Consulate
Cost & Freight Free Out
Cost and freight. All costs of goods and transportation to the named port are included in the price quoted. Buyer pays insurance while aboard ship up to overseas inland destination.
Obsolete, albeit heavily used, term of sale meaning cargo and freight whereby Seller pays for cost of goods and freight charges up to destination port. In July, 1990 the International Chamber of Commerce replaced C with CFR.
China and/or Japan
Centre of Buoyancy
Collected, Currency, Coupon, Coast
Collected and delivered
China and/or Japan
Compromised &/or arranged &/or constructive total loss of vessel only
Cash against documents
Continent between Bordeaux and Hamburg
Confederation of British Industry
Current cost, Civil commotions, Cancellation clause, Continuation clause
Convention Contracts of International Sale of Goods
Collective company signing agreement
Country damage
Current domestic value
Code of Federal Regulations (USA)
Cargo's proportion of general average
Continent between Havre and Hamburg
Consular Invoice
Captain's imperfect entry (Customs). - c.i.f. - Cost, insurance and freight
Cost, Insurance and Freight: Export term in which the price quoted by the exporter includes the costs of ocean transportation to the port of destination and insurance coverage.
Chartered Insurance Institute
Commonwealth Independent States (ex Soviet Republics)
Completely knocked down
Cargo on board
Cash on delivery
Claims payable abroad
Controllable Pitch Propellers
Current rate, Company's risk, Carrier's risk
Cancelling returns only
Closed shelter deck
Central standard time
Commercial weight
Channel for orders. Coast for orders. Calling for orders
sshinC/sshinC
Commercial dock. Consular declaration
Communication/Entertainment/Victualling
Craft loss
Consignment note. Cover note. Credit note
Certificate of origin. Cash order. Case oil
Charter Party, Custom of Port (grain trade)
Centistokes
Consecutive voyages
Cable, victuals and entertainment
sshinC / ssheX
Currency and bunkering adjustment factors
Consortia of American Businesses in Eastern Europe
Central American Bank for Economic Integration
Consortia of American Businesses in the Newly Independent, States
Central American Common Market
Cash Against Documents
Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing
Abbreviation for Currency Adjustment Factor. A charge, expressed as a percentage of a base rate, that is applied to compensate ocean carriers of currency fluctuations.
A surcharge on freight charges by a carrier to offset foreign currency fluctuations.
Calcium ammonium nitrate (cargo)
Cancelling
Common Agricultural Policy, Country Action Plan
Commercial Activity Report
Merchandise/commodities carried by means of transportation. Freight loaded into a ship.
The act of loading and discharging a cargo ship.
Insurance to protect the financial interest of the cargo owner during transportation in case of a loss.
A plan giving the quantities and description of the various grades carried in the ship's cargo tanks, after the loading is completed.
Receipt of cargo for shipment by a consolidator (used in ocean freight).
Clauses introduced by charterers based on shortage of delivered cargo because of increased oil prices.
Caribbean Islands
Caribbean Common Market
Caribbean Common Market
A law enacted in 1936 covering the transportation of merchandise by sea to or from ports of the United States and in foreign trades.
A container over which the carrier or the shipper has control either by ownership or by the acquisition thereof under lease or rental from container companies or container suppliers or from similar sources. Carriers are prohibited from purchasing, leasing, or renting a shipper-owned container.
Owners or operators of vessels providing transportation to shippers. The term is also used to refer to the vessels.
Condition Assessment Survey
Council of American States in Europe
A raised bridge running fore and aft from the midship, and called walkway. It affords safe passage over the pipelines and other deck obstructions.
(BH) Continent between Bordeaux and Hamburg
Commerce Business Daily
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act
Carbon black feed stock
Cubic feet
Caribbean Basin Initiative
Cable
Cubic Meter
Abbreviation for Cubic Meter.
Cyprus Bureau of Shipping
Clean Ballast Tanks: Applies only to Pre-MARPOL vessels which adopted COW instead of converting to SBT when MARPOL 73/78 entered into Force. When operating as a Products tanker (typically with Fuel Oil), COW is not available so vessel adopts CBT mod
Chemical and Biological Weapons
Cubic centimeter per hour
Cubic centimeter per minute
Canadian Commercial Corporation, Commodity Credit Corporation, Customs Cooperation Council
Customs Co-operation Council Nomenclature
Capital Construction Fund
Compensatory and Contingency Financing Facility
Cargo Control Room
Chart Datum; Customary Despatch
Chemical distribute Institute: A chemical industry ship inspection process and database. Managed through joint representation by charterers and ship managers.
Construction Differential Subsidy
Abbreviation for Consumption Entry. The process of declaring the importation of foreignmade goods for use in the United States.
Council of European National Shipowners Associations
(1) A certificate usually required for industrial equipment and meat products. There are companies in every port city that specialize in issuing certificates of inspection for machinery. The Meat Inspection Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture issues certificates of inspection for meat products that are recognized throughout the world.(2) A document certifying that merchandise (such as perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to shipment. Pre-shipment inspection is a requirement for importation of goods into many developing countries.
A document used under a letter of credit containing an affidavit that goods have been manufactured and are being held for the account and risk of the buyer. In war times when transportation facilities are disrupted, it is common for letters of credit to be paid against presentation of a certificate of manufacture. This is rare in ordinary times, except in the case of specially manufactured goods.
A document specifying the nation registry of the vessel.
Cubic feet
Cubic feet per hour
Cubic feet per second
Cubic feet of gas
Cubic feet of gas per day
Cubic feet of gas per hour
Cubic feet of gas per minute
Cost and Freight means that the seller must pay. the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination but the risk of loss or damage to the goods, as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the go
A Term of Sale where the seller pays the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination, Terms of Sale but the risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as (continued) well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered on board the vessel, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. The CFR term requires the seller to clear the goods for export
Abbreviation for Container Freight Station. A shipping dock where cargo is loaded (stuffed) into or unloaded (stripped) from containers. Generally, this involves less than containerload shipments, although small shipments destined to same consignee are often consolidated. Container reloading from/to rail or motor carrier equipment is a typical activity.
The charge assessed for services performed at the loading or discharging port in the packing or unpacking of cargo into/from containers at CFS.
The service performed at the loading port in receiving and packing cargo into containers from CFS to CY or shipside. CFS Receiving Services referred herein are restricted to the following: (1) Moving empty containers from CY to CFS (2) Drayage of loaded containers from CFS to CY and/or ship's tackle. (3) Tallying. (4) Issuing dock receipt/shipping order (5) Physical movement of cargo into, out of, and within CFS (6) Stuffing, sealing, and marking containers (7) Storage. (8) Ordinary sorting and stacking. (9) Preparing carrier's internal container load plan.
The term CFS/CFS means cargo delivered by breakbulk to carrier's container freight station (CFS) to be packed by carrier into containers and to be unpacked by carrier from the container at carrier's destination port CFS.
The term CFS/CY means cargo delivered breakbulk to carrier's CFS to be packed by carrier into containers and accepted by consignee at carrier's CY and unpacked by the consignee off carrier's premises, all at consignee's risk and expense.
Cubic feet
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
Cargoes
Continent between Le Havre and Hamburg
Customs house agent
A lease or agreement to hire an airplane, vessel, or other means of conveyance to transport goods to one or more designated locations. Among other specifications, the contract usually stipulates the exact obligations of the vessel owner (loading the goods, carrying the goods to a certain point, returning to the charterer with other goods, etc.), or it provides for an outright leasing of the vessel to the charterer, who then is responsible for his own loading and delivery. In either case, the charter party sets forth the exact conditions and requirements agreed upon by both sides.
A bill of lading issued under a charter party. It is not acceptable by banks under letters of credit unless so authorized in the credit.
The tariff applied for chartering tonnage in a particular trade.
The person to whom is given the use of the whole of the carrying capacity of a ship for the transportation of cargo or passengers to a stated port for a specified time.
(1) A wheel assemble including bogies constructed to accept mounting of containers. (2) A frame with wheels on which a container rides
Specially designed for the transport of chemicals.
Head of engineer department. Keeps records of all engine parts and repairs. Generally tends to the functioning of all mechanical equipment on ship. Calculates fuel and water consumption and requirements. Coordinates operations with shoreside port engineer.
The officer in the deck department next in rank to the master; second in command of a ship. He is next to the master, most especially in the navigation and as far as the deck department is concerned. The chief mate assumes the position of the Master in his absence.
Orders food. Prepares menus. Assists chief cook in food preparation.
China Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans
China
Charterers Option(As opposed to owner's option)
Charterers
Continuous Survey of Hull
Charterers
Abbreviation for Cost and Insurance. A price that includes the cost of the goods, the marine insurance and all transportation charges except the ocean freight to the named point of destination.
A method of payment for goods whereby the buyer pays the seller before shipping the goods.
Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical
Confederation Internationale du Credit Agricole
Canadian International Development Agency
Cost, Insurance and Freight
A Term of Sale where the seller has the same obligations as under the CFR but also has to procure marine insurance against the buyer's risk of loss or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The CIF term requires the seller to clear the goods for export
Abbreviation for Cost, Insurance, Freight, Collection And Interest.
Cost, insurance, freight, and free out
Cost, Insurance, Freight, Interest and Exchange
Cost, insurance and freight, London terms
International Convention Concerning the Carriage of Goods by Rail
Commercial Information Management System
Carriage and insurance paid to
A Term of Sale which means the seller has the same obligations as under CPT, but with the addition that the seller has to procure cargo insurance against the buyer's risk of loss of or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The buyer should note that under the CIP term the seller is required to obtain insurance only on minimum coverage. The CIP term requires the seller to clear the goods for export
Center for International Research
Commercial Interest Reference Rate
Commonwealth of Independent States
Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of, Goods
Court of International Trade
Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in, Wild Fauna and Flora
Customs Import Value
Commodity Jurisdiction
Abbreviation for Completely Knocked Down. Parts and subassemblies being transported to an assembly plant.
Abbreviation for Carload and Containerload.
A class of goods or commodities is a large grouping of various items under one general heading, and all items in the group make up a class. The freight rates that apply to all items in the class are called class rates.
Worldwide experienced and reputable societies which undertake to arrange inspections and advise on the hull and machinery of a ship. A private organization that supervises vessels during their construction and afterward, in respect to their seaworthiness, and the placing of vessels in grades or classes according to the society's rules for each particular type. It is not compulsory by law that a shipowner have his vessel built according to the rules of any classification society; but in practice, the difficulty in securing satisfactory insurance rates for an unclassed vessel makes it a commercial obligation.
Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969
Commercial Law Development Program
Refers to tankers which have their cargo tanks free of traces of dark persistent oils which remain after carrying crudes and heavy fuel oils.
Clause
Abbreviation for Cubic Meter (capital letters).
Common Monetary Agreement
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance
Composite Meter Factor
Committee Maritime International
Country Marketing Plan
Completed
Centimeters per second
Convention on the Contract for International Carriage of Goods by Road
Continuous Survey of Machinery
Compressed Natural Gas
A tanker for the bulk carriage of Compressed Natural Gas. Cargo remains in gaseous state but is highly compressed
Charterers not reported; Charter not reported
An agency to which IATA forwarders pay their freight bills.
Commercial News USA
Cargo oil; Case oil; Country of origin
A tanker for the bulk carriage of liquefied carbon dioxide
Contract of Affreightment: A cargo transportation arrangement whereby the owner agrees to transportation of a specified quantity of cargo over a set period of time in a vessel or series of vessels for the Charterer. It consists of the base terms of agre
Contract of Affreightment Charter Party
Cottonseed Oil Assistance Program
Cargo on board; close of business
Closing Of Business LoDoN
Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls
Abbreviation for: - Collect (cash) on Delivery. - Carried on Docket (pricing).
Codex Alimentarius Commission
Council of Europe
Abbreviation for the Railway Service Container On Flat Car.
Void space in a vessel to separate cargo tanks from each other or from the engine room
Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (OPA 90) for California
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. U.S. federal codification passed in 1936 which standardizes carrier's liability under carrier's bill of lading. U.S. enactment of The Hague Rules.
Cuba, Orinoco River and Haiti
All documents (commercial invoices, bills of lading, etc.) submitted to a buyer for the purpose of receiving payment for a shipment.
Vessel used for transporting coal.
Electronic system commonly used to prevent collisions in inland navigable waterways.
Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
Chief of Mission, Cost of Manufacture
Combination passenger/cargo vessel; a vessel specifically designed to carry both containers and conventional cargoes.
A type of ship that accommodates both container and breakbulk cargo. It can be either self-sustaining or non-self sustaining. Also known as a Container/Breakbulk Vessel.
Ships that can carry both liquid and dry bulk cargoes.
Combination Carrier
Council for Mutual Economic Assistance
An official authorized by the U.S. Treasury to determine the proper tariff and value of imported goods.
Completing
The number of officers and crew employed upon a vessel for its safe navigation and operation.
COMPRO is an on-line trade data retrieval system maintained by the International Trade Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The system is exclusively for use within the federal government trade community (ITA, USTR, ITC, and other executive branch agencies. It is also the oldest and best known component of the Trade Policy Information System (TPIS). COMPRO is slated to be replaced in the FY 1995-96 TPIS modernization, but its functions will remain available in an expanded and generalized form. See: Trade Policy Information System.
Commissions
Communications Satellite Corporation
Concentrates
Confidential
Port/berth delays
Consumption
Consecutive
An arrangement whereby various shippers pool their boxed goods on the same shipment, sharing the total weight charge for the shipment.
The name for an agreement under which several nations or nationals (usually corporations) of more than one nation join together for a common purpose (e.g., a shipping consortium).
Equipped to assist during offshore construction and maintenance work.
Special forms signed by the consul of a country to which cargo is destined.
A ship constructed in such a way that she can easily stack containers near and on top of each other as well as on deck. A vessel designed to carry standard intermodal containers enabling efficient loading, unloading, and transport to and from the vessel. Oceangoing merchant ship designed to transport a unit load of standard-sized containers 8 feet square and 20 or 40 feet long. The hull is divided into cells that are easily accessible through large hatches, and more containers can be loaded on deck atop the closed hatches. Loading and unloading can proceed simultaneously using giant traveling cranes at special berths. Container ships usually carry in the range of 25,000 to 50,000 deadweight tons. Whereas a general-cargo ship may spend as much as 70 percent of its life in port loading and discharging cargo, a container ship can be turned around in 36 hours or less, spending as little as 20 percent of its time in port. This ship type is the result of American design innovation. Specialized types of container ships are the LASH and SeaBee which carry floating containers (or lighters,) and RoRo ships, which may carry containers on truck trailers.
A service contract under which a ship owner agrees to transport a specified quantity of fuel products or specialty products, at a specified rate per ton, between designated loading and discharge ports. This type contract differs from a spot or consecutive voyage charter in that no particular vessel is specified.
This can refer to service contract rates which are low, favorable rates fixed over an extended period of time in exchange for which the carrier receives a volume commitment from the shipper.
Co-operation
Cost of Production
Comision Panamericana de Normas Tecnicas
Committee on Renewable Energy, Commerce, and Trade
Captain Of The Port (Coast Guard)
Crude Oil Washing: The operation carried out on crude oil ships as a statutory requirement under Marpol 73/78 to reduce the quantity of residual oil left in cargo tanks that will or might contain ballast. The operation is also employed to maximise the o
Charter Party
Comite Permanent Consultatif du Maghreb
Charterers Pay Dues
Clean petroleum products
Cardia-Pulmonary Respiration
Carriage Paid To
A Term of Sale which means the seller pays the freight for the carriage of the goods to the named destination. The risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered to the carrier, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods have been delivered into the custody of the carrier. If subsequent carriers are used for the carriage to the agreed upon destination, the risk passes when the goods have been delivered to the first carrier. The CPT term requires the seller to clear the goods for export
Customary Quick Despatch
Current rate
Cold Rolled Coils
Current rate discharge
Contract Regarding an Interim Settlement to Tanker Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
Current rate of load
Crane
Crane(s)
Cargo Remaining on Board
International Convention for Safe Containers
Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Closed shelter deck
Cargo ship
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Common Standard Level of Effective Protection
Customized Sales Survey
Centistokes
Countertrade
Committee on Trade and Development
Certified Trade Fair .. Certified Event
Center for Trade and Investment Services
Constructive total loss
Combined transport operator
Composite Theoretical Performance
Container Fitted
Cubic feet
Cubic Meter
Constructed Value
Countervailing Duty
Certificate of value and origin
Consecutive voyages
Cash With Order
Clean Water Act
Chemical Weapons Convention
Common External Tariff
- Abbreviation for Container Yard. - The designation for full container receipt/delivery.
Cylinders
A code word of less than 10 letters, registered annually with the Central Bureau of Registered Addresses, used in lieu of the entire name and address of a firm receiving or sending cablegrams in order to reduce the number of words required in a cablegram.
A vessel equipped to lay and repair underwater cables
A vessel equipped for the retrieval and repair of underwater cables
A law which requires coastal and intercoastal traffic to be carried by vessels belonging to the country owning the coast.Water transportation term applicable to shipments between ports of a nation; commonly refers to coast-wise or inter-coastal navigation or trade. Many nations, including the United States, have cabotage laws which require national flag vessels to provide domestic interport service.
see Fleet, Cabotage.
The Cairns Group, established in August 1986 in Cairns, Australia, is an informal association of agricultural exporting countries. Members include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Fiji, Hungary, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, and Uruguay. The Group seeks to reduce export subsidies and internal support measures and to bring about other reforms to international agricultural trade. The Cairns Group countries account for one third of world farm exports.
The CCCE, a specialized financial institution, is the lead agency in the French Ministry of Cooperation and Development in providing funds for aid and cooperation. The Caisse provides support for development and technical assistance in developing countries, particularly in supporting economic and social development in Africa and in various countries on the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, and in overseas French departments and territories where it supports productive private and public investment. The Caisse was created in December 1941; headquarters are in Paris, France.
The Calvo Doctrine (or principle) holds that jurisdiction in international investment disputes lies with the country in which the investment is located; thus, the investor has no recourse but to use the local courts. The principle, named after an Argentinean jurist, has been applied throughout Latin America and other areas of the world.
By serving as the prime contractor in government-to-government sales transactions, the CCC facilitates exports of a wide range of goods and services from Canadian sources. In response to requests from foreign governments and international agencies for individual products or services, CCC identifies Canadian firms capable of meeting the customer's requirements, executes prime as well as back-to-back contracts, and follows through with contract management, inspection, acceptance, and payment.
CIDA (French: Agence Canadienne de Developpement International) is Canada's official agency which has the task of supporting sustainable development in developing countries. The Agency was established in 1968; headquarters are in Hull, Quebec.
Cancelled
B/L status; used to cancel a processed B/L; usually per shipper's request; different from voided B/L.
See: Balance of Payments.
The CDI, administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development, encourages infrastructure investment in countries in central and Eastern Europe. The CDI provides financial and technical services and assists U.S. businesses by providing up to 50 percent of estimated development work and feasibility study costs for proposed projects in energy, telecommunications, and the environment.
A tanker for the bulk carriage of caprolactam, a chemical used in the plastics industry for the production of polyamides
A document prepared by the captain of a vessel on arriving at port; shows conditions encountered during voyage, generally for the purpose of relieving ship owner of any loss to cargo and shifting responsibility for reimbursement to the insurance company.
A vehicles carrier for the carriage of new cars which are loaded via ramps
A vessel used as a floating car park.
Use of individual carrier/rail equipment through a central agency for the benefit of carriers and shippers.
Metal strip and lead fastener used for locking freight car or truck doors. Seals are numbered for record purposes.
A barge equipped with tracks on which up to about 12 railroad cars are moved in harbors or inland waterways.
A manifest that lists all cargo carried on a specific vessel voyage.
Cargo Not Otherwise Specified. Usually the rate entry in a tariff that can apply to commodities not covered under a specific item or subitem in the applicable tariff.
Cargo reserved by a Nation's laws for transportation only on vessels registered in that Nation. Typically the cargo is moving due to a direct or indirect support or activity of the Government.
The Cargo Selectivity System, a part of Customs' Automated Commercial System, specifies the type of examination (intensive or general) to be conducted for imported merchandise. The type of examination is based on database selectivity criteria such as assessments of risk by filer, consignee, tariff number, country of origin, and manufacturer/shipper. A first time consignee is always selected for an intensive examination. An alert is also generated in cargo selectivity the first time a consignee files an entry in a port with a particular tariff number, country of origin, or manufacturer/shipper.
Most ocean freight is billed on the basis of weight or measurement tons (W/M). Weight tons can be expressed in short tons of 2000 pounds, long tons of 2240 pounds or metric tons of 1000 kilos (2204.62 pounds). Measurement tons are usually expressed as cargo measurement of 40 cubic feet (1.12 meters) or cubic meters (35.3 cubic feet.)
The CBERA affords nonreciprocal tariff preferences to developing countries in the Caribbean Basin area to aid their economic development and to diversity and expand their production and exports. The CBERA applies to merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 1984. This tariff preference program has no expiration date.
The CBI is an inter-American program to increase economic aid and trade preferences for 28 states of the Caribbean region. The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act of 1983 provided for 12 years of duty-free treatment of most goods produced in the Caribbean region. The Initiative was extended permanently (CBI II), by the Customs and Trade Act of August 1990. The 23 countries which are currently eligible for CBI beneifts include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, the Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Christopher-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The following countries may be eligible for CBI benefits but have not formally requested designation: Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Suriname, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CARICOM includes 13 English-speaking Caribbean nations: Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent/Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago). CARICOM was established in 1973; headquarters are in Georgetown, Guyana.
The CDB promotes economic development and cooperation by providing long-term financing for productive projects in CARICOM member countries and U.K.-dependent territories in the Caribbean. Members include: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, France, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. The Bank was established in 1969; headquarters are in St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies. Beginning in 1977, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) may make loans through the CDB to all CDB members, regardless of whether those countries are members of the IADB. See: Inter-American Development Bank.
The BAS helps entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and in Central America to develop project ideas into investment proposals and to obtain long-term finance for them. The Service does not lend or invest, but does provide advice and assistance in project structuring, identification of technical and marketing partners, project appraisal, and identification of financing resources. BAS operates under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program and is managed by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation. BAS was established in 1981 as the Caribbean Business Advisory Service (CBAS). The BAS 1989 expansion to Central America extended its operations to all CBI beneficiary countries. see: Caribbean Basin Initiative.
A rate applicable to a carload of goods.
Customs documents permitting the holder to carry or send sample merchandise temporarily into certain foreign countries without paying duties or posting bonds. Foreign customs regulations vary widely; in some countries, duties and extensive customs procedures on sample products may be avoided by obtaining an ATA Carnet. The ATA Carnet is a standardized international customs document used to obtain duty-free temporary admission of certain goods into the countries that are signatories to the ATA Convention. Under the ATA Convention, commercial and professional travelers may take commercial samples; tools of the trade; advertising material; and cinematographic, audiovisual, medical, scientific, or other professional equipment into member countries temporarily without paying customs duties and taxes or posting a bodn at the border of each country visited. The carnets are generally valid for 12 months. Telephone: 1-800-CARNETS
Carriage paid to (CPT) and carriage and insurance paid to (CIP) a named place of destination. Used in place of CFR and CIF, respectively for shipment by modes other than water.
Any person or entity who, in a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the performance of carriage by rail, road, sea, air, inland waterway or by a combination of such modes.
A certificate required by U.S. Customs to release cargo properly to the correct party.
See: Andean Pact.
See: Group of Eleven.
An organization of independent producers formed to regulate the production, pricing, or marketing practices of its members in order to limit competition and maximize their market power.
Customs form permitting inbond cargo to be moved from one location to another under Customs control, within the same Customs district. Usually in motor carrier's possession while draying cargo.
A term denoting that payment is made when the bill of lading is presented.
A method of payment for goods in which documents transferring title are given to the buyer upon payment of cash to an intermediary acting for the seller, usually a commission house.
Method of payment for goods in which documents transferring title are given the buyer upon payment of cash to an intermediary acting for the seller, usually a commission house.
A method of payment for goods in which the buyer pays the seller in advance of the shipment of the goods. Usually employed when the goods are built to order, such as specialized machinery
CWO is a means of payment in which the buyer pays cash when ordering; the order is binding on both seller and buyer.
A method of payment for goods in which cash is paid at the time of order and the transaction becomes binding on both buyer and seller.
A method of payment for goods in which cash is paid at the time of order and the transaction becomes binding on both buyer and seller.
A method of payment for goods in which the buyer pays the seller in advance of the shipment of goods. Usually employed when the goods, such as specialized machinery, are built to order.
A stationary vessel fitted out as a floating casino.
These promotions are low-cost exhibits of U.S. firms' catalogs and videos which offer small, less-experienced companies an opportunity to test overseas markets for their products without travel. The International Trade Administration promotes exhibitions, provides staff fluent in the local language to answer questions, and forwards all trade leads to participating firms.
Groupings of controlled products.See: Export Control Classification Number
Center Tank
The construction system employed in container vessels; permits ship containers to be stowed in a vertical line with each container supporting the one above it.
A single deck cargo vessel fitted with pumping arrangements for the carriage of cement in bulk. There are no weather deck hatches. May be self discharging
A barge with pumping facilities for loading & discharging cement.
The point of equilibrium of the total weight of a containership, truck, train or a piece of cargo.
The Central Africa States Development Bank (French: Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale, BDEAC) was created in December 1975 (began operations in January 1977) to provide loans for economic development and to support integration projects. Members include: the Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Bank headquarters are in Brazzaville, Congo.
CABEI (Spanish: Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico, BCIE) was established in 1960 (began operations in September 1961) to promote economic integration and development. The Bank is an institution of the Central American Common Market. Bank members include: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. CABEI is associated with the Central American Common Market; bank headquarters are in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. See: Central American Common Market.
CEFTA is a trade agreement among the Visegrad countries -- Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary -- that is somewhat parallel to the European Free Trade Association
CERN (English: European Center for Nuclear Reseach) is a huge lab used by international collaborators to do frontier work in nuclear and particle physics. The Center, created after World War II and open to physicists from all countries, is funded by countries according to their abilities. The Center is located outside Genvea, partly in Switzerland and partly in France.
See: Direction des Relations Economiques Exterieures.
See: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.
- A document certifying that merchandise (such as of Inspection perishable goods) was in good condition immediately prior to its shipment. - The document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard certifying an American flag vessel's compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
A certified document as to the origin of goods, used in foreign commerce.
See: Delivery Verification Certificate.
Certain nations require a signed statement as to the origin of the export item. Such certificates are usually obtained through a semiofficial organization such as a local chamber of commerce. A certificate may be required even though the commercial invoice contains the information.
The Department of Commerce Certified Trade Fair Program is designed to encourage private organizations to recruit new-to-market and new-to-export U.S. firms to exhibit in trade fairs overseas. To receive certification, the organization must demonstrate: (1) the fair is a leading international trade event for an industry and (2) the fair organizer is capable of recruiting U.S. exhibitors and assisting them with freight forwarding, customs clearance, exhibit design and setup, public relations, and overall show promotion. The show organizer must agree to assist new-to-export exhibitors as well as small businesses interested in exporting. In addition to the services the organizer provides, the Department of Commerce will: - assign a Washington coordinator; - operate a business information office, which provides meeting space, translators, hospitality, and assistance from U.S. exhibitors and foreign customers; - help contact buyers, agents, distributors, and other business leads and provide marketing assistance; - provide a press release on certification.
Certified trade missions (formerly State/Industry Organized, Government Approved trade missions) are planned and organized by state development agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other export-oriented groups. To qualify for U.S. government sponsorship, organizers of this type of trade mission must agree to follow International Trade Administration criteria in planning and recruiting the mission. ITA offers guidance and assistance from planning through completion of the mission and coordinates thel, Consulate General
Chaebol are Korean conglomerates which are characterized by strong family control, authoritarian management, and centralized decision making. Chaebol dominate the Korean economy, growing out of the takeover of the Japanese monopoly of the Korean economy following World War II. Korean government tax breaks and financial incentives emphasizing industrial reconstruction and exports provided continuing support to the growth of Chaebols during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1988, the output of the 30 largest chaebol represented almost 95% of Korea's gross national product.
A written contract between the owner of a vessel and the person desiring to employ the vessel (charterer); sets forth the terms of the arrangement such as duration of agreement, freight rate and ports involved in the trip.
A charter where the owner provides his ship to the Charterer who then provides his own officers and crew and operates the vessel as if it were a unit of his own fleet. Hire is usually paid on a daily rate, monthly in advance, and the owner retains rights
The chartering of a vessel for a fixed period of time with the vessel delivering and re-delivering at agreed dates and at agreed zones or places though usually with an option to the Charterer to extend the period of charter. It is really a contract for t
A contract where the vessel has specific beginning and end ports but where the route and time taken may vary.
The chartering of a vessel for a single voyage to load a cargo at one or more load ports for discharge at one or more discharge ports. In exchange for freight at a negotiated freight rate the owner bears all costs (including crew, bunkers, hull and machi
Chemical
A non propelled tank barge for the carriage of chemicals
A tanker built to comply with either the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) or the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code)
An self propelled tanker barge for the bulk carriage of chemical cargoes, lube oils, vegetable/animal oils and other chemicals as defined in the International Bulk Chemical Code
A tanker for the bulk carriage of chemical cargoes, lube oils, vegetable/animal oils and other chemicals as defined in the International Bulk Chemical Code which is not suitable for trading in open waters. Tanks are coated with suitable materials which ar
The CWC prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. The Convention permits monitoring, collection and review of data and on-site inspections that involve questions of protection of proprietary rights and confidentiality. The Convention has been signed by over 160 nations; entry into force is expected in January 1995.
The Department of Commerce maintains foreign policy export controls on certain chemical precursors and equipment and biological agents and equipment useful in chemical warfare. Through the Australia Group, AG, the United States cooperates with other nations in controlling chemical and biological weapons proliferation. The AG developed a list of 54 precursors useful for chemical weapons development, along with control on certain biological organisms and on equipment useful in producing CBW agents. The AG also provides the forum in which the member countries share information concerning the activities of non-member countries where the proliferation of these weapons is of concern, including entities that are seeking chemical precursors and related items.
A non propelled tank barge for the carriage of chemicals or oil products
A chemical tanker additionally capable of the carriage of clean petroleum products
An self propelled chemical tanker barge additionally capable of the carriage of clean petroleum products
A tanker for the bulk carriage of chemical cargoes, lube oils, vegetable/animal oils and other chemicals as defined in the International Bulk Chemical Code or Petroleum Products which is not suitable for trading in open waters.
The CEA is an informal reference to the economic integration of Southern China with Hong Kong and Taiwan which has proceded without any arrangement.
A piece of wood or other material placed at the side of cargo to prevent rolling or moving sideways.
Cask
A demand made upon a transportation line for payment on account of a loss sustained through its alleged negligence
A publication,such as Uniform Freight Classification (railroad) or the National Motor Freight Classification (motor carrier), that assigns ratings to various articles and provides bill of lading descriptions and rules.
The designation provided in a classification by which a class rate is determined.
A railroad yard with many tracks used for assembling freight trains.
An antitrust act of the U.S. Congress making price discrimination unlawful.
A letter of credit that requires the beneficiary to present only a draft or a receipt for specified funds before receiving payment.
A B/L which bears no superimposed clause or notation which declares a defective condition of the goods and/or the packaging.
A receipt for goods issued by a carrier with an indication that the goods were received in apparent good order and condition, without damage or other irregularities. If no notation or exception is made, the B/L is assumed to be cleaned.
A draft to which no documents have been attached.
Clean float refers to a system in which exchange rates are determined by market forces rather than government intervention or restrictions. See: Dirty Float.
The stopping of articles, such as peanuts, etc., for cleaning at a point between the point of origin and destination.
The size beyond which cars or loads cannot use Limits bridges, tunnels, etc.
A strip of wood or metal used to afford additional strength, to prevent warping, or to hold in place.
Refrigeration equipment attachable to an insulated container that does not have its own refrigeration unit.
The procedure to prevent the release of cargo vapours at deck level on vessels during loading, ballasting and discharging. This is essential when handling toxic, volatile or noxious cargoes to prevent injury to personnel and risk of ignition. Closed Ope
The Club du Sahel is an informal coalition which seeks to reverse the effects of drought and the desertification in the eight Sahelian zone countries: Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and the Cape Verde Islands. The Club coordinates plans and financing of aid and sustained economic development in the region. The Club (sometimes called Club des Amis du Sahel), formed in December 1975, comprises both donor countries (Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Sahelian zone countries. Headquarters are in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Completed
CSCE administers residual tariffs and quotas and relations with other organizations.
The CCF provides a venue for emerging democracies in Central and Eastern Europe and the of the former Soviet Union to discuss international export controls and to help coordinate technical assistance efforts. The Forum, established in June 1992, held its first meeting in November 1992. At the close of 1992, 42 nations were CCF participants, including most states of the former Soviet Union (except Georgia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) and all of the former Soviet satellites of Eastern and Central Europe (except the former Yugoslav republics).
A tanker for the bulk carriage of a cargo of coal and oil mixed as a liquid and maintained at high temperatures
Water transportation along the coast.
As a subsidiary body of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and the World Health Organization, CAC (or CODEX) develops food standards and Recommended International Codes of Hygienic and/or Technological Practices. Commission standards are voluntary, becoming enforceable only if accepted as national standards. The Commission also works in cooperation with Regional Coordinating Committees (Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean) in promoting regional standards activities. The Commission was established in 1962; headquarters are in Rome, Italy.
A bank that acts as an agent to the seller's bank (the presenting bank). The collecting bank assumes no responsibility for either the documents or the merchandise.
A draft drawn on the buyer, usually accompanied by documents, with complete instructions concerning processing for payment or acceptance.
All documents (invoices, bills of lading, etc.) submitted to a buyer for the purpose of receiving payment for a shipment
The Collections System, a part of Customs' Automated Commercial System, controls and accounts for the billions of dollars in payments collected by Customs each year and the millions in refunds processed each year. Daily statements are prepared for the automated brokers who select this service. The Collections System permits electronic payments of the related duties and taxes through the Automated Clearinghouse capability. Automated collections also meet the needs of the importing community through acceptance of electronic funds transfers for deferred tax bills and receipt of electronic payments from lockbox operations for Customs bills and fees.
The Colombo Plan was established in 1951 to promote economic and social development among members in Asia and the Pacific. Members include: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Plan's formal name is the Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic Development in South and South-East Asia; headquarters are in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The U.S. import tariff rates which have been established through negotiation, are congressionally approved and usually bound. These are ''most favored nation'' (MFN) rates, meaning that they must apply equally to all countries receiving MFN tariff treatment from the United States, unless superseded by certain preferential tariff arrangements for developing countries.
Column 2 rates are statutory established tariff rates dating back to the 1930s Smoot-Hawley period and are substantially higher than column I rates. They are currently assessed only on imports from countries not receiving most favored nation treatment from the U.S. (e.g., certain communist countries).
Commission
Ore Oil (O/O) carriers have twin longitudinal bulkheads (similar to a conventional tanker) but have been additionally equipped with large deck hatches and strengthened double bottoms in way of the centre cargo tanks. This arrangement allows dry bulk carg
Oil Bulk Ore (OBO) carriers have a large central hold similar to a conventional dry bulk carrier but are also equipped to operate as an oil tanker. The large cargo hold (as opposed to a cargo tank) means that lighter cargo such as grain etc. can be c
A firm that acts as an export sales agent for more than one noncompeting manufacturer.
Ships with a capacity for 13 or more passengers.
A rate made up of two or more factors, separately published.
B/L that covers cargo moving over various transports
COPANT (English: Pan American Standards Commission) coordinates the activities of all institutes of standardization in the Latin American countries. The Commission develops all types of product standards, stnadardized test methods, terminology, and related matters. COPANT headquarters are in Buenos Aires, Argentina. U.S. contact with COPANT is maintained through the American National Standards Institute
See: International Radio Consultative Committee
The CPCM (English: Maghreb Permanent Consultative Committee) seeks to improve economic coordination among Maghreb countries, with eventual expectation of establishing a Maghreb economic community. Originally established in October 1964, the committee began operations in February 1966; its headquarters are in Tunis, Tunisia. See: Maghreb States.
A naval vessel used as a command centre for military operations
CBD is the Commerce Department's daily newspaper which lists government procurement invitations and contract awards, including foreign business opportunities and foreign government procurements
The CCL includes all items -- commodities, software, and technical data -- subject to BXA export controls and incorporates not only the national security controlled items agreed to by CoCom (the core list), but also items controlled for foreign policy (i.e., biological warfare, nuclear proliferation, missile technology, regional stability, and crime control) and short supply. The list is divided into 10 general categories: (1) materials, (2) materials processing, (3) electronics, (4) computers, (5) telecommunications and cryptography, (6) sensors, (7) avionics and navigation, (8) marine technology, (9) propulsion systems and transportation equipment, and (10) miscellaneous
The Commercial Activity Report, CAR, is prepared annually by the economic and commercial sections of the U.S. Embassies covering over 100 countries where the Department of Commerce is not represented. The CAR assesses the country's political, economic, and business activities, and market potential and strategies for increasing U.S. sales.
A published code designed to reduce the total number of words required in a cablegram.
This practice involves the manufacture or sale of goods which defraud the purchaser by falsely implying that the products are produced by a reputable manufacturer.
CIMS is a PC-based system used by International Trade Administration staff in export counseling. CIMS is a trade-related application using National Trade Data Bank CD-ROMs to disseminate market research and international economics data to US domestic offices and overseas posts. The system includes data on foreign traders and supports local collection and update of information on business contacts.
The commercial invoice is a bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. These invoices are often used by governments to determine the true value of goods for the assessment of customs duties and are also used to prepare consular documentation. Governments using the commercial invoice to control imports often specify its form, content, number of copies, language to be used, and other characteristics.
The CLDP helps Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States develop a commercial infrastructure consistent with free market principles. The program, operated through the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration, is part of the U.S. Government's efforts to assist the region. CLPD is also compiling a Language Resources List of U.S. commercial law experts with strong language capabilities.
Commercial News USA, CNUSA, is an International Trade Administration (ITA) fee-based magazine, published 10 times per year. CNUSA provides exposure for U.S. products and services through an illustrated catalog and electronic bulletin boards. The catalog is distributed through U.S. Embassies and consulates to business readers in 155 countries. Copies are provided to international visitors at trade events around the world. The CNUSA program covers more than 30 industry categories. To be eligible, products must be at least 51 percent U.S. parts and 51 percent U.S. labor. The service helps U.S. firms identify potential export markets and make contacts leading to representation, distributorships, joint venture or licensing agreements, or direct sales
Commercial officers are embassy officials who assist U.S. business through arranging appointments with local business and government officials, providing counsel on local trade regulations, laws, and customs; identifying importers, buyers, agents, distributors, and joint venture partners for U.S. firms; and other business assistance. At larger posts, International Trade Administration staff perform these functions. At smaller posts, commercial interests are represented by State's economic officers. See: Economic Officers Foreign Service.
With respect to Eximbank guarantees, commercial risks cover nonpayment for reasons other than specified political risks. Examples are insolvency or protracted default. See: Political Risks.
An agreement between two or more countries setting forth the conditions under which business between the countries may be transacted. May outline tariff privileges, terms on which property may be owned, the manner in which claims may be settled, etc.
See: United Nations Regional Commissions -- Economic Commission for Europe. Committee for the Implementation
CITA is an interagency committee chaired by the Department of Commerce which exercises the rights of the United States under the Multi-Fiber Arrangement. CITA initiates calls for consultation when imports of a particular textile product from a particular country disrupt the U.S. domestic market for that product. Other member agencies include the Departments of Labor, State, and Treasury and the United States Trade Representative. See: Multi-Fiber Arrangement
The CE is an autonomous body of 20 independent legal experts appointed by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Governing Body. The CE meets annually prior to the June conference to examine reports of governments on ILO conventions, and information provided by governments on what they have done with newly adopted conventions. The CE submits its report and findings to the International Labor Conference Committee on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations
The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, CFIUS, was created in 1975 to provide guidance on arrangements with foreign governments for advance consultations on prospective major foreign governmental investments in the United States, and to consider proposals for new legislation or regulation relating to foreign investment. The authority was amended by Section 5021 (the Exon-Florio provision) of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Section 721 of the Defense Production Act), which gives the President authority to review mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers of U.S. companies by foreign interests and to prohibit, suspend, or seek divestiture in the courts of investments that may lead to actions that threaten to impair the national security. By Executive Order in December 1988, Treasury has authority to implement the Exon-Florio provision. CFIUS has 11 members: the Secretaries of the Treasury (the chair), State, Defense, and Commerce, the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Attorney General, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy. The Assistant Secretary for Trade Development serves as Commerce's representative to CFIUS. The Commerce working group is chaired by the International Trade Administration and includes the Bureau of Export Administration, the Economics and Statistics Administration, the Technology Administration, and the Office of the General Counsel. See: Exon-Florio Foreign Direct Investment in the United States.
CORECT facilitates the cost-effective use of U.S. renewable energy products and services around the world. The Committee is comprised of 14 federal agencies: the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior, State, and Treasury, the Agency for International Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Export-Import Bank, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Small Business Administration, Trade and Development Agency, United States Information Agency, and U.S. Trade Representative. The Committee, chaired by Energy, was established by legislation in 1984.
The CTD was established in 1965 to consider how the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) can aid the economic development of Less Developed Country (LDC) contracting parties (that is, LDC members).
Article shipped. For dangerous and hazardous cargo, the correct commodity identification is critical.
The CCC finances a variety of federal domestic and international farm programs, including Title I, Title II, and Title III of Public Law 480 (Food for Peace). The CCC is a government-owned and operated corporation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is managed by a board of directors headed by the Secretrary of Agriculture. All members of the board and the corporation's officers and staff are officals of USDA. The CCC provides financing and stability to the marketing and exporting of agricultural commodities
CIPs finance the export of U.S. goods to U.S.-aid recipient countries. Under CIPs, the Agency for International Development (AID) makes dollars available to the assisted country on a loan or grant basis to pay for essential commodity imports. In nearly all cases, these imports come from the United States. CIPs are used to provide relatively fast disbursing balance of payments support or to generate local currency for budget support for project goals, particularly in efforts designed to encourage private sector development. CIP agreements usually provide for AID's financing of a wide variety of basic items including agricultural goods, construction and transportation equipment, fertilizer, chemicals, raw materials, semi-finished products, and foodstuffs. CIPs do not finance military or police equipment, luxury items, or items of questionable safety or efficacy. In some cases, the range of allowable commodities is narrowed in order to tailor them to development needs of particular sectors in the assisted country or to accomplish other, specific development goals.
Export jurisdiction of products is administered by the State Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls (DTC) if the commodities are defense articles, technical data, and services or by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Export Administration if the commodities are dual-use items. An exporter may request DTC to conduct a commodity jurisdiction (CJ) review if the exporter is uncertain as to whether an item is covered by the United States Munitions List (USML) or believes it has been inappropriately placed on the list. CJ procedures include deadlines for making a determination and the use of criteria assessing: (a) performance, (b) significant military or intelligence applicability, and (c) significant civilian applicability.
A rate published to apply to a specific article or articles
The CAP is a set of regulations by which members states of the European Community (EC) seek to merge their individual agricultural programs into a unified effort to promote regional agricultural development, fair and rising standards of living for the farm population, stable agricultural markets, increased agricultural productivity, and methods of dealing with food supply security. Two of the principal elements of the CAP are the variable levy (an import duty amounting to the difference between EC target farm prices and the lowest available market prices of imported agricultural commodities) and export restitutions, or subsidies, to promote exports of farm goods that cannot be sold within the EC at the target prices.
A comprehensive system of production targets and marketing mechanisms designed to manage agricultural trade within the European Community and with the rest of the world.
A transportation company which provides service to the general public at published rates.
A uniform tariff adopted by a customs union to be assessed on imports entering the union territory from countries outside the union; abbreviated: CET or CXT.
A uniform tariff adopted by a customs union (e.g.. European Community) to be assessed on imports entering a region from countries outside the union.
Law that derives its force and authority from precedent, custom and usage rather than from statutes, particularly with reference to the laws of England and the United States
A common market (as opposed to a free trade area) has a common external tariff and may allow for labor mobility and common economic policies among the participating nations. The European Community is the most notable example of a common market.
South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland are members of the CMA under which they apply uniform exchange control regulations to ensure monetary order in the region. Funds are freely transferable among the three countries, and Lesotho and Swaziland have free access to South African capital markets. Lesotho also uses the South African currency, the rand. The CMA was formed in 1986 as a result of the renegotiation of the Rand Monetary Agreement (RMA) which was originally formed in 1974 by the same member countries.
The common standard level of effective protection, CSP, refers to the minimum shared standards between the U.S. and CoCom members for implementing an effective export control system, including licensing and enforcement elements
A commonwealth is a free association of sovereign independent states that has no charter, treaty, or constitution. The association promotes cooperation, consultation, and mutual assistance among members. The British Commonwealth (with headquarters in London, England) is the most notable example; it included 50 states at the beginning of 1991.
The CDC is a British public corporation which provides medium- and long-term loans and equity financing for development-related private and public sector projects in selected countries. CDC financing is available for projects in the folowing sectors: agriculture (livestock, horticulture, and acquaculture), forestry, fishing, mineral extraction, industry, public utilties, transport, telecommunications, low-cost housing, hotels, construction and civil engineering, financial management and consultancy services, and leasing of assests. The Corporation does not invest in schools, colleges, hospitals, public service works or broadcasting. Since 1969, CDC has been able to invest in non-Commonwealth countries with ministerial agreement. The CDC was established in 1948; headquarters are in London, England
The CIS was established in December 1991 as an association of 11 republics of the former Soviet Union. The members include: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus (formerly Byelorussia), Moldova (formerly Moldavia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kirgizstan (formerly Kirghiziya). The Baltic states did not join. Georgia maintained observer status, before joining the CIS in November 1993. Until that time, the NIS (Newly Independent States) differed from the CIS in that the NIS is a collective reference to 12 Soviet republics, including Georgia.
COMSAT was established in 1963 under provision of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962. The legislation directed that COMSAT establish the world's first commercial international satellite communications system. The Act also stipulated that the company operate as a shareholder-owned for-profit corporation. COMSAT represents the U.S. in the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization.
Compromised total loss
A GATT principle which holds that if any member country raises a tariff above its bound rate, withdraws a binding or otherwise violates a trade concession with GATT justification, the party must lower other tariffs or make other concessions to offset the disadvantage suffered by trading partners or face offsetting actions (retaliation) by affected parties
The CCFF is an International Monetary Fund (IMF) facility which provides resources to an IMF member for a shortfall in export earnings or an excess in cereal import costs that is due to factors largely beyond the member's control and which is temporary. Compensatory financing, introduced in 1963 and broadened several times, provides aid to members experiencing balance of payments problems as a result of fluctuations in commodity prices and shortfalls of receipts in tourism, workers' remittances and most services. Contingency financing helps members with IMF-supported adjustment programs to maintain the momentum of adjustment efforts in the face of a broad range of unanticipated, adverse external shocks -- for example, changes in international interest rates or prices or primary imports or exports
See: Exchange Rate Classifications.
Computer hardware export license requirements are evaluated according to Composite Theoretical Performance (CTP), which replaced the former Processing Data Rate (PDR) parameter. CTP is measured in Million Theoretical Operations Per Second (MTOPS). CTP was developed by the U.S. as a new parameter, and was adopted by CoCom during the Core List negotiations, because PDR was not applicable to certain modern computer architectures such as vector processors, massively parallel processors, and array processors. CTP is designed to measure all of these architectures, as well as signal processing equipment.
Damage that is not evident from viewing the unopened package.
A tariff reduction, tariff binding, or other agreement to reduce import restrictions; usually accorded pursuant to negotiation in return for concessions by other parties.
The according of Most Favored Nation (MFN) treatment subject to compliance with specific terms or conditions. All members of GATT, including the United States, accord unconditional MFN treatment to most other GATT members. The United States, howeerms of Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974.
Conditions
COCA (English: International Confederation of Agricultural Credit, ICAC) coordil credit banks and other institutions which provide or study agricultural credits. ICAC was established in 1932; headquarters are in Zurich, Switzerland.
An association of ship owners operating in the same trade route who operate under collective conditions and agree on tariff rates.
CEPT (English: lecommunciations services. Many CEPT standards creating activities have been assumed by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. CEPT maintains offices in Paris, France and Bern, Switzerland. See: European Telecommunications Standards Institute.
An L/C guaranteed by both the issuing and advising banks of payment so long as seller's documents are in order, and the L/C terms are met. Only applied to irrevocable L/C's. The confirming bank assumes the credit risk of the issuing bank.
A letter of credit, issued by a foreign bank, whose validity has been confirmed by an American bank. An exporter whose payment terms are a confirmed letter of credit is assured of payment even if the foreign buyer or the foreign bank defaults.
Confirming is a financial service in which an independent company confirms an export order in the seller's country and makes payment for the goods in the currency of that country. Among the items eligible for confirmation are the goods; inland, air, and ocean transportation costs; forwarding fees; custom brokerage fees; and duties. Confirming permits the entire export transaction from plant to end user to be fully coordinated and paid for over time. It is mainly a European practice.
The bank that adds its confirmation to another bank's (the issuing bank's) letter of credit and promises to pay the beneficiary upon presentation of documents specified in the letter of credit.
The CE mark signifies that a product meets specific EC-wide conformity assessment requirements. The mark does not endorse the quality or durability of a product, but only that it satisfies mandatory technical requirements. The designation is needed for sale of products which become subject ot Community-wide new-approach directives. See: European Norm.
A carrier which has a direct physical connection with, or forms a link between two or more carriers.
Consignment
The person or firm named in a freight contract to whom goods have been consigned or turned over. For export control purposes, the documentation differentiates between an intermediate consignee and an ultimate consignee.
A symbol placed on packages for export for identification purposes; generally consisting of a triangle, square, circle, diamond, cross, with letters and/or numbers as well as port of discharge.
(1) A stock of merchandise advanced to a dealer and located at his place of business, but with title remaining in the source of supply. (2) A shipment of goods to a consignee. Delivery of merchandise from an exporter (the consignor) to an agent (the consignee) under agreement that the agent sell the merchandise for the account of the exporter. The consignor retains title to the goods until sold. The consignee sells the goods for commission and remits the net proceeds to the consigno.
B/L combined or consolidated from two or more B/L's.
Cargo containing shipments of two or more shippers or suppliers. Containerload shipments may be consolidated for one or more consignees.
A person or firm performing a consolidation service for others. The consolidator takes advantage of lower full carload (FCL) rates, and savings are passed on to shippers.
The CABEE program, administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, provides grants of up to $500,000 to each of five non-profit consortia of for-profit companies to cover up to one-half of costs of starting-up commercial operations in Eastern Europe. Launched under the American Business and Private-Sector Development Initiative for Eastern Europe, CABEE is intended to help overcome difficulties faced by small and medium-sized firms in entering Eastern Europe markets. CABEE was established in June 1991.
CABNIS is a cooperative, cost-sharing program of government and the private sector that helps non-profit business consortia establish a commercial presence and pursue business in the Newly Indpendent States on behalf of profit-making U.S. corporations and associations. The program provides matching government grants of up to $500,000 to each consortia. CABNIS, established in July 1992, is administered by the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration. CABNIS was established in July 1992.
A means of determining fair or foreign market value when sales of such or similar merchandise do not exist or, for various reasons, cannot be used for comparison purposes. The constructed value consists of the cost of materials and fabrication or other processing employed in producing the merchandise, general expenses of not less than 10 percent of material and fabrication costs, and profit of not less than 8 percent of the sum of the production costs and general expenses. To this amount is added the cost of packing for exportation to the United States. See: Tariff Act of 1930
A program whereby the U.S. government attempted to offset the higher shipbuilding cost in the U.S. by paying up to 50% of the difference between cost of U.S. and nonU.S. construction. The difference went to the U.S. shipyard. It is unfunded since 1982.
A government official residing in a foreign country who is charged with the representation of the interests of his country and its nationals.
A formal statement describing goods to be shipped, made to the consul of the country of destination. Approval must be obtained prior to shipment.
See: Travel Advisory Program.
A document, required by some foreign countries, describing a shipment of goods and showing information such as the consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. Certified by a consular official of the foreign country, it is used by the country's customs officials to verify the value, quantity, and nature of the shipment.
An official signature or seal affixed to certain documents by the consul of the country of destination.
The jurisdiction, terms of office, or official premises of a consul.
CCITT facilitates U.S. coordination of communications standards issues. CCITT is a part of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which is an international treaty organization. The State Department is responsible for coordinating and presenting U.S. positions to the ITU. See: International Telecommunications Union.
CGIAR, an informal association of public and private sector donors, supports international agricultural research centers (IARCs) around the world. The centers develop new ways to increase sustainable food production and improve the nutritional and economic well-being of low-income people. CGIAR, sponsored by the World Bank and other international organizations, was established in 1971; its Secretariat is in Washington, D.C. The research centers include: - Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), Colombia - Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maiz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico - International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR), Italy - International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA), Syria - International Centre for Research in Forestry (ICRAF), Kenya - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India - International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), United States - International Irrigation Management Institute (IIMI), Sri Lanka - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria - International Livestock Center for Africa (ILCA), Ethiopia - International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases (ILRAD), Kenya - International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP), France - International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines - International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR), Netherlands and - West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA), Cte d'Ivoire.
An official form used for declaration of value, description and the total duty due on such transaction.
The process of declaring the importation of foreign-made goods into the United States for use in the United States.
Continent or Europe
Continent of Europe
Continent, Antwerp-Hamburg range
Continent, Bordeaux-Hamburg range
Continent, Havre-Hamburg range
The Contadora Group, which first met on the Panamanian island of Contadora in January 1983, seeks solutions to conflict in Central America. Members include the foreign ministers of Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Venezuela. Group headquarters are in Mexico City, Mexico.
A uniform, sealed, reusable metal box in which merchandise is shipped by vessel, truck, or rail. Standard lengths include 10, 20, 30, and 40 feet (40 foot lengths are generally able to hold about 40,000 pounds). Containers of 45 and 48 feet are also used, as well as containers for shipment by air. Box, in several standard sizes, designed to enable goods to be sent several places without the contents being touched.A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8'0 or 8'6 in width, and 8'6 or 9'6 in height.
A self propelled cargo vessel with boxed holds fitted with fixed cellular guides for the carriage of containers
Arrangements with a steamship line to transport containerized cargo.
See CFS.
A load sufficient in size to fill a container either by cubic measurement or by weight
Document showing contents and loading sequence of a container.
An agreement between parties that allows the efficient use and supply of containers. A common supply of containers available to the shipper as required
A container ship with the additional capability to be loaded and unloaded by ro-ro access to a limited portion of the cargo space
A single deck cargo vessel with boxed holds fitted with fixed cellular guides for the carriage of containers
A vessel designed for the transportation of fully cellular Containers. Not designed for operation in open sea
An area designated for the stowage of cargoes in container; usually accessible by truck, railroad and marine transportation. Here containers are picked up, dropped off, maintained and housed.
A materialshandling/storage facility used for completely unitized loads in containers and/or empty containers. Commonly referred to as CY.
A hybrid of a container ship and a ro-ro cargo ship in independent sections
Cargo that will fit into a container and result in an economical shipment
Stowage of general or special cargoes in a container for transport in the various modes.
Cargo that is prohibited
A legally binding agreement between two or more persons/organizations to carry out reciprocal obligations or value.
Any person not a common carrier who, under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports passengers or property for compensation.
Contracting parties are the signatory countries to the GATT. These countries have accepted the specified obligations and privileges of the GATT agreement.
Sophisticated, computercontrolled systems that manage the mixtures of gases within a container throughout an intermodal journey reducing decay.
Conveyance
See: International Agreements.
The UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, CISG, became the law of the United States in January 1988. CISG establishes uniform legal rules governing formation of international sales contracts and the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller. The CISG applies automatically to all contracts for the sale of goods between traders from two different countries that have both ratified the CISG, unless the parties to the contract expressly exclude all or part of the CISG or expressly stipulate a law other than the CISG.
The transfer of non-nuclear weapons, aircraft, equipment, and military services from supplier states to recipient states. U.S. arms are transferred by grants as in the Military Assistance Program (MAP); by private commercial sales; and by government-to-government sales under Foreign Military Sales (FMS). MAP provides defense articles and defense services to eligible foreign governments on a grant basis. FMS provides credits and loan repayment guarantees to enable eligible foreign governments to purchase defense articles and defense services.
See: Foreign Market Development Program.
CoCom is an informal organization that cooperatively restricts strategic exports to controlled countries. CoCom controls three lists: (a) the international industrial list (synonymous with the dual-use or core list), (b) the international munitions list, and (c) the atomic energy list. The 17 CoCom members are: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Other countries, including: Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, and Switzerland have been designated as cooperating countries. These countries receive many of the benefits ascribed to CoCom member countries. CoCom controls exports at three levels, depending on the item and the proposed destination. At the highest or general exception level, unanimous approval by CoCom members is necessary. At the next level, favorable consideration, there is a presumption of approval; the export may be made if no CoCom members objects within 30 days of submission to CoCom. At the lowest level, national discretion (also called administrative exception), a member nation may approve the export on its own, but CoCom must be notified after the fact. CoCom is scheduled to terminate on March 31, 1994.
The CCNAA, the counterpart to the American Institute in Taiwan, unofficially represents Taiwan's interests in the United States. The Council provides information on trade, business, and investment opportunities to the American business community. Council headquarters are in Washington, D.C. See: American Institute in Taiwan.
Coproduction is a U.S. government program implemented either by a government-to-government arrangement or through specific licensing arrangements by designated commercial firms. These programs enable foreign entities to acquire the know-how to manufacture or assemble, repair, maintain, and operate all or part of a specific defense item or weapon, communication, or support system.
National security controls are based largely on CoCom's international industrial list (known generally as the core list), which replaced the old industrial list effective September 1991. The core list includes items in ten categories: (1) materials, (2) materials processing, (3) electronics, (4) computers, (5) telecommunications and cryptography, (6) sensors, (7) avionics and navigation, (8) marine technology, (9) propulsion systems and transportation equipment, and (10) miscellaneous
Vertical frame components fitted at the corners of the container, integral to the corner fittings and connecting the roof and floor structures. Containers are lifted and secured in a stack using the castings at the ends.
See: Andean Group.
B/L requiring any update which results in money or other financially related changes
A bank that, in its own country, handles the business of a foreign bank.
A combat vessel smaller than a destroyer, often armed for antisubmarine operations
Cost and Freight (CFR) to a named overseas port of import. Under this term, the seller quotes a price for the goods that includes the cost of transportation to the named point of debarkation. The cost of insurance is left to the buyer's account. (Typically used for ocean shipments only. CPT, or carriage paid to, is a term used for shipment by modes other than water.) Also, a method of import valuation that includes insurance and freight charges with the merchandise values.
A term used to refer to the sum of the cost of materials, fabrication and/or other processing employed in producing the merchandise sold in a home market or to a third country together with appropriate allocations of general administrative and selling expenses. COP is based on the producer's actual experience and does not include any mandatory minimum general expense or profit as in constructed value. See: Tariff Act of 1930.
Cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) to a named overseas port of import. Under this term, the seller quotes a price for the goods (including insurance), all transportation, and miscellaneous charges to the point of debarkation for the vessel. (Typically used for ocean shipments only. CIP, or carriage and insurance paid to, is a term used for shipment by modes other than water.)
Cost of goods, marine insurance and all transportation (freight) charges are paid to the foreign point of delivery by the seller.
In the context of dumping investigations, the costs of manufacture, COM, is equal to the sum of the materials, labor and both direct and indirect factory overhead expenses required to produce the merchandise under investigation.
COAP, one of four export subsidy programs operated by the Department of Agriculture, helps U.S. exporters meet prevailing world prices for cottonseed oil in targeted markets. USDA pays cash to U.S. exporters as bonuses, making up the difference between the higher U.S. cost of acquiring cottonwseed oil and the lower world price at which it is sold.
The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, CMEA or COMECON, was established in 1949 ostensibly to create a common market. CMEA was a Soviet initiative with Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania as founder members. The Council was later joined by the German Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Cuba, and Vietnam; Yugoslavia held associate status. Members normally received some products, particularly oil and gas, from the former Soviet Union at below-market prices. CMEA was succeeded in 1991 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OIEC).
This Council is composed of state representatives resident in Europe supportive of official U.S. promotions.
CEAU fosters economic integration among Arab nations. The Council's activities compiling statistics, conducting research, and promoting a customs union. The Council was established in 1964; headquarters are in Amman, Jordan. The Council oversees the Arab Common Market, which comprises Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Mauritania, Syria, and Yemen.
The COE (also: CE; French: Conseil de l'Europe)) was established in May 1949 to encourage unity and social and economic growth among members, which currently include: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. COE headquarters are in Strasbourg, France.
Members include: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Byelarus, Canada, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Yugoslavia.
A general trade term whereby a seller is required to accept goods or services from the buyer as either full or partial payment. This is a well known phenomenon in East-West trade, but is increasingly being practiced worldwide.
A draft agreement addressing commercial counterfeit (e.g. trademarks) problems in international trade. Initiated during the Tokyo Round, this code was never concluded. The issue of counterfeiting, as well as other intellectual property issues, is now under discussion in the Uruguay Round negotiating group on Intellectual Property Rights.
See: Countertrade.
Countertrade is an umbrella term for several sorts of trade in which the seller is required to accept goods, serivces, or other instruments or trade, in partial or whole payment for its products. Forms include barter, buy-back or compensation, offset requirements, swap, switch, or triangular trade, evidence or bilateral clearing accounts. Some include offsets as a form of countertrade; others make a distinction based on the view that countertrade is a reciprocal exchange of goods and services used to alleviate foreign exchange shortages of importers and that offsets are used as a means for advancing industrial development objectives and may include equity investments. In counterpurchase (one of the most common forms of countertrade), exporters agree to purchase a quantity of goods from a country in exchange for that country's purchase of the exporter's product. The goods being sold by each party are typically unrelated but may be equivalent in value. In a compensation or buy-back deal, exporters of heavy equipment, technology, or even entire facilities agree to purchase a certain percentage of the output of the facility. Barter is a simple swap of one good for another. Switch trading is a complicated form of barter, involving a chain of buyers and sellers in different markets. See: Offsets.
These are duties levied on an imported good to offset subsidies to producers or exporters of that good in the exporting country. GATT Article VI permits the use of such duties if material injury to the importing country's producers occurs.
An extra charge that a country places on imported goods to counter the subsidies or bounties granted to the exporters of the goods by their home governments. The duty is allowed by the Code on Subsidies and Countervailing Duties negotiated at the Tokyo Round, if the importing country can prove that the subsidy would cause injury to domestic industry. U.S. countervailing duties can only be imposed after the International Trade Commission has determined that the imports are causing or threatening to cause material injury to a U.S. industry
For export control purposes, the Bureau of Export Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department separates countries into seven country groups designated by the symbols: Q, S, T, V, W, Y, Z. Canada and Antartica are not included in any country group. Canada is referred to by name throughout the Export Administration Regulations. Antartica is controlled according to the country that occupies the area in Antartica where the items proposed for export or reexport will be used. See: Export Control Classification Number.
Country of destination for exports is the country where the goods are to be consumed, further processed, or manufactured, as known to the shipper at the time of exportation. If the shipper does not know the country of ultimate destination, the shipment is credited to the last country to which the shipper knows that the merchandise will be shipped in the same form as when exported
The U.S. Customs Service defines country of origin as the country where an article was wholly grown, manufactured or produced, or, if not wholly grown, cultivated or produced in one country, the last country in which the article underwent a substantial transformation. Duty rates vary according to the country of origin
The CIT has jurisdiction over any civil action against the United States arising from Federal laws governing import transactions. The court hears antidumping, product classification, and countervailing duty matters as well as appeals of unfair trade practice cases from the International Trade Commission. The court was originally established in 1890; principal offices are located in New York City, but the court is empowered to hear and determine cases arising at any port or place within the jurisdiction of the United States. The judges are appointed for life by the President, subject to Senate confirmation
A non propelled covered barge for the carriage of bulk cargoes
Closest point of approach
Credit, Creditor
A jack up offshore crane platform
A semi submersible offshore crane platform
A pontoon with a jib crane
A vessel equipped with a large crane for lifting operations
A naval auxiliary vessel constructed or adapted for crane operations, with limited cargo capability
The crawling peg is a procedure in which a currency exchange rate is altered frequently (multiple times a year), generally to adjust for rapid inflation. Between changes, the exchange rate for the currency remains fixed. See: Exchange Rate Classifications
A form of insurance which protects the seller against loss due to default on the part of the buyer.
The credit tranche policy is the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) basic policy on the use of its general resources. Credit is made available in four tranches, each equivalent to 25 percent of a member's quota. A first credit tranche purchase raises the IMF's holdings of the purchasing member's currency to no more than 25 percent of quota. Generally, a member may reuest use of the IMF's resources in the first credit tranche if it demonstrates that it is making reasonable efforts to overcome its balance of payments difficulties. Also, a member may request use of the first credit tranche as part of a stand-by arrangement. Subsequent purchases are made in the upper credit tranches. These resources are made available if a member adopts policies that provide appropriate grounds for expecting that the member's balance of payments difficulties will be resolved within a reasonable period. Use of these resources is almost always made under a stand-by or an extended arrangement. See: International Monetary Fund
A vessel equipped for the transportation of crew to ships and/or installations
A naval auxiliary vessel for transporting crew
A typically high speed vessel primarily for the transportation of crew to offshore facilities; may also have limited stores carriage capability on an open deck
A determination made by the Assistant Secretary for Import Administration (of the Commerce Department's International Trade Administration) as to whether there is a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that there is a history of dumping in the United States or elsewhere of the merchandise under consideration, or that the importer knew or should have known that the exporter was selling this merchandise at less than fair value, and there have been massive imports of this merchandise over a relatively short period. This determination is made if an allegation of critical circumstances is received from the petitioner. See: Tariff Act of 1930.
Transverse members fitted to the bottom side rails of a container, which support the floor.
Oil or condensates that have not undergone any refining processes.
A non propelled tank barge for the carriage of crude oil
A tanker built to comply with Annex 1 of Marpol 73/78 for the carriage of oil and conforming to the requirements for the carriage of crude oil.
A tanker for the bulk carriage of crude oil but also for carriage of refined oil products
A vessel used for leisure cruising on rivers/lakes/canals, not suitable for open sea voyages.
A combat vessel of medium tonnage with a long cruising radius and less armor and firepower than a battleship
Crates
An abbreviation for Cubic. A unit of volume measurement
When a container or vessel has reached its volumetric capacity before its permitted weight limit.
1,728 cubic inches. A volume contained in a space measuring one foot high, one foot wide and one foot long.
See: Balance of Payments.
The government office where duties and/or tolls are placed on imports or exports and are paid on vehicles or vessels entered or cleared.
A government office where duties are paid, import documents filed, etc., on foreign shipments.
A person or firm, licensed by the Treasury Department, engaged in entering and clearing goods through customs. The duties of a broker include preparing the entry blank and filing it; advising the importer on duties to be paid; advancing duties and other costs; and, arranging for delivery to his client, his trucking firm, or other carrier.
The CSS is a fee-based International Trade Administration service that provides firms with key marketing, pricing, and foreign representation information about their specific products. Overseas staff conduct on-site interviews to provide data in nine marketing areas about the product, such as sales potential in the market, comparable products, distribution channels, going price, competitive factors, and qualified purchasers. Additional information may be provided to clients at additional charge. This product was formerly known as the Comparison Shopping Service.
Government agency charged with enforcing the rules passed to protect the country's import and export revenues
A warehouse authorized by Customs to receive duty-free merchandise
A customs tariff nomenclature formerly used by many countries, including most European nations but not the United States. It has been superseded by the Harmonized System Nomenclature to which most major trading nations, including the U.S., adhere.
(French: Conseil de Cooperation Dounaiere, CCD) is an international organization consisting of representatives of about 150 countries. The Council serve as a technical body which studies and seeks to resolve the various countries' customs problems in an attempt to harmonize customs operations and promote trade. The Council was established in 1950; headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.
The CEEB provides information on rulings, quotas, currency conversion rates, customs valutation provisions, directives, and other customs news. The CEBB is available without charge, 7 days each week at 202-376-7100 (9600 baud) with PC communication switches set to no parity, 8 bit words and 1 stop bit. Voice information may be obtained by calling 202-376-7039.
All countries require that the importer make a declaration on incoming foreign goods. The importer then normally pays a duty on the imported merchandise. The importer's statement is compared against the carrier's vessel manifest to ensure that all foreign goods are properly declared.
See: Free Trade Zone.
This is an international effort to increase the uniformity of customs practices such as evaluation, nomenclature and enforcement among countries. The Customs Cooperation Council has been working on an internationally accepted harmonized commodity system since 1970.
This is the U.S. Customs Service appraisal value of merchandise. Methodologically, the Customs value is similar to f.a.s. (free alongside ship) value since it is based on the value of the product in the foreign country of origin, and excludes charges incurred in bringing the merchandise to the United States (import duties, ocean freight, insurance, and so forth); but it differs in that the U.S. Customs Service, not the importer or exporter, has the final authority to determine the value of the good.
A form requiring all data in a commercial invoice along with a certificate of value and/or a certificate of origin. Required in a few countries (usually former British territories) and usually serves as a seller's commercial invoice.
A schedule of charges assessed by the federal government on imported and/or exported goods.
A group of nations which have agreed to eliminate tariffs on goods traded among members while imposing common external tariffs on goods entering from outside the union. The European Common Market is the best known example.
Formally known as the Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade,'' this MTN agreement provides detailed rules for the determination of value for customs purposes. These rules are designed to provide a fair, uniform and neutral system of valuation based on transaction value and preclude the use of arbitrary or fictitious values.
A phrase often included in charter parties and freight contracts referring to local rules and practices which may impact upon the costs borne by the various parties.
The U.S. Customs Service defines a CHB, or Customs Broker, as any person who is licensed in accordance with Part III of Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Customs regulations) to transact Customs business on behalf of others. Customs business is limited to those activities involving transactions with Customs concerning the entry and admissibility of merchandise; its classification and valuation; the payment of duties, taxes, or other charges assessed or collected by Customs upon merchandise by reason of its importation, or the refund, rebate, or drawback thereof. (See 19 CFR 111.1(b) and (c).)
The latest time cargo may be delivered to a terminal for loading to a scheduled train or ship
A vessel equipped to obtain material from the sea bed by use of a cutter wheel, which loosens the material, and a suction pipe. The material may be carried on board, transferred to other vessels, pumped ashore or deposited elsewhere using a spray
Hundred weight
Hundred weight (United States, 100 pounds: U.K.,112)