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 ASEANChina 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 ASEANIndia Free Trade Agreement
AIS Automated Import System (part of ICS)
AJCEP ASEANJapan Common Effective Preference
AKFTA ASEANSouth 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 Bankers Automated Clearing System
BAF Bunker adjustment factor
BCC British Chamber of Commerce
BCN Bankers Cover Note
Bd Bond
B/D Bankers 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

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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 (USAEAR 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 CanadaEurope Free Trade Association Agreement
CE Mark Conformit Europenne (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; customers own delivery
Cof Cost of funds
COFACE Compagnie Francause pour lAssurance 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 Customers 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 USUK 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 Declarants 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 EUs 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 Forwarders 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

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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 Majestys Revenue & Customs
HMSO Her Majestys 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)

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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 (USAEAR)
IFC International Finance Corporation
IFF Institute of Freight Forwarders
IFIA International Federation of Inspection Agencies
IIC International Import Certificate

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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 IndonesiaPakistan 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)

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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 KoreaUSA 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

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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

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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 Lenders 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 MalaysiaAustralia 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 Manufacturers 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

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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 Mates 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

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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

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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 Owners 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

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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

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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)

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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

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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 Shippers 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 Shippers Letter of Instruction
SME Small and MediumSized Enterprise; Significant Military Equipment
SNCB Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer Belgique (Belgian Railways)
SNCF Societe Nationale de Chemins de Fer (French Railways)
SO Sellers 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

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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

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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 Traders 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 Developments 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 dAfrique 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.