Export Powers of Attorney Demystified

Why you need an export Power of Attorney (POA)

Navigating U.S. export regulations can feel like charting unknown waters. One area of confusion is often the export power of attorney. When you hire a freight forwarder to file your Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES), you must give them explicit authority to act on your behalf. An export POA provides that legal authorization, ensuring your shipments comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

What is an export Power of Attorney?

An export POA is a written legal authorization from a U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) or Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI).

It grants an agent, the freight forwarder, the power to prepare and file EEI in the AES in accordance with U.S. export regulations.

Without this document, your forwarder cannot legally submit export filings on your behalf.

When you need an export POA

When a USPPI hires a forwarder to file EEI, U.S. law requires written authorization from the USPPI.

This authorization can take three forms:

An export Power of Attorney
A signed single‐shipment Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
A blanket Shipper’s Letter of Instruction covering multiple shipments to a specific party and destination

Standard import POAs lack the necessary language for export filings and therefore cannot substitute for an export POA.

Key requirements for a valid export POA

To be valid for export reporting, your POA must:

Clearly state the agent is your “true and lawful agent” for creating and filing EEI
Identify the authorized agent by name
Specify that the authority extends to EEI preparation and submission under U.S. regulations
Be signed by the USPPI (or FPPI in routed exports) using a certified digital signature or wet ink
Include an expiration date if you don’t want it to remain valid until revoked

Routed exports and FPOAs

In routed export transactions, the USPPI isn’t the entity arranging carriage. Instead, the Foreign Principal Party in Interest (FPPI) handles transportation.

In these cases:

The FPPI signs a Freight Power of Attorney (FPOA) authorizing the U.S. agent to file EEI
The FPOA must include the FPPI’s country in the address line
The USPPI need not provide a separate POA if they aren’t the party directing export

Combining import and export authority

You can draft a single POA covering both import and export transactions. Make sure it includes all required export‐specific language if you want your forwarder to handle both sides of the shipment.

Using agent‐provided forms

C.H. Robinson and most other freight forwarders supply POA templates: one with an expiration date, one without. You’re not obligated to use these forms, but any POA you provide must:

List the agent’s name
Contain the mandated export authority language
Be fully completed and correctly signed

Conclusion

An export Power of Attorney is your lifeline to seamless, compliant shipments. By granting your freight forwarder the explicit authority to prepare and file EEI, you minimize delays, avoid penalties, and keep your global trade running smoothly. Ensure your POA ticks every regulatory box, and you’ll unlock faster, more reliable exports every time.