DC Form 7513: Shipper’s Export Declaration for In-Transit Goods – U.S. businesses, freight forwarders, and logistics professionals handling international shipments often encounter complex documentation requirements. One specialized form is the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) for In-Transit Goods, historically known as Commerce Form 7513 or ENG Form 7513 (issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
This article explains what DC Form 7513 (or ENG Form 7513) is, when it applies, how it differs from standard export filings, its current status in U.S. export regulations, and practical guidance for compliance. While many routine U.S. exports now use the Electronic Export Information (EEI) via the Automated Export System (AES), specific in-transit scenarios—particularly waterborne shipments—have historically required this dedicated paper form for statistical and control purposes.
What Is DC Form 7513 / Shipper’s Export Declaration for In-Transit Goods?
The Shipper’s Export Declaration for In-Transit Goods (Form 7513) is a U.S. government document used to report merchandise moving from one foreign country to another that passes through the United States (including Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands) without entering U.S. consumption channels and exits primarily by vessel.
- Issuing Authority: Originally under the U.S. Department of Commerce (Bureau of the Census), responsibility for data collection on waterborne in-transit shipments transferred to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) around 1998–2001. It is often referred to as ENG Form 7513.
- Purpose:
- Compile official U.S. waterborne outbound in-transit statistics.
- Support export control and enforcement efforts.
- Track goods that transit U.S. ports or territory but are not imported for domestic use.
It is not the standard SED (Commerce Form 7525-V), which was used for most U.S. exports and has largely been replaced by electronic EEI filing.
Key Note: Form 7513 applies specifically to scenarios where goods do not make formal entry into the U.S. (e.g., no consumption entry or warehousing that triggers standard import procedures). If merchandise arrives by vessel and remains on board without off-loading (“foreign residual”), the form is typically not required.
When Is Form 7513 Required?
According to historical Foreign Trade Regulations (e.g., 15 CFR § 30.3), Form 7513 must be filed for:
- Merchandise shipped in transit through the U.S. by marine vessel from one foreign country/area to another.
- Goods transshipped in U.S. ports for foreign destinations via vessel.
- Foreign merchandise exported from General Order Warehouses by vessel.
- Merchandise subject to government inspection that is rejected and exported by vessel.
It can also apply to certain U.S. goods that were previously exported, returned, and are being re-exported under in-transit conditions (with exceptions for goods entered on Customs Forms 7501/7502).
Important Distinction Today: Under current Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), pure in-transit goods that do not enter the United States for consumption or warehousing are generally excluded from EEI filing (§ 30.2(d)(1)). However, if goods enter U.S. territory (e.g., admitted to a Foreign Trade Zone, bonded warehouse, or for consumption/warehousing) and are later exported, EEI filing via AES is typically required, with specific data elements like entry numbers.
The paper Form 7513 was primarily tied to waterborne statistics collection and is now largely historical for most commercial shippers, with data needs integrated into modern electronic systems or USACE processes. Always verify with CBP and the Census Bureau for your specific shipment.
How to Fill Out ENG Form 7513? (Key Fields and Instructions)
The form must be prepared in English using a non-erasable medium (typewritten preferred). A separate form is required for each shipment (one exporter to one consignee on one exporting carrier). The original must be signed by the exporter or authorized agent.
Common fields include:
- Exporting Carrier: Name of the vessel and flag.
- U.S. Customs Port of Exportation: Port (Schedule D) and address where loaded.
- Date Filed.
- Exporter / Actual Shipper or Agent: Name and address.
- For Account Of: Principal or seller details.
- Consignee: Name and address in foreign country.
- Commodity Description: Detailed description, Schedule B number (first 6 digits historically), quantity, shipping weight, value (F.A.S. or equivalent at port of export), and export license details if applicable.
- Certification: Signed statement that information is true and correct, with understanding of penalties.
Filing Tips:
- Report value as the selling price or cost (including inland freight/insurance to the port of export).
- For mixed shipments, low-value items ($2,500 or less per Schedule B) may have specific handling.
- Corrections: File a marked “Correction Copy” with the original Customs office.
- The form is typically pink when privately printed and must conform exactly to the official version.
Exporters/agents must retain copies for at least 3–5 years. Penalties for false statements or non-compliance can include fines, seizure, or criminal charges under relevant U.S. laws (e.g., 13 U.S.C. § 305, 18 U.S.C. § 1001).
Current Status: Paper SED vs. Electronic EEI Filing
The traditional paper Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) system (including Form 7525-V and 7513) has been largely phased out in favor of the Automated Export System (AES) for filing Electronic Export Information (EEI). Most U.S. exports valued over $2,500 per Schedule B/HTS code (or subject to licenses) require pre-departure EEI filing through AESDirect or authorized software, with an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) generated.
For in-transit goods:
- Pure transit without U.S. entry → Often excluded from EEI.
- Goods that enter U.S. channels (warehouse, FTZ, etc.) before re-export → EEI required, with updated 2025 clarifications on USPPI responsibilities and entry reporting.
U.S. exporters should consult the latest Foreign Trade Regulations (15 CFR Part 30), effective updates from the August 2025 final rule on in-transit clarifications, and work with a licensed customs broker or freight forwarder experienced in AES filings.
Download and Resources
Official or historical versions of the form may be available through USACE publications or archives. The links provided reference materials from e-publishing.af.mil (potentially related DoD/Air Force contexts for military shipments).
For current compliance:
- Visit census.gov/foreign-trade for FTR and AES guidance.
- USACE publications portal for ENG Form 7513 (search “ENG Form 7513”).
- CBP.gov for ACE/AES portal access.
- Consult the “Correct Way to Fill Out” instructions (historical) or current AESDirect user guides.
Pro Tip for U.S. Businesses: Partner with an experienced freight forwarder who can handle both paper requirements (if any remain for specific waterborne in-transit cases) and electronic AES filings. Non-compliance can delay shipments or result in penalties.
Why Compliance Matters for U.S. Shippers?
Accurate declaration of in-transit goods supports national trade statistics, transportation data (via USACE), and export controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) where applicable. Even if your shipment uses EEI, understanding historical Form 7513 helps when dealing with legacy documentation, military/DOD shipments, or specialized port procedures.
For the most up-to-date requirements, contact the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or a qualified trade compliance expert. Regulations evolve—verify details for your specific transaction, especially following 2025 FTR updates on in-transit and USPPI rules.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Export regulations change; always confirm with official government sources like census.gov and cbp.gov before shipping.