Since late 2017, NIAC has received reports from Iranian Americans who had lawful shipments to Iran turned away by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). NIAC, working closely with the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, requested clarification on this issue in January 2018 and received notice from the relevant agencies that USPS would be directed to process such shipments.
However, many individuals in the Iranian-American community continue to struggle to ship gifts and other items to family members and friends in Iran. This guide helps our community understand the requirements for shipping and mailing items to Iran while NIAC works toward a more lasting solution with U.S. agencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein does not constitute legal advice and is solely for general information. Because most transactions with Iran are prohibited under U.S. trade sanction laws administered by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), readers should consult an attorney before sending items to Iran.
Mailing Items to Iran
If you need to mail something to Iran that is subject to U.S. licensing requirements:
- You will need an Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal Account
- ACE is the system through which the trade community reports imports and exports. It is where the EEI is filed.
- You will need a passport number or an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- You can obtain an EIN through the IRS or by using the IRS Form SS-4.
- Prepare your shipment by submitting all required information through the Census Bureau’s AESDirect website.
- See this page for detailed instructions on completing the EEI.
- After filing your Electronic Export Information, you will receive an Internal Transaction Number (ITN).
- The ITN (starting with “X” and 14 digits) confirms the shipment was accepted by AES. It must be provided to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of export.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Completing the EEI
For a visual diagram, see: How to fill out an Electronic Export Information (EEI) in ACE AESDirect.
- From the ACE Main Menu, select the Accounts tab.
- In the Task Selector panel, choose Exporter View.
- Select Submit AESDirect Filings.
- Begin filing a shipment by clicking the green
Create Export Filing button. - Complete the Shipping Information section:
- Mode of Transportation: For USPS, select “Mail”.
- Departure Date: When the goods will leave the U.S.
- Original ITN: Required only if you’re replacing a previous filing.
- Shipment Reference Number: A unique ID you create.
- Origin State
- Filing Option: Auto-fills as “Predeparture”.
- Port of Unloading: Port in Iran where goods will be unloaded.
- Complete the USPPI (U.S. Principal Party in Interest) section:
- ID Number Type: EIN, DUNS, or Foreign ID.
- Postal Code: System auto-fills city/state.
- ID Number: EIN or other chosen ID.
- Address Line 1: Physical address (no P.O. Boxes).
- Company Name: Use your full name if shipping as an individual.
- Complete the Ultimate Consignee section:
- ID numbers are optional.
- Choose a Consignee Type.
- Complete the Intermediate Consignee section if applicable.
- Complete the Freight Forwarder section if applicable.
- Complete the Commodities Information section:
- 1st UOM: Auto-fills based on Schedule B / HTS.
- License Type Code: For Iran shipments, contact OFAC for the correct code.
- Schedule B or HTS Number: Use the Schedule B Search Engine.
- 2nd Quantity/UOM: Required only for certain goods.
- Complete the Transportation Information section
(Vessel, Rail, Truck, Air — not required if USPS mailing). - Click Submit Filing.