The US Customs and Border Protection, along with the United States Census Bureau (the organization responsible for the analysis of economic statistical data from the United States), conduct an analysis of cargoes moving around the country. The government uses this data for safety purposes in order to control and detect exports to countries with economic embargoes, prohibited cargoes, etc. This information is obtained from the SED, also known as shipper export declaration.

The sending of information on the US Customs and Border Protection website occurs through the SED, otherwise known as shipper export declaration. This process is mandatory and is based on the international classification of merchandise (HS Code/Schedule B number), specifically for items with a commercial value of $2,500.00 or higher.

The US Principal Party of Interest is responsible for elaborating the SED (shipper export declaration), thus the vendor, exporter, or merchandise producer can be classified as responsible. However, this responsibility can be transferred to the freight forwarder, who would therefore be held accountable for preparing the SED.

When there is a consolidated shipment, the invoices are individually analyzed to identify if the preparation of an SED is required. An SED should be developed for each export that presents an invoice of $2,500.00 or greater.