Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
3PL
Third Party Logistic Agreement
4PL
Fourth Party Logistic Agreement
A00
EU tax code indicating Customs duty
AA
Classified Management Enterprises — AEO equivalent scheme in China
AAA
Association of Average Adjusters
AAD
Administrative Accompanying Document
AANZTA
ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand Trade Agreement
AAr
Against all risks (Obsolete)
A/B
Aktiebolaget (registered company — Sweden)
AB
Appellate Body (WTO)
ABCC
Association of British Chambers of Commerce
A-BCC
Arab-British Chamber of Commerce
ABI
Association of British Insurers
A/C
Account
ACE
Automated Commercial Environment
ACFTA
ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement
ACL
Allowable Chain Load
ACP
African Caribbean and Pacific States
ACP
Accredited Client Programme: a system of authorising compliant and secure
importers and exporters similar to AEO in countries such as the UAE
ACP
Authorised Consignee Premises (under EU NCTS)
ADB
Asian Development Bank
ADD
Anti-Dumping Duties
ADP
Automatic data processing
ADR
Accord Dangereux Routier — the European agreement on the International
carriage of dangerous goods by road
ADS
Aerospace, Defence and Security organisation (formed from EGAD)
Ad. Val
Ad valorem (according to value)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
A/E
Abbreviated Entry
AEO
Authorised Economic Operator Status
AEO(C)
Authorised Economic Operator — approved under Customs Simplification
conditions only
AEO(F)
Authorised Economic Operator — Full approval
AEO(S)
Authorised Economic Operator — approved under Safety & Security conditions
only
AER
Anticipated Export Record (see ECS)
AES
Automated Export System (term used in the USA)
AF
Advance freight (ie prior to shipment)
AFF
Additional Freight Fee (tax chargeable at import into some countries)
AFTD
American Foreign Trade Definitions (obsolete commercial terms)
AG
Aktiengesellschaft (public company — Germany)
AG
Australia Group
AHTN
ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature
AI
Additional Information — an important field on the UK/EU customs declaration
AIFTA
ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement
AIS
Automated Import System (part of ICS)
AJCEP
ASEAN–Japan Common Effective Preference
AKFTA
ASEAN–South Korea Free Trade Agreement
ALV
Automatic License Verification system
AN
Advice note
ANDEAN
Country Group: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela
ANF
Arrival notification form
AP
Additional premium
APA
Advance Pricing Agreement — an international customs valuation term
APEO
The APEO scheme is a fish-specific extension to the EU AEO approval. Granted
in the UK by DEFRA, launched 2010
Approved Exporter
Approval to make invoice declarations in the place of issuing EUR1 forms
A/r
All risks (Obsolete)
Arusha Declaration
WTO Declaration on Customs Integrity
A/S
Account Sales, After sight, alongside
ASEAN
Association of South East Asian Nations, a country group comprising of
Brunei Darussalam, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam
ASYCUDA
Automated System for Customs Data
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
ATA
Admission temporaire — temporary admission
ATIGA
ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement
ATP
Accorde Transports Perissable, (European Agreement on the International
Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs)
ATP
Autonomous Trade Preferences
ATR
Admission temporaire roulette — temporary admission on wheels
ATR Form
Movement certificate for preferential trade between the EU and Turkey
AV
Ad valorem. Average
AWB
Air Waybill
AWT
Advance Witholding Tax
B00
EU tax code indicating VAT paid at import
B2B
Business to Business Sales
B2C
Business to Consumer Sales
BACAT
Barge aboard catamaran
BACS
Banker’s Automated Clearing System
BAF
Bunker adjustment factor
BCC
British Chamber of Commerce
BCN
Banker’s Cover Note
Bd
Bond
B/D
Banker’s Draft
BDV
Beneficiary Developing Countries — under GSP
B/E
Bill of Exchange
BERR
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI
now replaced by BIS)
BERTI
Binding European Retrieval of Tariff Information — the UK national BTI system
BEST
Business Education and Support Team of HMRC
BEXA
British Exporters Association
BF
UK Border Force
BIFA
British International Freight Association
BIS
UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (formerly BERR and DTI)
BIS
US Bureau of Industry and Security
Bkg
Breakage
Bkge
Brokerage
B/L
Bill of Lading
BoE
Bank of England
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
BoE
Bill of Exchange (also see B/E)
BOI
Binding Origin Information Ruling — a system of obtaining a ruling on the
origin of goods, often required when preference is being claimed
BOM
Bill of Materials
Bonded Warehouse
Warehouse where bonded goods are stored (see also Customs Warehouse)
B/P
Bills payable
BR
Bills receivable
Break Bulk
The dismantling of a large consignment into smaller lots for onward
distribution to more than one customer
B/rec
Bills receivable
BRG
British Returned Goods (obsolete — see RGR)
BRIC
Term used to describe the four major developing world markets: Brazil, Russia,
India and China
BRICS
Extension to BRIC by adding South Africa
B/S
Bill of Sale
BSC
British Shippers Council
BSI
British Standards Institution
BSS
British Standard Specification
BST
British Summer time
BTA
Bilateral Trade Agreement
BTI
Binding Tariff Information ruling
BTIA
Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement
BTN
Brussels Tariff Number (obsolete)
BV
Bureau Veritas
BVI
Customs Binding Value Information Ruling (not applicable in the EU)
C79
Monthly statement of VAT paid by a company
C88
Form number in the UK for the paper version of the SAD
C88A
UK paper version of the SAD for import declarations
C105
Individual Valuation Statement (no longer in use 2008)
C109
General Valuation Statement (GVS) (no longer in use 2008)
C1300
EUROMED Preference Certificate
CA
Compensatory Agreement
CAA
Civil Aviation Authority
CAAC
Customs and Allied Affairs Committee
CAB
Civil Aeronautics Board (USA)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
CACM
Central American Common Market
CACO
Central Asian Cooperation Organisation
CAD
Cash against documents/Commercial Agents Directive/Canadian Dollar
CAF
Currency adjustment factor
CAN
Andean Community
CAN
Customs Alert Network (Customs Modernisation Tool)
CAO
Cargo Aircraft Only
CAP
Common Agricultural Policy
CAP
Compliance/Corrective Action Plan
CAP
Counterfeiting and Piracy Group (WCO)
CARICOM
Caribbean Community
CARIFORUM
Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States
Carnet
Booklet issued by ICC to make customs clearance on temporary movements
easier
Carrier
The provider of the main means of transport in a shipment, eg airline, vessel
operator, trucker
CAS
Chemical Abstract Service
CBD
Cash before delivery
CBI
Confederation of British Industry
CBP
Customs and Border Protection Agency — USA Customs Authority
CBR
Carrier Baggage Voucher
cbm
Cubic metre
CC
Centralised Clearance, Continuation clause, Civil Commotions
cc
Current cost, cubic capacity, customs clearance, cubic centimetre, carbon copy
CC
Change in Chapter (Preference origin qualifying rules)
CCC
Customs Co-operation Council
CCC
China Compulsory Certificate
CCC
Commerce Country Chart (USA–EAR regulations)
CCF
Customs Clearance Fee
CCCN
Customs Co-operation Council Nomenclature (formerly (BTN) Brussels Tariff
Nomenclature)
CCIP
Customs Code Implementing Provisions
CCIQ
China Customs Inspection and Quarantine
CCL
Commerce Control List (USA export licence controls)
CCLN
Consignment note control label number
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
CCN
Common Communications Networks — part of ECS
CC/O
Certificate of consignment/origin
CCOIC
China Chamber of International Commerce
CCP
Customs Civil Penalties or Common Customs Information Portal
CCR
Customs Clearance Requests
CCS-UK
Cargo Community System — UK
CCT
Common Customs Tariff (within the EU)
CCTO
Central Community Transit Office
CCVO
Combined Certificate of Value and Origin
C/D
Commercial Dock; consular declaration
CD
Customs declaration; EU Customs Directive
C&D
Collected and delivered
CDM
Customs Data Model
CDV
Current domestic value
CEC
Commission of the European Communities or Council for Economic Cooperation
(NAFTA)
CECA
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
CEE
Centre of Excellence (HMRC term)
CEFTA
Canada–Europe Free Trade Association Agreement
CE Mark Conformité
Européenne (European Conformity) — compliance procedure and mark
CEMA79
Customs & Excise Management Act 1979 (UK — being amended)
CEMAC
Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa
CENMaT
Customs Enforcement Management Team
CEN
Customs Enforcement Network (Customs modernisation tool)
CENcomm
Customs Enforcement Network communication tool (Customs modernisation
tool)
CEPT
Common Effective Preferential Tariff
Cert
Certificate
cf (cu. ft.)
Cubic feet
Certified
Document such as a CofO stamped by a Chamber of Commerce (also see
Legalised)
C&F
Cost and freight (not an official abbreviation)
CES
Common Economic Space — established on the basis of the Customs Union of
Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia
CESS
A customs duty levied on certain goods only, similar to excise
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
CET
Common External Tariff
CETA
Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between EU and Canada
C.EU
Civil Aircraft End-Use relief
CFR
Cost and freight (Incoterms Rule) or USA Code of Federal Regulations
CFS
Certificate of Free Sale or Container freight station
CFSP
Customs Freight Simplified Procedures
CFSP
Common Foreign and Security Policy (EU abbreviation)
CFTC
Commodity Futures Trading Commission (USA)
Cge Pd
Carriage paid
CGEA
Community General Export Authorisation (replaced with UGEA)
CH
Custom House
CHAPS
Clearing House Automated Payment System
Ch Fwd
Charges forward
Ch Pd
Charges Paid
CHIEF
Customs handling of import/export freight
CHIPS
Clearing House Inter-bank Payments System (USA)
C&I
Cost and Insurance (not an official abbreviation)
C/I
Consular Invoice/Certificate of Insurance
CIE
Customs input entry; Coras Iompair Eirraen (Irish Railways)
CIF
Cost, Insurance and Freight (Incoterms Rule)
CIF & C
Cost, Insurance, Freight & Commission (not an official abbreviation)
CIF & E
Cost, Insurance, Freight & Exchange (not an official abbreviation)
CIF & I
Cost, Insurance, Freight & Interest (not an official abbreviation)
CIFC & I
Cost, Insurance, Freight, Commission & Interest (not an official abbreviation)
CILOC
Confirmed, Irrevocable Letter of Credit
CILT
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
CIM
Convention International Marchandises Chemins de Fer (International rail
carriage receipt)
CIP
Carriage/Freight and Insurance paid to (named point) (Incoterms Rule)
CIP
Customs Information Papers (UK)
CIPA
Charted Institute of Patent Agents
CIPS
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
CIS
Commonwealth of Independent States (comprising former Soviet Union
countries — 12 members)
CIS
Carnet Indemnity Scheme
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES)
CITEX
Customs, International Trade and Excise (UK Customs)
CITHA
Confederation of International Trading Houses Associations
CIVETS
Abbreviation used to describe significant markets for international growth —
Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa
CJ
Council Jurisdiction or USA Commodity Jurisdiction
CJEU
Court of Justice — European Union
CKD
Completely knocked down
CLECAT
European Liaison Committee of Common Market Forwarders
CMAA
Customs Co-operative and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters Agreement
— 1997 Agreement between USA and EU
CMR
Convention Merchandises Routiers (Conditions for the International carriage
of goods by road)
C/N
Consignment note; cover note; case of need
CN
Combined Nomenclature — 8 digits of the commodity code use in the EC
C/nee
Consignee
C of C
Certificate of Conformity
C of C
Chamber of commerce
CO or C/O
Certificate of origin, cash order
COCOM
Co-ordinating Committee on Export Controls (NATO) (obsolete)
COD
Cash on delivery; customer’s own delivery
Cof
Cost of funds
COFACE
Compagnie Francause pour l’Assurance du Commerce Exterieur (French
equivalent of ECGD)
COL
Customs Office List
COMECON
Council for Mutual Economic Aid (obsolete — replaced by Wassenaar
Arrangement)
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
COMET
Committee of Middle East Trade
COMEX
Commodity Exchange (New York)
Com/I
Commercial invoice
COMITEXTIL
Co-ordination committee for the textile industry in the EU
Consignee
Importer (Buyer) — destination address
Consignor
Exporter (Seller) — party who instigates the export
Consol (Consolidation)
Bulking together of several shipments to same destination to reduce cost
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
Controlled Goods
Goods which are subject to control under the Export of Goods (Control) Order
2008
Controlled Technology
Technology relating to the design, development production and use of
controlled goods, therefore subject to restrictions at export
COOL
Country of Origin Labelling
COT
Customer’s own transport
COTIF
Convention Concerning International Carriage by Rail (Convention relative aux
transports internationaux ferroviaires)
COTS
Common/Commercial off the Shelf
COU
Clip-on unit
Countertrade
A generic term to identify a reciprocal form of export contract involving barter
and other methods of trading
CP
Commonwealth Preference, commercial paper
C/P
Charter party
Cpa
Claims payable abroad
CPC
Customs Procedure Code
Cpd
Charterer pays dues
CPD Carnet
Carnet de Passage en Douane
CPEI
Customs Procedures with Economic Impact
CPF
Clean Report of Findings
CPM
Cost plus, Method — an international customs valuation term
CPT
Carriage paid to (Incoterms Rule)
CR
Current rate; Carriers risk; Compound risk; Customs Regulation
CRF
Clean Report of Findings
CRI
Cargo Report Information
CRM
Common Risk Management framework
CRM
Customer Relationship Manager (HMRC officer responsible for large businesses)
CRN
Customs registered number (Obsolete)
CRR
Common Risk Rules (part of EU Security System)
C/S
Currency surcharge
CSA
Customs Self Assessment Programme — part of Canada PIP security
accreditation scheme
CSC
Container Safety Convention
CSCM
Corporate Supply Chain Management
CSDP
Common Security & Defence Policy (EU)
CSDR
Community System of Duty Reliefs
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
CSI
Container Security Initiative (USA)
CSI
Common Service Interface (part of ECS)
CSP
Community Systems Provider, Customs Security Programme
CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility
CT
Countertrade, Community Transport, Common Transit
CTC
Change in Tariff Classification (a qualifying criteria under preference
agreements)
CTD
Committee on Trade and Development
Ctge
Cartage
CTH
Change in Tariff Heading (Preference origin qualifying rules)
CTL(O)
Constructive total loss (only)
CTN
Cargo Tracking Note
CTO
Combined Transport Operator
C to B
Customs to Business (information chain)
C to C
Customs to Customs (information chain)
C to G
Customs to Government (information chain)
CT-PAT
Customs and Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (USA security scheme)
CTS
Compliant Trader Scheme — AEO-equivalent program in Rwanda and Tanzania
CTS
Cargo Tracking System
CTSH
Change to Tariff Sub-heading (Preference origin qualifying rules
CUP
Comparable Uncontrolled Price — an international customs valuation term
CUSDEC
Customs Declaration
CUSRES
Customs Response
CV
Customs Value
C/V
Certificate of value
CVA
Committee on Customs Valuation (WCO)
CVD
Countervailing Duties
C/VO
Certificate of Value and Origin
CWC
Chemical Weapons Convention
CWC
Country Whence Consigned
CWE
Cleared without examination
cwo
Cash with order
Cy
Currency
CY/CY
Container yard to container year — freight terminology
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
D/A
Documents against acceptance, days after acceptance
DAF
Delivered at Frontier (Incoterms 2000 Rule: not current)
DAN
Deferment Approval Number
DAP
Delivered at Place (Incoterms 2010 Rule)
DAT
Delivered at Terminal (Incoterms 2010 Rule)
DB
Deustche Bundesbahn (German Railways)
Dbk
Drawback
D/C
Deviation clause, documentary collection
DCFTA
Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
dd
Delivered
D/D
days after date (of tenor of bill of exchange)
DDA
Duty Deferment account
DDA
Doha Development Agenda
DDC
Delivered destination charges
DDP
Delivered duty paid (Incoterms Rule)
DDU
Delivered duty unpaid (Incoterms 2000 Rule: not current)
DECC
Department of Energy and Climate Change (UK)
DEFRA
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK)
DEP
Designated Export Point
DEPS
Departmental Entry Processing System
DEQ
Delivered ex quay (Incoterms 2000 Rule: not current)
DES
Delivered ex ship (Incoterms 2000 Rule: not current)
DESO
Defence Export Services Organisation (replaced by DESP)
DESP
Directorate of Export Services Policy Unit
DF
Dead freight (shipper or charterer pays for space booked but not occupied)
DfID
Department for International Development
Dft
Draft
DfT
Department for Transport
DGN
Dangerous Goods Note
DGSA
Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
Direct Export
Goods exiting the UK for direct transport to a non-EU country, ie not travelling
through any other Member State (see also Indirect Export)
DKR
Danish Kroner
D/O
Delivery order
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
DM
Data Model (WCO Tool); Developed Markets
DMS
Duty Management System
DNL
Do Not Load (ICS/ECS)
DoC
Department of Commerce (USA)
DoD
Department of Defense (USA)
DOJ
Department of Justice (USA)
DOS
Department of State (USA)
DOT
Department of Transport (USA)
D/P
Documents against payment; direct port
DPL
Denied Parties List
DPO
Documentary Proof of Origin
D/R
Deposit receipt
DR
Direct Representation; Document Reference
D/S
Days after sight
DSB
Dispute Settlement Board (WTO)
DSB
Danske Staatsbahn (Danish Railways)
DSO
Defence and Security Organisation
DSP
Department of State Proforma — ITAR documents
DSP
Dispute Settlement Panel (WTO)
DSU
Dispute Settlement Understanding (WTO)
DTA
Double Taxation Agreements
DTCT
US–UK Defence Trade Co-operation Treaty
DTI
Direct trader input
DTI
Department of Trade and Industry, old name for the new Department for
Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
DTT
Double Taxation Treaty
DU
Dual-Use goods/technology controls
DUCR
Declarant’s Unique Consignment Reference
DUEC
Dual-Use EU Control (EU Export Control)
DVC
Delivery Verification Certificate
D/W
Dock Warrant; deadweight
dwc
Deadweight capacity
dy or dely
Delivery
E2
2nd page of a UK import customs entry
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
e&oe
Errors & omissions excepted
eAAD
electronic version of the Administrative Accompanying Document
EAC
East African Community: comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and
Uganda
EAD
Export Accompanying Document
EAEC
Eurasian Economic Community
EAPE
Exchange as per Endorsement
EAR
Export Administration Regulation (US Export Controls)
EAR99
US goods not subject to licence unless being shipped to countries designated
by the USA
EAU
The Eurasian Union
e-ATA
Project to develop an electronic ATA Carnet
EBA
Everything but Arms (EU trade agreements, especially GSP)
EBTG
Export Best Practice Guide (UK)
e-BTI
Electronic application for Binding Tariff Information rulings
e-RPA
Electronic application under the Rural Payment Authority
EC
European Community (replaced by term European Union)
EC
European Commission
ECA
Economic Co-operation Administration
ECCN
Export Control Classification Number (US Export Control Number)
ECE
Economic Commission for Europe
ECGD
Export Credits Guarantee Department (now UK Export Finance)
ECI
Export Consignment Identifier
ECICS
European Customs Inventory of Chemical Substance
ECJ
European Court of Justice
ECN+
Explicit Congestion Notification (part of ECS)
ECO
Export Control Organisation (part of BIS); electronic Certificate of Origin
ECO
Economic Code; Export Compliance Officer
ECOFIN
Economic and Financial Affairs Council (EC)
ECOWAS
Economic Community for Western Africa States
ECPD
Export Cargo Packing Declaration
ECR
Export Control Reform (ECR)
ECS
Export Control System; Echantillons commerciaux — commercial samples
ECSC
European Coal & Steel Community
ECSI
Export Cargo Shipping Instruction
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
eCTN
Electronic Cargo Trading Number/Note
ECTIB
European Defence Technological and Industrial Base
ECU
European currency unit
EDB
Economic Development Board
EDCS
Electronic Data Capture Service
EDI
Electronic Data Interchange
EDIA
Electronic Data Interchange Association
EEA
European Economic Area
EEU
Eurasian Economic Union — part of UKEF
EFA
Export Finance Advisors — part of UKEF
EFTA
European Free Trade Association
EHA
Equipment Handover Agreement
EHC
Export Health Certificate
EIB
European Investment Bank
EIC
European Information Centre
EIMT
Express International Money Transfer
E/L
Export Licence
ELA
Export Licence Application
EM
Emerging Markets
EMCS
Excise Movement Control System
EMS
Excise Movement Control System; Express money service
ENO
Entry Number (Customs import and export declarations)
ENS
Entry Summary Declaration (ICS)
EO
Economic Operator; Executive Order (US government)
eohp
Except as otherwise herein provided
EOR
Exporter of Record
EORI
Economic Operator Registration and Identification (replaced the TURN from
July 2009)
EOS
Economic Operator Systems — AEO and EORI
E&OE
Error and Omissions Excepted: when appended to a signature on a shipping
document, indicates a disclaimer of responsibility for spelling or clerical errors
EP
European Parliament
EPA
Economic Partnership Agreements
EPS
Entry processing station
EPSS
Excise Payment Security System
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
EPU
Entry processing unit; European payments unit
EPZ
Export Processing Zone
eRPA
Electronic version of RPA
ERTS
Enhanced Remote Transit Shed
ESC
European Shippers Council
ESCI
European Supply Chain Institute
ESCAP
Economic and Social Commission for Asia & the Pacific
ESD
Exit Summary Declaration (ECS)
ESL
EC Sales Listing
ESM
Emergency Safeguard Mechanism
EST
Eastern Standard Time (USA)
ETA
Estimated time of arrival
ETD
Estimated time of departure
ETS
Estimated time of sailing
EU
European Union; End-Use or End-User
EUGA
Alternative abbreviation for the UEGA — European Union General (Export)
Authorisations for dual-use third country exports
EUR1 Form
Movement Certificate for preferential trade between the EU and other countries
EURMED
Preferential trade agreement between the EU Member States and Morocco,
Algeria and Tunisia
EUMOFA
European Market Observatory for Fishery and Aquaculture Products
EurAsEC
Eurasian Economic Community — Customs Union currently with Russia, Belarus
and Kazakhstan (also known as EAEC)
EURATOM
European Atomic Energy Community
EUR-MED
Similar to the EUR1 Form, the EUR-MED is used when goods can only meet
the rules of preference origin by taking into consideration material from
Mediterranean countries not in the EU
EUROPA
EU’s official website
EUU
End User Undertaking
Ex
Examined, Exchanged, Executed, Excluding, out of
Ex1
Export declaration for road shipments through the EU to a non-EU country —
the C88/SAD form (obsolete — replaced by EAD July 2009, though still used in
some East European countries)
EXBO
Export Buying Offices Association
Exd
Examined
EXP
ExWorks Price
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
EXS
Exit Summary Declaration (ECS)
EXW
Ex works (Incoterms Rule)
faa
Free of all average
fac
Forwarding agents commission
fak
Freight all kinds
FAS
Free alongside ship (Incoterms Rule)
FAST
Free and Secure Trade
FBL
Forwarders Bill of Lading
FCA
Free carrier (Incoterms Rule)
FCL
Full container load
FC & S
free of capture and seizure
FCPA
US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
FCO
Foreign & Commonwealth Office; Franco
FCR
Forwarder’s Certificate of Receipt
FCT
Forwarders Certificate of Transport
FCX
Full Container Load (multiple suppliers)
fd
Free discharge; free docks; free dispatch; free delivery
F&D
Freight and demurrage
FDI
Foreign Direct Investment
FEC
Front End Credibility checks
FEU
Forty foot equivalent unit
FEZ
Free Economic Zone
ffa
Free from alongside or free foreign agency
ffi
for further instructions
FFS
Frontier Freight Solution
FGA
Free of General Average
FIA
Freedom of information Act
FIATA
International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association
FI
Free in, indicates that loading costs are not included in freight
FIO
Free in and out — charterer pays for cost of loading and discharging cargo
FIO & stowed
Free in and out — charterer pays for cost of loading and discharging cargo
plus stowing
FIO & trimmed
Free in and out — charterer pays for cost of loading and discharging cargo
plus trimming
FIOST
Free In, Out, Stowed and Trimmed
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
FIT
Federation of International Traders
fiw
Free in wagon
F/L
Freight liner
FMB
Federal Maritime Board (USA)
FMC
Federal Maritime Commission (USA)
FMS
Foreign Military Sales (ITAR)
FMV
Fair Market Value; Fair Manufacturing Value
fo
For orders, free out terms
FOB
Free on board (Incoterms Rule)
foc
Free of charge
fod
Free of damage
FOI
Freedom of Information Act
Form A
Preference Form under the GSP scheme
Form B
A Certificate of Origin issued in GSP beneficiary countries when the goods
do not qualify for preference
forex
foreign exchange
FP
Free Port; Floating (open) marine policy/fully paid
FPA
Free of particular average (obsolete)
FPO
Fast Parcel Operator
FPPI
Foreign Principal Party in Interest (USA)
FR
Freight release
FRA
Forward Rate Agreement
FROB
Freight Remaining on Board (ECS)
FP — C
Flash point celsius
Franco
Free — eg Franco London — all charges paid to arrival London
fr & cc
Free of riots and civil commotions
Free Circulation
Goods that can freely move around the EU without requiring customs
paperwork. Goods are in free circulation if they are either wholly manufactured
in the EU or imported (in all or part) and all relevant import duties have been
paid
Freight collect
Indication from the shipper as to who pays main freight costs — collected
at destination
Freight forward
Indication from the shipper as to who pays main freight costs — sent forward
to consignee's account
Freight prepaid
Indication from the shipper as to who pays main freight costs — costs paid by
shipper
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
frof
Fire risk on freight
frt
Freight
FS
Italian Railways
FSD
Final Supplementary Declaration
FTA
Freight Transport Association or Free Trade Agreements
FTAA
Free Trade Area of the Americas
FTAAP
Free Trade Area of Asia Pacific
FTL
Full Trailer Load
FTR
Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (USA)
FTZ
Free Trade Zones
Fwd
Forward
FZ
Free Zone
G/A
General Average, General Authorisation
GAC
General Average Certificate
G/A con
General Average contribution
GAFTA
Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement
GATS
General Agreement on Trade in Services
GATT
General Agreement of Tariffs & Trade
GBP
Pound sterling
GCBS
General Council of British Shipping
GCC
Gulf Cooperation Council
GCHQ
Government Communications Headquarters
GCR
General Cargo Rates
GDM
Goods Departure Message
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
GEP
Global Entrepreneur Programme
GHA
General Handling Agent
GHS
UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
GI
Geographical Indicators
GIR
General Interpretive Rules for Classifying Goods under the Harmonised System
(called GRI in USA)
GmbH
Registered Company (Germany)
GMP
Good Manufacturing Practice
GMT
Greenwich Mean Time
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
GNC
Globally Network Customs (WCO Concept)
gnp
Gross national product
GOST
Gosstandard — Russia Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
GPL
Global Project Licence
GPL
Government Procurement Law; Global Project Licence
GRN
Guarantee Registration Number; Goods Received Note
GRT
Gross registered tonnage
Gr wt
Gross weight
gsm
Good sound merchantable
GSP
Generalised system of preferences
GSP+
Special incentives (ie better GSP duty rates) for beneficiary countries which can
demonstrate goods governance and advances in sustainable development
GST
General Sales Tax
GSTP
Global System of Trade Presences for Developing Countries
GTGA
Government to Government Assurance
GTSP
Global Tax Simplification Program
GU
General Undertaking
GUV
General Utility Van (rail)
GV
Grand Vitesse (express train)
GVS
General Valuation Statement
GWT
Gross Weight
HAWB
House Air Waybill
HazMat
Hazardous Materials
HBL
House Bill of Lading
H/c
Held covered
HCS
Harmonised Commodity Section
h/h
Half-height (container)
HIPC
Highly Indebted Poor Countries
HL
Heavy lift
HMF
Harbour Maintenance Fee
HMRC
Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs
HMSO
Her Majesty’s Stationery Office
Home Use
Goods being imported for use/sale in the UK or the EU
HS Code
Harmonised System Committee (WCO); Harmonised System Code (International
Commodity Coding System)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
HSEN
Harmonised System Explanatory Notes
HSDS
Health and Safety Data Sheet
HSNO
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms
HTISC
Harmonised Tariff Item Statistical Code (Australia)
HTS
Harmonised Tariff System — USA abbreviation
HU
Home Use
HVR
Hague-Visby Rules
IADB
Inter-American Development Bank
IATA
International Air Transport Association
IB
Interventions Boards, In Bond or invoice book
IBAN
International Bank Account Number
IBIS
International Business Information System (UK Customs free electric
information service)
IBFD
International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation
IBRD
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
IBSA
India, Brazil and South Africa
IC & C
Invoice cost and charges
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organisation
ICB
International Container Bureau
ICC
International Chamber of Commerce, Institute Cargo Clauses
Icc
Institute Cargo clauses
ICD
Inland Clearance Depot
ICCH
International Commodities Clearing House
ICHCA
International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association
ICS
Import Control System; International Chamber of Shipping or Institute of
Chartered Shipbrokers
ICTSD
International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development
ID
Import Duty
IDA
International Development Authority
IDR
Import Duty Relief
IEEPA
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (USA–EAR)
IFC
International Finance Corporation
IFF
Institute of Freight Forwarders
IFIA
International Federation of Inspection Agencies
IIC
International Import Certificate
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
IIL
International Import Licence
I/L
Import Licence
ILB
Import Licensing Branch (part of BIS)
ILO
International Labour Organisation
ILU
Institute of London Underwriters
IMB
International Maritime Council
IMCO
International Maritime Consultative Organisation
IMDG
International Maritime Dangerous Goods code
IMF
International Monetary Fund
IMO
International Maritime Organisation
IMT
International Money Transfer
INF
Information Document (used EU)
INN Table
The International Non-proprietary Names (INN) Table — a reference
document published by the WCO Secretariat to facilitate the identification of
pharmaceutical substances or active pharmaceutical ingredients against the
corresponding Harmonised System (HS) Code
INR
Indian Rupee
INSA
International Shipowners’ Association
INTRASTAT
Intra EC Statistics
IOE
Institute of Export and International Trade
IOR
Importer of Record
IOSCM
Institute of Supply Chain Management
IP
Inward Processing — duty relief scheme
ipa
Including particular average
IPCP
Import Product Certification Programme
IPPTA
Indonesia–Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement
IPR
Inward Processing Relief
IPR
International Property Rights
IP(S)
Inward Processing — Suspension regime
IR
Indirect Representation
IRD
Inland rail depot
IRN
Import Release Note
IRU
International Road Transport Union (Union Internationale des Transports
Routiers)
ISA
Iran Sanctions Act (USA)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
ISBP
International Standard Banking Practice
ISC
Institute Strike Clauses
ISCM
International Supply Chain Management — guidelines laid down by the WCO
ISF
Import Security Filing (USA)
ISF
International Shipping Federation
ISO
International Standards Organisation
ISCM
International Supply Chain Management guidelines as laid down by the WCO
ISPM15
International Standard Phytosanitary Measures
ISPS
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
ITA
Information Technology Agreement — Ministerial Declaration on Trade in
Information Technology
ITA-II
The amended Information Technology Agreement expected to come out of the
Bali Conference of the WTO in December 2013
ITAR
International Traffic in Arms Regulations — US export controls military goods
ITC
International Tax Compact; UN International Trade Commission
ITDLO
International Trade Development Liaison Officers of HMRC
ITI
Customs Convention on the International transit of goods
ITMA
Institute of Trade Mark Agents
ITSWP
International Trade Single Window (now available on www.businesslink.gov.uk
IUPIP
International Union for the Protection of Intellectual Property
IUS
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (part of BIS)
IVL
Individual Validated Licence (USA term)
IWC
Institute War Clauses
J & WO
Jettison & washing overboard
JCCC
Joint Customs Consultative Committee
JLCD
Joint Liaison Committee on Documents
JPY
Japanese Yen
JV
Joint Venture
JVCC
Joint VAT Consultative Committee
KG
Kilos
KORUS
South Korea–USA Free Trade Agreement
KPCS
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (related to controls on diamonds)
L/A
Lloyds Agent, letter of authority
LAB
Lloyds Average Bond
LAFTA
Latin American Free Trade Association
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
LASH
Lighter aboard ship
L/C
Letter of Credit
LCH
Landing Charges
LCL
Less than full container load
LCP
Local Clearance Procedures
ldg
Loading
LDC
Less-Developed Countries
LDDC
Least developed developing country
Ldg & Dly
Landing and delivery
Lds
Loads
LE
Law Enforcement division of HMRC
LEC
Local export control (obsolete)
Legalised
Documents, such as a CofO, stamped by the Embassy of the receiving country
(also see Certified)
LI
Letter of Indemnity
LIBID
London Interbank Bid Rate
LIBOR
London Interbank Offered Rate
LIC
Local import control (obsolete)
LIC99
Standard customs code used in the UK to indicate that, though similar goods
may require an export or import licence, the ones being presented to customs
at this time do not — may be required to justify use of this code
LIFFE
London International Financial Futures Exchange
Liner Terms
Freight rates according to the custom and practice of respective ports — not
standard, needs clarification
LIFO
Liner In, Free Out — freight charge which includes the cost of loading in the
port of departure but not costs in the port of destination
LIMEAN
London Interbank Mean Rate
List N
A commercial site (ie non-Government) on UK soil that is approved to hold UK
government secure information relating to civil nuclear research or power
generation, and is administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation
List X
A commercial site (ie non-Government) on UK soil that is approved to hold UK
government protectively marked information marked as “confidential” and
above — applied to a company's specific site and not a company as a whole.
The term has been used since the 1930s and is equivalent to FSC used in other
countries
Lkg & bkg
Leakage & breakage
Lkge
Leakage
LLDC
Landlocked Developing Countries
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
L/L
Long length
LO/LO
Lift on/lift off
LoI
List of Items
LOP
Labour, Overheads and Profit
LOR
Lender’s Offered Rate
LR
Lloyds Register
ls
Lumpsum (freight)
LT-EUR1
Long-term movement certificate (EC) (no longer applicable)
LTSD
Long Term Suppliers Declaration
LVCR
Low Value Consignment Relief
LVI
Local Veterinary Inspector
LVP
Low Value Procedure
LVS
Low Value Shipment; Low Value Statement
M3
Cubic metre
M&A
Mergers & Acquisition
MADB
Market Access Database
MAFTA
Malaysia–Australia Free Trade Agreement
MAP
Mutual Agreement Procedurest
MASP
Multi-Annual Strategic Plan
MAT
Marine, aviation and transport (insurance)
MAWB
Master Air Waybill
MCC
Minimum Common Core
MCC
Modernised Customs Code (of the EU) — replaced 2012 by UCC
MDHB
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board
M.EU
Military End-Use
MFN
Most Favoured Nation
mgr
Merry-go-round (rail); manager
MID
Manufacturer’s Identification Number
Min
Minimum
Min wt
Minimum weight
MIP
Marine Insurance Policy
ML
Military List (UK Controls on Military Goods)
MLA
Manufacturing License Agreement (US-ITAR)
MNC
Multinational Company
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
MNE
Multinational Enterprise
MOA
Memorandum Of Arrangements
MOD
Ministry of Defence
MOP
Method of Payment
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MR
Mate’s receipt
MRA
Mutual Recognition Agreement
MRN
Movement Reference Number
MS
Member State of the EU
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
MSS
Management Support Service
mst or msmt
Measurement
MT
Mail Transfer; metric tonne; empty (to describe container); Missile Technology
MTIC
Missing Trader Intra-Community Fraud
MTCR
Missile Technology Control Regime
MUCR
Master Unique Consignment Reference
MV or mv
Motor vessel
n/a
no account (banking), not applicable
N/A
No advice, not applicable
NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement
NAS
National Advice Service
NCH
National Clearance Hub
NCM
Nederlandsche Credietverzekering Maatschappij
NCTS
New Community Transit System
NCV
No commercial value
ND
No discount
NDA
Non-disclosure Agreement
NDPS
National Data Processing Service
ne
Not exceeding
Nei
Not elsewhere included
Nes
Not elsewhere specified
NES UK
Export Customs Declaration (formerly New Export System)
NGEA
National General Export Authorisation
NIR
Northern Ireland Railways
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
NIRU
National Imports Relief
NLR
No Licence Required
NMB
National Maritime Board
NOK
Norwegian Kroner
nop
Not otherwise provided
NOS
Not otherwise specified
NOTC
Nature of Transaction Code
NOVA
Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (UK HMRC)
NPC
National Ports Council
NPO
Non-Preference Origin
nr
No risk until confirmed or net register
nrad
No risk after discharge
NRT
Nett registered tonnage
NS
Nerdlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways)
NSG
Nuclear Suppliers Group
nspf
Not specially provided for
N/t
Net terms
NTB
Non-Tariff Barriers
NTM
Non-Tariff Measure
NWT
Nett Weight
NVOCC
Non vessel owning common carrier
NYPLR
New York Prime Lending Rate
o/a
On account of
OBL
Ocean Bill of Lading
OBOs
Oil/Bulk/Ore carriers
OCAC
Organisation of Central Asian Cooperation
O/C
Open cover, open charter
o/c
Overcharge
OCAC
Organisation of Central Asian Cooperation
OCN
Out-of-charge note
OCTs
The Overseas Countries and Territories of member states associated with the
EC under part 4 of the Treaty of Rome
o/d
On demand or overdrawn
ODR
Online Dispute Resolution
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
ODS
Ozone Depleting Substances
OeDep
Office of Departure
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development
OEEC
Organisation for European Economic Co-operation
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
OFAC
Office of Foreign Assets Controls (US Government)
OFT
Office of Fair Trading
OGD
Other Governmental Departments
OGEL
Open General Export Licence
OG(I)L
Open General (Import) Licence
OGL
Open General Licence
OGTCL
Open General Trade Control Licence
OIEL
Open Individual Export Licence
OITCL
Open Individual Trade Control Licence
OJ
Official Journal
OJEC
Official Journal of the European Communities
OLAF
European Anti-Fraud Office
OMD
Organisation Mondiale des Douanes — French name for the WCO
OMS
Other Member State (of EU)
on
Official number
O/o
Order of
Oodept
Office of Departure
OOFE
Office of First Entry (ICS)
oog
Out of gauge
OOSE
Office of Subsequent Entry (ICS)
OP
Open or floating cargo insurance policy
OPEC
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries
OPR
Outward Processing Relief
O/R
Owner’s risk
OSR
Onward Supply Relief (VAT can be passed to another Member State at import)
P2P
Permission to Proceed
P&I
Protection and Indemnity
P/A
Private account, particular average, power of attorney
PACE
AEO equivalent system in El Salvador
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
PAFTA
Pan-Arab Free Trade Area
PAPD
Pre Arrival/Pre Departure Messages
PARN
Pre-Authenicated Release Note (EU NCTS)
PBA
Port of Bristol Authority
P/C
Price current; per cent; Partial Cumulation (preference)
PCC
Processing Under Customs Control
Pd
Paid or passed
PD
Port dues
PDY
Potential Duty
PE
Period entry (obsolete)
PG
Packing Group
PIN
Personal Identification Number
pkge
Package
PKD
Partially knocked down
PL
Packing List
P/L
Partial loss
PLA
Port of London Authority
PLL
Paper Load List
pm
Premium
PMS
Permanent Manual System
P/N
Promissory note
PO
Post Office, purchase order, payment order
POA
Place of acceptance
POA
Power of Attorney — USA system of giving authority to Customs Agents
POD
Paid on delivery/Proof of delivery/Period of Disposal
Ppd
Prepaid
PPI
Principal Party in Interest (USA term)
P&R
Prohibited and Restricted Goods (at export or import)
PR
Parcel receipt
PROFAC
Customs Facilitation Programme for Reliable Trade — equivalent AEO
programme in Costa Rica
PSA
Pre-Shipment Advices
PSD
Pre-shipment document
PSI
Pre-shipment Inspection
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
PSM
Profit Split Method (transfer pricing)
PSN
Proper Shipping Name
PSR
Product Specific Rule (a qualification List Rule under FTA/PTA)
PT
Preferential Treatment
PTA
Preferential Trade Agreements/Arrangements
PTL
Partial total loss
PTS
Permission to Ship
PUCC
Port Users Consultative Committee
PV
Petite Vitesse (slow goods train)
QIZ
Qualified Industrial Zone
Qn
Quotation
Qty
Quantity
RA
Risk Analysis — part of the audit requirements for being granted AEO or similar
supply chain security accreditation
RA
Risk Assessment — another name for the part of the audit requirements for
being granted AEO or similar supply chain security accreditation
R & CC
Riots and Civil Commotions
RAFT
Revolving Acceptance Facility by Tender
RAPR
Refer to acceptor — please represent
RAR
Risk Assessment Report
RCA
Revealed Comparative Advantage
RCC & S
Riots, Civil Commotions & Strikes
RDPR
Refer to drawer — please re-present
REACH
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals
REDS
Registered Excise Shippers and Dealers
Reefer
Refrigerated box or vessel
RENFE
Spanish Railways
RES
Retail Export Scheme
REX
Rate of Exchange; Registered Exporter (preference/GSP)
RFQ
Request for Quotation
RGF
Really Good Friends
RGR
Returned Goods Relief
RHA
Road Haulage Association
RID
Regulations Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail
RILO
Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (WCO)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
RKC
Revised Kyoto Convention (on TF)
RMF
Risk Management Framework
RN
Removal Note
R/O
Routing Order
ROD
Rusting, oxidisation, denting (discolouration)
RoHS
Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment
ROO
Rules of Origin
Ro/Ro
Roll-on/Roll-off
ROW
Rest of World
ROY
Rate of Yield
RP
Return premium, reply paid, return of post
RPA
Repayments Agency (CAP goods); Reciprocal Preference Agreement
RPM
Resale Price Method
RPS
Restricted Party Screening
RS
Regional Stability Concerns
RTA
Regional Trade Agreement; Reciprocal Trade Agreement
RTA-IS
Reciprocal Trade Agreement Information System
RTK
Revenue tonne kilometres
RTP
Restrictive trade practices
RVC
Regional Value Content — qualifying criteria type under preference agreements
RWA
Return Without Action
S & H/exct
Sundays and Holidays excepted in lay days
S&S
Safety & Security
s/a
Safe arrival or subject to approval, Societe Anonyme (limited company — France)
SACU
South African Customs Union
SAD
Single Administrative Document
SADH
Scheme for all EC countries to fill in the SAD in the same way — fully adopted in
the UK January 2008
sae
Stamped addressed envelope
SAFE
State administration of Foreign Exchange (China)
SAFE
Safe and Fast Supply Chain
SAFE Framework
WCO Standard to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade
SAFE Ports Act
Security and Accountability for Every Port — USA security regulations
sanr
Subject to approval no risk
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
SAQ
Self Assessment Questionnaire (used in AEO)
Sar
Limited company (Italy)
SB
Short Bill, payable on demand or sight
SBC
Standard Beneficiary Countries — main GSP Beneficiary countries under EU-GSP
agreement 2011
SCF
Supply Chain Finance
Schedule B
The shorter, concise list of commodity codes used on export declaration from
the USA — only first four digits correspond to HS codes
SCL
Special Comprehensive License (USA EAR)
SCM
Subsidies and Countervailing Measure Agreement (WTO)
SCP
Simplified Clearance Procedure
SCR
Specific Commodity Rates
SCSS
Supply Chain Security Specialists
SD
Sight Draft; Short Delivery; Supplementary Declaration
SDBA
Simplified Discharge by Anticipation — under EU IP duty relief scheme
discharge to C-EU
SDBL
Sight Draft with attached Bill of Lading
SDE
Supplementary Declaration — Export
SDI
Supplementary Declaration — Import
SDN
Specially Designated Nationals
SDP
Simplified Declaration Procedure
SDR
Special Drawing Rights
SDT
Special and Differential Treatment
SDW
Supplementary Declaration — Warehouse
SEA
Single European Act
SEA
Single European Agreement (Customs Procedures)
SED
Shipper’s Export Declaration (USA)
SEE
South Eastern Europe
SEED
System for the Exchange of Excise Data
SEK
Swedish Kroner
SEM
Single European Market
SES
Standard Exchange System or Secure Export Scheme
SEZ
Special Economic Zone
SFD
Simplified Frontier Declaration
SFR
Swiss Franc
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
SGS
Societe Generale de Surveillance
SHE
Safety and Health Environment
SIECA
General Treaty of Economic Integration, Central American States
SIDS
Small Island Developing States
SIEL
Standard Individual Export Licence
SITC
Standard International Trade Classification
SITCL
Standard Individual Trade Control Licence
SITPRO
Simplification of International Trade Procedures Board (closed 2010)
SIVA
Simplified Import VAT Accounting
SLA
Service Level Agreement
SLI
Shipper’s Letter of Instruction
SME
Small and Medium—Sized Enterprise; Significant Military Equipment
SNCB
Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer Belgique (Belgian Railways)
SNCF
Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (French Railways)
SO
Seller’s option
SOAC
Customs System of Reliable Operators (Argentina scheme similar to AEO)
SOB
Shipped on board
SOE
State Owned Enterprise
SOEC
Statistical Office European Community
SOW
Statement of Work
SP
Specific Process; Special Provisions; Substantial Process
SPIC
Simplified Procedure for Import Clearance (obsolete)
SPIRE
Shared Primary Information Resource Environment (ECO Computer System
for ELA)
SPOFF
Supervising Office of HMRC
spr
Sun protection required
SPS
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Schemes
SRCC
Strikes, riots & civil commotions
SS
Steamship; Short Supply
SSD
Supplementary Statistical Declaration
SSN
Standard Shipping Note
SSTL
Safe and Secure Trade Lanes
stc
Said to contain
STD
Stamp Duty
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
STP
Secure Trade Partnership (Singapore scheme similar to AEO)
stw
Said to weigh
STX
Sales Tax
SU
Stockist Undertaking
SWIFT
Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications
SW
EU Single Window; Software
SWL
Safe Working load
T1
Transit Status — goods duty unpaid
T2
Transit Status — goods duty paid
TA
Temporary Admission procedure
TAA
Technical Assistant Agreement (USA — ITAR)
TAD
Transit Accompanying Document
TAN
Transit Accompanying Note
Tare
Weight of packaging without goods
TARIC
EUs Integrated Tariff (Tarif Integre des Communautes Europeanes)
TAXUD
Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union
TBT
Technical Barriers to Trade
TCP
Technology Control Plan (USA — ITAR)
TCCV
Technical Committee on Customs Valuation
TD
Technical Data
TDC
Total distribution costs
TDCA
Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement
TDW
Tons deadweight
TEC
Transatlantic Economic Council
TESCM
Tax Effective Supply Chain Management
TEU
Twenty-foot equivalent unit
TF
Trade Facilitation
TFA
Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO)
TFE
Trader Front End
TFEU
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union
THC
Terminal handling charges
THE
Technical Help for Exporters
TI
Temporary Import (see also TA)
TIEC
Tax Information Exchange Method
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
TIEx
International Express Rail Parcels consignment note
TIFA
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
TIG
Tax on Industrialised Goods
TIN
Trader’s Identification Number
TIR
Transport Internationale Routiers
TIR-EPD
Transports Internationaux Routiers, Electronic Pre-Declaration
TIS
Technical Interface Specifications
T/L
Total Loss
TLA
Tanker Loading Authority
TLA
Three Letter Acronym
TLO
Total loss only
TM
Tariff Measures
TMP
Temporary
TMR
Trade Marks Registry
TNMM
Transactional Net Margin Method
TP
Transfer Pricing
TP & ND
Theft, Pilferage and non-delivery
TPP
Trans-Pacific Partnership
TR
Technical Regulations
TRAINS
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s Trade Analysis and
Information System
TRC
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
TRIAD
An international trade term used to define the three big trading markets of
EU, USA and Japan
TQ
Tale Quale (according to sample)
TQ
Tariff Quota
TREM Card
Transport Emergency Card (replaced 2009 by “Drivers’ Instructions”)
TS
Temporary Storage
TSR
Technology and Software Restricted; Transit shed register; Trans Siberian
Railway
TT
Telegraphic transfer
TTCP
Technology Transfer Control Plan
TTIP
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (USA/EU FTA)
TUCC
Transport Users Consultative Committee
TURN
Trader unique reference number (replaced 2009 by EORI)
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
U/A
Underwriting account, unit of account
UCC
Union Customs Code (formerly the MCC)
UCE
Unforeseen circumstances excepted
UCP
Uniform Customs and Practice (of Documentary Credits)
UCR
Unique Consignment Reference
U/D
Under deck
UDEAC
Central African Customs and Economic Union
UDEAO
Union Douance et Economique d’Afrique Occidentale
UFH
Usual Forms of Handling
UGEA
Union General Export Authorisation (replaced CGEA)
UKCS
UK Continental Shelf
UKEF
UK Export Finance department (formerly ECGD)
UKTI
UK Trade Investment (part of BIS)
ULCC
Ultra large crude carrier
ULD
Unit load device
UMA
Arab Maghreb Union (Union du Maghreb Arabe)
UN
United Nations
UN/CEFACT
United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business
UNECE
United National Economic Committee for Europe
UNFCC
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNCITRAL
United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
UNCTAD
United Nations Conference on Trade & Development
UNDG
United Nations Dangerous Goods
UN-LOCODE
United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations
UNODC
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
UNSPSC
United Nations Standard Products and Services Code
UNTDED
UN Trade Data Elements Directory
UoE
Unit of Expertise
UPU
Universal Postal Union
URC
Uniform Rules for Collections
URCG
Uniform Rules Contract Guarantees
USD
United States Dollar
USML
United States Munitions List
U/w
Underwriter
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
VA
Value Added (a qualification List Rule under FTA/PTA)
VAT
Value Added Tax
VEU
Validated End-User
VER
Voluntary Export Restraint
VIES
EU website for checking EC VAT registration numbers
VLCC
Very large crude carrier
VM
Valuation Method
VMUO
Value of Materials of Undetermined Origin
VNM
Value of Non-Originating Material
VOM
Value of Originating Material
W&M
War & Marine
WA
With average (obsolete)
WA
Wassenaar Arrangement
WAHID
World Animal Health Information Database
WB
World Bank; Waybill; Warehouse Book; Weight Breaks
WBGS
West Bank and Gaza Strip
WCF
World Chambers Federation
WCO
World Customs Organisation
w/d
Warranted; withdrawn
WEF
World Economic Forum
WFOEs
Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprises
wg
Weight guaranteed
Wgt
Weight
WHO
World Health Organisation
WIP
Work in Progress
WIPO
World Intellectual Property Organisation
W/M
Weight and/or measurement
WMD
Weapons of Mass Destruction
WO
Wholly Originating; Wholly Obtained
WP
Without Prejudice; Wholly Produced
WPA
With particular average (obsolete)
WPM
Wood Packaging Material
WR
Warehouse receipt
WR
Warehouse Removal Declaration
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.
Exporter Factsheet:
Common export and shipping abbreviations
(continued)
wro
War risks only
Wt
Weight
WTA
World Trade Agenda
WTE
Wartime extension clause
WTO
World Trade Organisation
WW
Warehouse warrant
XPS
Express Parcel Service
YAR
York-Antwerp rules
ZAR
South African Rand
© Wolters Kluwer (UK) Limited. This article was correct at the date of publication. It is intended as an aid and cannot be expected to replace specific professional advice and
judgment. No liability for errors or omissions will be accepted. It is the responsibility of those using the information to ensure it complies with the law at the time of use and that it
is used in line with relevant rules and regulations governing the subject matter in question.