Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)Checklist

One of the most misunderstood areas of U.S. export compliance? Routed export transactions.

Even when you're not filing the Electronic Export Information (EEI) yourself, you're still on the hook for providing accurate data. And if that information is missing, incorrect or incomplete, you're risking penalties, even if the forwarder handles the filing.

That’s why we created this Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) Checklist—a simple, clear tool that helps exporters like you provide everything a freight forwarder or agent needs to file EEI properly in routed transactions.

Use this checklist to:

• Know exactly what information the USPPI is required to provide
• Avoid the most common mistakes that trigger red flags or rework
• Reduce your compliance risk—even when you’re not the one filing
• Document your due diligence with recordkeeping best practices

Whether you’re handling exports in-house or relying on a forwarder, this checklist ensures nothing important falls through the cracks.