Glossary Test
A
Abandonment
In the freight industry, abandonment refers to goods left unclaimed or uncollected, often due to issues such as incorrect paperwork, customs delays, or refusal of delivery by the recipient. It can result in additional costs, supply chain disruptions, and strained business relationships. Effective management requires accurate documentation and clear communication.
Additional Commercial Invoice
An additional commercial invoice provides extra shipment details when a standard invoice is inadequate due to factors like multiple suppliers or shipment changes. It enhances accuracy for customs, supports compliance, and mitigates delays, ensuring smooth international trade operations.
Advice of Shipment
The advice of shipment is a notification sent by the seller to inform the buyer that goods have been dispatched. It includes essential shipment details like the dispatch date, carrier, tracking number, and estimated delivery time, helping the buyer prepare for receipt and ensuring smooth logistics.
Air Waybill
The Air Waybill (AWB) is a crucial air freight document that acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline. It includes carrier information, shipper and consignee details, shipment description, and terms and conditions, ensuring safe transport from origin to destination.
Arrival Notice
An arrival notice is a critical shipping document alerting recipients about an impending shipment arrival. It includes shipment details, consignee info, arrival dates, and required documentation for smooth delivery and customs clearance. It's vital for efficient resource allocation and avoiding delays.
ATA Carnet
ATA Carnet simplifies the temporary importation of goods into foreign countries without paying duties. Valid for up to a year and accepted in over 70 countries, it covers commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition items, enabling cost-effective and streamlined cross-border movement.
Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA)
Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) is a system by UNCTAD that streamlines global customs by automating processes, reducing errors, and speeding up trade. It manages customs declarations, supports risk management, and adapts to country needs. ASYCUDA enhances trade flow, boosts revenue, and promotes transparency in international trade.
B
Bill of Exchange
A bill of exchange is a written document in which the drawer instructs the drawee to pay a specified amount to the payee, either on demand or at a future date. It involves the roles of drawer, drawee, and payee, and can be classified as a demand bill or term bill, supporting secure and flexible commercial transactions.
Bill of Health
A bill of health in shipping is a certificate confirming that a vessel is free from contagious diseases. It plays a vital role in ensuring the safe transport of goods and gaining entry into ports. Signed by a port health officer, it verifies that the crew and cargo meet global health regulations to prevent the spread of disease.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
A bill of lading (B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper, serving as a receipt for goods, a document of title, and a contract of carriage.
Binding Origin Information (BOI)
A binding origin information is an official certificate from customs authorities that verifies the origin of goods for tariff purposes. It supports consistent customs declarations, helps access preferential rates, and requires detailed documentation. It is vital for smooth trade but must be updated if production changes.
C
Cargo Manifest
A cargo manifest is a detailed list of all items transported in a shipment, including descriptions, quantities, origin, destination, consignor, and consignee details. It's crucial for safety, customs clearance, and logistics, ensuring transparency and preventing delays or legal issues.
Carnet
A carnet is like a passport for goods, enabling tax-free temporary transport across countries, crucial for international trade. It reduces costs, simplifies customs, and allows flexible entry to multiple nations. Utilised by event organisers, media crews, and performers, it's recognised by over 80 countries.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that confirms a business has an insurance policy in place to cover specific risks or liabilities. It is crucial in sectors like freight as it provides assurance and fosters trust by confirming coverage against unexpected incidents or damages during operations.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is a crucial document in international trade confirming the country from which the goods originated. It influences border handling, taxes, and trade agreement eligibility. Exporters and importers need it to avoid delays or fines. It comes in non-preferential or preferential forms, depending on trade terms.
Combined Transport Bill of Lading
A combined transport bill of lading streamlines shipping across multiple transport modes under one contract, serving as both a receipt and a legal contract between shipper and carrier. It simplifies logistics, reduces paperwork, and outlines liabilities, providing protection and efficiency in cargo transit.
Consular Invoice
A consular invoice is an essential document in international trade, required by certain countries for importing goods. Issued and certified by the consulate of the destination country, it details the contents and value of the shipment. This certification helps customs in verifying the shipment, assessing duties, and preventing fraud or misunderstandings in international trade.
Container Stuffing List
A container stuffing list is a detailed inventory document for shipping, listing each product's description, quantity, weight, and sometimes placement inside a container. This document ensures transparency, facilitates customs procedures and helps optimise both space and cost, contributing to a smoother and more efficient shipping process.
Country of Origin Marking
Country of origin marking shows where a product was made or significantly transformed. It's vital for consumers' purchase decisions and businesses' compliance with trade regulations. Methods include physical and digital labelling, though global supply chains complicate accurate origin determination.
Customs Invoice
A customs invoice is essential for international shipping, detailing the shipment's contents, value, and terms. It includes shipper/receiver info and item descriptions, aiding customs in duty and tax assessment. Accurate preparation reduces delays, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance with regulations.
D
Delivery Order
A delivery order is an official document issued by a carrier authorising the release of cargo to a designated party. It contains details like consignee information, port of discharge, container and seal numbers, and goods description. It is vital for customs clearance and simplifying logistics operations.
Dock Receipt
A dock receipt is a crucial document in shipping which acknowledges that export cargo has been received at the dock in good condition. It includes shipper and consignee details, goods descriptions, and vessel info. It serves as an interim receipt before goods are loaded and helps ensure smooth logistics operations.
E
E2 | Import Entry Acceptance Advice
The E2 (Import Entry Acceptance Advice) is a customs notice that confirms the receipt and processing of an import declaration. It does not indicate duty payment or clearance, but helps track the shipment's status. Accurate documentation is key to avoiding delays.
Electronic Shipping Instruction (ESI)
An electronic shipping instruction (ESI) is a digital document sent electronically by the shipper to the carrier, providing detailed cargo transportation instructions. By digitising the process, ESI enhances accuracy, speeds up shipping, reduces costs, and supports environmental sustainability.
Entry Form
An entry form is a document used to collect and organise information needed for specific activities. In logistics, it's essential for tracking goods, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, and aiding the smooth flow of international trade by documenting key product details.
Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character code that categorises items under export control laws. It helps determine if an export licence is required, focusing on technical specs, use, and destination. It's crucial for compliance, mainly affecting dual-use items in sensitive sectors.
Export License
An export license is a government-issued document that permits the export of specific goods to a certain country, ensuring compliance with the destination's regulations. It's essential for controlling the movement of high-value or dual-purpose items, supporting national security and international policies.
Exporter Identification Number (EIN)
An Exporter Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier assigned to businesses involved in exporting goods. It is essential for tracking international shipments, ensuring compliance with regulations, and streamlining customs processes. Obtaining an EIN typically involves registering with relevant authorities.
Express B/L
An Express Bill of Lading (Express B/L) is a maritime shipping document that primarily acts as a receipt of goods. It simplifies the shipping process by bypassing some traditional procedures, thereby enabling faster delivery to the consignee compared to standard bills of lading.
F
Fumigation Certificate
A fumigation certificate is a document confirming that a shipment, or its packaging, has been treated to eliminate pests. It is commonly required for wood packaging materials and certain agricultural goods to meet destination country phytosanitary and import rules and to reduce the risk of border delays or rejection.
H
House Bill of Lading
A House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a shipping document issued by a freight forwarder to a shipper. It states the shipment details, terms, and transport route, and acts as a receipt, title, and transport contract. It differs from a Master Bill of Lading, which is issued by the shipping line.
I
Import Cargo Manifest (ICM)
The import cargo manifest is a detailed document listing goods entering a country, essential for customs clearance. It includes shipper and consignee details, bill of lading numbers, and descriptions of goods. Accuracy in the manifest ensures compliance, avoids delays, and maintains business reputation.
Importer Security Filing (ISF)
Importer Security Filing (ISF) is a federal requirement where importers must forward specific shipment details to Customs at least 24 hours before sea freight loading. This step strengthens freight security, supports faster screening, and helps prevent fines or shipping slowdowns.
Inland Bill of Lading
An Inland Bill of Lading is a foundational freight form, serving as a contractual commitment and cargo confirmation between shipper and carrier for surface shipping. It specifies shipment specifics, ensures seamless scheduling, secure handover, and smooth coordination in cross-country carriage.
Insurance Certificate
An Insurance Certificate is proof of insurance coverage, detailing the type, limits, and duration of the coverage for an asset or party under a specific policy. It's a concise summary ensuring stakeholders that insurance is in place for operations, not the full insurance policy document.
M
Manifest
A manifest is a key shipping document detailing all cargo on a vessel or vehicle and providing inventory transparency. It lists items, quantities, consignee and consignor information and journey details. Crucial for customs clearance, it ensures compliance and efficiency. Digital manifests enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Master B/L
A master bill of lading (B/L) is issued by an ocean carrier to a freight forwarder or NVOCC. It serves as a cargo receipt, a contract of carriage and a title document, establishing legal ownership and facilitating international trade.
N
Non-Negotiable Bill of Lading
A non-negotiable bill of lading serves as a receipt in shipping, acknowledging goods received for shipment without transferring ownership. Only the named consignee can take delivery, reduce fraud risks and ensuring secure, predetermined delivery. It is commonly used for fixed transactions.
Non-Reimbursement Statements
A non-reimbursement statement specifies expenses that will not be refunded, helping to clarify financial responsibilities. Common in freight and other industries, it promotes transparency and prevents disputes by outlining non-reimbursable costs.