines: description, Schedule B or HTS number, quantity, shipping weight and value.
• Export control: ECCN or EAR99, and any license or license exception.
• Shipment details: mode, ports, Incoterms® rule, who pays freight and insurance, and any special handling.
• Documents required at destination (for example, a certificate of origin or legalized invoice).

When EEI is required

EEI is filed in the Automated Export System (AES), through ACE AESDirect or a direct connection. It is generally required when the value of the goods under any single Schedule B or HTS code, shipped from one USPPI to one ultimate consignee, is over $2,500, or when there is a mandatory filing requirement such as an export license, regardless of value. Shipments to Canada are generally exempt when Canada is the final destination, unless a mandatory filing requirement applies; goods stored in or moving through Canada to another country are not exempt. Check the official rules for your shipment.

Common mistakes

• Leaving "who files the EEI" blank, so neither side files.
• Values that differ from the commercial invoice.
• Missing ECCN or EAR99 designation.
• Unclear routed-transaction status, which changes who is responsible for the filing.

Built from the same order

Packlistly creates the SLI from the same order as your commercial invoice and packing list, and lists any instructions that are still missing or unconfirmed before you send it to the forwarder. Packlistly does not file EEI. You or your forwarder file it in AES. The Free plan includes 5 shipments a month.

FAQ

Is the SLI required by law?

The SLI itself is not a government form. When an agent files the EEI, a power of attorney or written authorization is required: from the USPPI, or from the foreign buyer in a routed transaction. Many forwarders ask for an SLI on every shipment because it carries both the authorization and the shipment data.

Who signs the SLI?

Usually someone at the exporter (the USPPI) who is authorized to give shipping instructions.

Official sources

• International Trade Administration, Electronic Export Information (EEI): https://www.trade.gov/electronic-export-information-eei
• eCFR, Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR Part 30): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-15/subtitle-B/chapter-I/part-30
• 15 CFR 30.3, Electronic Export Information filer requirements: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/15/30.3