International Atomic Energy Agency
International Air Transport Association
Invoice book. In bond
Institute Builders' Clauses
International Bank for Reconstruction and Developement
International Civil Aviation Organization
International Chamber of Commerce, Institute Cargo Clauses
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, International Chamber of Shipping
International Council of Scientific Unions
International Development Association
Institute Freight Clauses, International Finance Corporation
Institute Fishing Vessel Clauses
Indicated Horse-Power
International Longshoremen's Association
International Labor Organization
Institute of London Underwriters
Lloyd''s Machinery Certificate
International Maritime Consultative Organization. A forum in which most major maritime nations participate and through which recommendations for the carriage of dangerous goods, bulk commodities, and maritime regulations become internationally acceptable.
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. The regulations published by the IMO for transporting hazardous materials internationally.
International Maritime Industry Forum
Intrnational Maritime Organization
Investment Management Regulatory Organization
International Meat Trade Association
Institute Port Risks Clauses
Inland Revenue
Indian Register of Shipping
International Shipping Federation
International Standards Organization which deals in standards of all sorts, ranging from documentation to equipment packaging and labeling.
Abbreviation for Immediate Transport. The document (prepared by the carrier) allows shipment to proceed from the port of entry in the U.S. to Customs clearing at the destination. The shipment clears Customs at its final destination. Also called an In-Transit Entry.
Institute Time Clauses
International Telecommunications Union
Institute Voyage Clauses (Hulls)
Institute Warranty Limits
Institute Yacht Clauses
Abbreviation for Independent Action. The right of a conference member to publish a rate of tariff rule that departs from the Agreement's common rate or rule.
Instead of
In all case
Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commisoalition
International Association of Classification Societies
Inter-American Development Bank
International Atomic Energy Agency
International Atomic Em
Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation
International Association of Ports and Harbours
International Agricultural Research Centers
International Air Transport Association
International Accounting Unit
In Accordance With
International Banking Act
Intermediate bulk carrier
International Business Opportunities Service
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
International Coffee Organization, International Congress Office, Islamic Conference Organization
International Cocoa Agreement, International Coffee Agreement, International Commodity Agreement
International Confederation of Agricultural Credit
International Competitive Bidding
Abbreviation for (1) Interstate Commerce Commission, (2) International Chamber of Commerce.
A non-governmental organization serving as a policy advocate on world business.
Inland clearance depot
International Confederation of Free Trade Unions
International Cargo Handling Coordination Association
Indexed Currency Option Note
Investment Climate Statement
International Centre for the Settlement for Investment, Disputes
International Council of Scientific Unions
Intermodal Container Transfer Facility
An on-dock facility for moving containers from ship to rail or truck.
International Development Association
Inter-American Development Bank, International Data Base, Islamic Development Bank
International Date Line
International Depository Receipt
Stands for Immediate Exit. In the U.S., Customs IE Form is used when goods are brought into the U.S. and are to be immediately re-exported without being transported within the U.S.
International Electrotechnical Commission
International Emergency Economic Powers Act
Independent European Program Group
International Executive Service Corps
Industry Functional Advisory Committee
International Fund for Agricultural Development
International Finance Corporation
Intermediate fuel oil
International Frequency Registration Board
Industry Focused Seminar, In-Flight Survey
Industrialization Fund for Developing Countries
Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development
Interagency Group on Countertrade
Import general manifest
Inert Gas System
Indicated horse power
Inter-American Investment Corporation
International Intellectual Property Alliance
Instruments of International Traffic
International Labor Organization
International Labour Organisation Geneva
In lieu of hold cleaning
In lieu of weighing
International Maritime Organization
International Maritime Bureau
Intergovernmental Maritime Consultitive Organisation
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
International Monetary Fund
International Munitions List
International Maritime Organization: Formerly known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), was established in 1958 through the United Nations to coordinate international maritime safety and related practices.
A certificate issued by countries exercising import controls that permits importation of the articles stated in the license. The issuance of such a permit frequently is collected with the release of foreign exchange needed to pay for the shipment for which the import license has been requested.
CMS -Incident Management Team
Goods carried below or on deck
A customs program for inland ports that provides for cargo arriving at a seaport to be shipped under a customs bond to a more conveniently located inland port where the entry documents have been filed. Customs clears the shipment there and the cargo is trucked to its destination, which normally is close to the inland port.
Including
Including Overtime
A list of standard contract terms which specify the obligations for the delivery of goods in International Contracts particularly traded commodities. It is compiled and published the International Chamber of Commerce.
The recognized abbreviation for the International Chamber of Commerce Terms of Sale. These terms were last amended, effective July 1, 1990.
Indication
Indonesia
A system of preventing any explosion in the cargo tanks of a tanker by replacing the cargo, as it is pumped out, by an inert gas, often the exhaust of the ship's engine. Gas-freeing must be carried out subsequently if worker have to enter the empty tanks.
Liquids liable to spontaneous combustion which give off inflammable vapors at or below 80 degrees F. For example, ether, ethyl, benzine, gasoline, paints, enamels, carbon disulfide, etc.
A transportation company which hauls export or import traffic between ports and inland points
International Maritime Satellite Organization
If New York, not north of George Washington bridge
Initial Negotiating Right
Insurance
A large barge of about 600 feet and 22,000 tons cargo capacity, integrated from the rear on to the bow of a tug purposely constructed to push the barge.
Ownership of the legal rights to possess, use, or dispose of products created by human ingenuity, including patents, trademarks and copyrights.
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization
International Association of Dry Cargo shipowners
Agreement with a drayage company for use of railroad-controlled equipment
Move involving more than one rail carrier
The price published for an origin/destination pair that uses more than one carrier and results in one bill for the whole move; see through price.
Carriage of a commodity by different modes of transport, i.e. sea, road, rail and air within a single journey.
The concept of transportation as a door-to-door service rather than port-to-port. Thus efficiency is enhanced by having a single carrier coordinating the movement and documentation among different modes of transportation.
A certificate which gives details of a ship's freeboards and states that the ship has been surveyed and the appropriate load lines marked on her sides. This certificate is issued by a classification society or the Coast Guard.
An inter-governmental agency designed to pay compensation for oil pollution damage, exceeding the shipowner's liability. It was created by an IMO Convention in 1971 and started its operations in October 1978. Contributions come mainly from the oil companies of member states.
Consist of international straits, inland and interocean canals and rivers where they separate the territories of two or more nations. Provided no treaty is enforced both merchant ships and warships have the right of free and unrestricted navigation through these waterways.
The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners: An international organisation based in Oslo whose aim is to represent the views of its members at International Forums.
Domestic shipping routes along a single coast.
Industry-Organized, Government-Approved Mission
International Organization for Migration
International Oil Pollution Compensation
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
Indian Ocean Region
Including Overtime
Investment Promotion Services
Industry Policy Advisory Committee
Abbreviation for Inland Point Intermodal. Refers to inland points (non-ports) that can be served by carriers on a through bill of lading.
Intellectual Property Rights
Internal rate of return
Indian Register of Shipping
International Standards Organization
Industry Sub-Sector Analysis, International Sugar Agreement
Industry Sector Advisory Committee
International Swaps and Derivatives Association
Integrated Services Digital Network
International Shipping Federation
International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals. A comprehensive guide to the safe conduct of all tanker and terminal cargo related operations
Integrated Ship Inspection System (see CDI)
Investment Sector Loan Program
International Safety Management
International Safety Management Code
International Service for National Agricultural Research
International Organization for Standardization
A series of voluntary international quality standards.
International Standards Organization Information Network
International Ship and Port Facility Security
International Social Security Association
International Ship Security Certificate
International Tin Agreement, International Trade Administration
International Traffic in Arms Regulations
International Tonnage Certificate
International Trade Development Centers
International Transport Workers Federation (Trade Unions)
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation
Informal Tanker Operator's Safety Forum
International Telecommunication Union
If Used
If used actual time used to count
If Used, Actual Time Used To Count
If Used, Half Actual Time Used To Count
If Used, Half Time Actually used to Count
Rhine Barge Register: International Association for the representation of the mutual interests of the inland shipping and the insurance and for keeping the register of inland vessels in Europe.
International Whaling Commission
Institute Warranty Limits
An ice clause is a standard clause in the chartering of ocean vessels. It dictates the course a vessel master may take if the ship is prevented from entering the loading or discharge port because of ice, or if the vessel is threatened by ice while in the port. The clause establishes rights and obligations of both vessel owner and charterer if these events occur.
A vessel specifically constructed to clear a passage through ice for other vessels. Typically has a high power rating, strengthening and a specially designed bow
An icebreaker additionally fitted with laboratories for research
An entry that allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be exported from the same port without the payment of duty.
A customs form declaring goods for transportation by a bonded carrier from a port of entry to a bonded warehouse at an inland port, or another port of entry.
To receive goods from a foreign country.
A document required and issued by some national governments authorizing the importation of goods.
A means of restricting imports by the issuance of licenses to importers, assigning each a quota, after determination of the total amount of any commodity which is to be imported during a period. Import licenses may also specify the country from which the importer must purchase the goods.
The process of auctioning the right to import specified quantities of quota-restricted goods.
Import restriction, applied by a country with an adverse trade balance (or for other reasons), reflect a desire to control the volume of goods coming into the country from other countries may include the imposition of tariffs or import quotas, restrictions on the amount of foreign currency available to cover imports, a requirement for import deposits, the imposition of import surcharges, or the prohibition of various categories of imports.
A strategy which emphasizes the replacement of imports with domestically produced goods, rather than the production of goods for export, to encourage the development of domestic industry.
The U.S. Customs Service defines importer as a person primarily liable for the payment of duties on the merchandise, or an authorized agent acting on the importer's behalf. The importer may be: (a) a consignee, (b) the importer of record, or (c) the actual owner of hte merchandise if the actual owner has filed with Customs a declaration acknowledging ownership along with a superseding bond. (See 119 CFR 141.20.) See: Importer of Record.
The U.S. Customs Service defines the importer of record as the owner or purchaser of the goods; or, when designated by the owner, purchaser, or consignee, a licensed Customs broker.
Imports of merchandise include commodities of foreign origin as well as goods of domestic origin returned to the United States with no change in condition or after having been processed and/or assembled in other countries. For statistical purposes, imports are classified by type of transaction: - Merchandise entered for immediate consumption. (duty free merchandise and merchandise on which duty is paid on arrival); - Merchandise withdrawn for consumption from Customs bonded warehouses, and U.S. Foreign Trade Zones; - Merchandise entered into Customs bonded warehouses and U.S. Foreign Trade Zones from foreign countries
Imports for Consumption measure the total of merchandise that has physically cleared through U.S. Customs either entering consumption channels immediately or entering after withdrawal for consumption from bonded warehouses under Customs custody or from Foreign Trade Zones. Many countries use the term special imports to designate statistics compiled on this basis.
Cargo moving under Customs control where duty has not yet been paid
The transaction or interchange that occurs at the time a container is received by a rail terminal or water port from another carrier.
In transit, or in passage.
The In-Bond System, a part of Customs' Automated Commercial System, controls merchandise from the point of unloading at the port of entry or exportation. The system works with the input of departures (from the port of unlading), arrivals, and closures (accountability of arrivals).
The In-Flight Survey is administered to U.S. and foreign travelers departing the U.S. as a means of providing data on visitor characteristics, travel patterns and spending habits, and for supplying data on the U.S. international travel dollar accounts as well as to meet balance of payments estimation needs. The IFS covers about 70 percent of U.S. carriers and 35 percent of foreign carriers, who voluntarily choose to participate. Sample results are expanded to universe estimates to account for nonresponse of passengers on each sampled flight, for coverage of all flights on each major airline route, and for all international routes. The basis for the expansion is the number of passengers departing the United States, obtained from the Immigration and Naturalization Service
Allows foreign merchandise arriving at one port to be transported in bond to another port, where a superseding entry is filed.
Insurance
A lower-than-usual tariff rate assessed because a shipper offers a greater volume than specified in the tariff. The incentive rate is assessed for that portion exceeding the normal volume.
A vessel equipped for the (now illegal) incineration of waste material at sea
Maintained by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), this codification of terms is used in foreign trade contracts to define which parties incur the costs and at what specific point the costs are incurred.
An agreement to hold a carrier harmless with regard to a liability.
Setting rate within a conference tariff that is different from the rate(s) for the same items established by other conference members.
The IEPG is an intergovernmental organization that is not formally part of NATO but whose membership includes all the EC members of the alliance, plus Norway and Turkey. Established in 1976, IEPG's objectives are to promote European cooperation in research, development, and production of defense equipment; improve transatlantic armaments cooperation; and maintain a healthy European defense industrial base.
Any body of rate tariffs that are not part of an agreement or conference system.
An ICON is a debt repayment instrument whose value is partially determined by the exchange rate between two currencies. Interest payments, made in one currency, are lowered if the rate of exchange exceeds a pre-arranged rate.
An IVL is written approval by which the U.S. Department of Commerce grants permission, which is valid for 2 years, for the export of a specified quantity of products or technical data to a single recipient. IVLs also are required, under certain circumstances, as authorization for the reexport of U.S.-origin commodities to new destinations abroad
Placing a port on a vessel's itinerary because the volume of cargo offered at that port justifies the cost of routing the vessel.
See: International Industrial List.
The IFU invests in joint venture companies in the developing countries, together with Danish companies. It is a revolving Fund whose resourcs were made available by the Danish government. IFU takes part in joint ventures as a shareholder and can provide loans or guarantees for loans. The Fund was established by Denmark in 1967; headquarters are in Copenhagen. Since 1978, Fund operations have been funded solely from the return on investments in developing countries and from other financial assets, with no public financial subsidy
The Industry Consultations Program for Trade Policy Matters is an advisory committee structure created by the Trade Act of 1974; expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979; and amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The program is operated jointly by Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative. Members of the committees are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative. The present structure consists of 17 Industry Sector Advisory Committees (ISACs), 3 Industry Functional Advisory Committees (IFACs), a Committee of Chairs, and an Industry Policy Advisory Committee (IPAC). The focus of the 3 Functional Advisory Committees are: (1) Customs Matters, (2) Standards, and (3) Intellectual Property Rights. The focus of the 17 Industry Sector Advisory Committees are:1 Aerospace Equipment, 2 Capital Goods, 3 Chemicals and Allied Products, 4 Consumer Goods, 5 Electronics and Instrumentation, 6 Energy, 7 Ferrous Ores and Metals, 8 Footwear, Leather, and Leather Products, 9 Building Products and Other Materials, 10 Lumber and Wood Products, 11 Nonferrous Ores and Metals, 12 Paper and Paper Products, 13 Services, 14 Small and Minority Business, 15 Textiles and Apparel, 16 Transportation, Construction, and Agricultural Equipment, 17 Wholesaling and Retailing See: Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations
See: Industry Consultations Program.
See: Industry Consultations Program.
See: Industry Consultations Program.
As used by the International Trade Administration, an industry subsector analysis is overseas market research for a given industry subsector (such as cardiological equipment for the medical equipment industry) that presents basic information about a foreign market such as market size, the competitive environment, primary end users, best prospects products, and market access information.
The atmosphere introduced into the ullage space of a tank to reduce its oxygen content to 8% O2 or less in order to prevent ignition of the vapour or cargo. Inert gas on vessels is usually the cleaned products of combustion from a boiler or inert gas gen
A non propelled pontoon used for the purpose of generating Inert Gas
A combat vessel with a bow ramp for landing or loading infantry
The Commerce Department's International Trade Administration defines an infrequent exporter as a company that has some export experience -- usually averaging between 1 and 50 export shipments per year -- but which still needs assistance to increase the size of its export market or to expand into new ones.
An insurance term referring to any defect or other characteristics of a product which could result in damage to the product without external cause. Insurance policies may specifically exclude losses caused by inherent vice.
A right held by one GATT country to seek compensation for an impairment of a given bound tariff rate by another GATT country. INRs stem from past negotiating concessions and allow the INR holder to seek compensation for an impairment of tariff concessions regardless of its status as a supplier of the product in question.
In U.S. law, a finding by the International Trade Commission that imports are causing, or are likely to cause, harm to a U.S. industry. An injury determination is the basis for a Section 201 case. It is also a requirement in all antidumping and most countervailing duty cases, in conjunction with Commerce Department determinations on dumping and subsidization.
A bill of lading used in transporting goods overland to the exporter's international carrier. Although a through bill of lading can sometimes be used, it is usually necessary to prepare both an inland bill of lading and an ocean bill of lading for export shipments.
A transportation line that hauls export or import traffic between ports and inland points.
A certificate issued by an independent agent or firm attesting to the quality and/or quantity of the merchandise being shipped. Such a certificate is usually required in a letter of credit for commodity shipments.
Some purchasers and countries may require a certificate of inspection attesting to the specifications of the goods shipped, usually performed by a third party. Inspection certificates are often obtained from independent testing organizations.
Successive shipments are permitted under letters of credit. Usually they must take place within a given period of time.
Lift vans, cargo vans, shipping tanks, skids, pallets, caul boards, and cores for textile fabrics, arriving (whether loaded or empty) in use or to be used in the shipment of merchandise in international traffic are designated as instruments of international traffic (IIT) within the meaning of section 322(a0, Tariff Act of 1930, as amended. Upon Customs acceptance of a type 3 bond, covering these IIT types, such instruments may be released without entry or the payment of duty, subject to the provisions of 19 CFR 10.41a.
A container insulated on the walls, roof, floor, and doors, to reduce the effect of external temperatures on the cargo.
The frame of a container constructed to hold one or more thermally insulated tanks for liquids.
This type of clause covers merchandise if the damage amounts to three percent or more of the insured value of the package or cargo. If the vessel burns, sinks, collides, or sinks, all losses are fully covered. In marine insurance, the word average describes partial damage or partial loss.
This type of insurance offers the shipper the broadest coverage available, covering against all losses that may occur in transit.
In water transportation, the deliberate sacrifice of cargo to make the vessel safe for the remaining cargo. Those sharing in the spared cargo proportionately cover the loss.
A Marine insurance term to refer to partial loss on an individual shipment from one of the perils insured against, regardless of the balance of the cargo. Particularaverage insurance can usually be obtained, but the loss must be in excess of a certain percentage of the insured value of the shipment, usually three to five percent, before a claim will be allowed by the company.
Interest
Carriers that have both air and ground fleets; or other combinations, such as sea, rail, and truck. Since they usually handle thousands of small parcels an hour, they are less expensive and offer more diverse services than regular carriers.
TARIC is a publication which presents the regulations pertaining to import of products into the EC as well as for some exports. TARIC adopts the provisions of Community legislation, the harmonized system, and the combined nomenclature (CN).
IPR is a generic phrase encompassing intangible property rights, including, among others, patents, trade and service marks, copyrights, industrial designs, rights in semiconductor chip layout designs, and rights in trade secrets.
Internal arrangements
The IACAC administers a system for arbitrating and conciliating international commercial disputes throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Commission, associated with the Organization of American States, follows provisions of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. IACAC was originally established in 1934; headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
IADB, or IDB, (Spanish: Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, BID), is a regional financial institution which helps accelerate economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bank was established in 1959 (began operations in October 1960); headquarters are in Washington, D.C. The twenty-eight regional members include: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The IDB also includes 16 non-regional members: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. See: Caribbean Development Bank Inter-American Investment Corporation
The IIC is a multilateral investment corporation that promotes the economic development of the regional member countries by stimulating the establishment, expansion, and modernization of private enterprises, especially those of medium and small scale, in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IIC works directly with private enterprises in these countries and neither seeks nor requires government guarantees. The Corporation makes direct investments such as equity participation, loans and purhcases of debt instruments, as well as direct investment through other financial institutions. The Corporation also finances feasibility studies, underwrites securities, provides technical and managerial assistance, and helps entrepreneurs in mobilizing additional capital. The IIC is affiliated with the Inter-American Development Bank; it was established in 1986; headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
The IAIGC promotes Arab development by stimulating capital transfers among members, by providing investment risk coverage, and by supporting development studies. The Corporation was established in 1965; headquarters are in Kuwait; nearly all Arab countries are members.
The IGADD coordinates efforts in its members' region to build food security, stop desertification, and reclaim arid zones for food production. The Authority was formed in 1986; headquarters are based in Djibouti; members include: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, the Sudan, and Uganda. Financing stems primarily from Djibouti and Ethiopia.
The IGC, established in December 1988 under Executive Order 12661, reviews policy and negotiates agreements with other countries on countertrade and offsets. The IGC operates at the Assistant Secretary level, with the Department of Commerce as chair. Membership includes 11 other agencies: Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Justice, Labor, State, Treasury, the Agency for International Development, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Office of Management and Budget
IBOR is the rate of interest at which banks lend to other prime banks. Terms are established for the length of loan and individual foreign currencies. A number of financial centers offer an IBOR, including: Abu Dhabi (ADIBOR), Bahrain (BIBOR), Brussels (BRIBOR), Hong Kong (HKIBOR), London (LIBOR), Luxembourg (LUXIBOR), Madrid (MIBOR), Paris (PIBOR), Saudi Arabia (SAIBOR), Singapore (SIBOR), and Zurich (ZIBOR). See: London Interbank Offered Rate.
A location where one carrier delivers freight to another carrier.
Water service between two coasts; in the U.S., this usually refers to water service between the Atlantic and Pacific or Gulf Coasts.
See: Swaps.
Freight moving from origin to destination over the Freight lines of two or more transportation carriers.
An intermediate consignee is the bank, forwarding agent, or other intermediary (if any) that acts in a foreign country as an agent for the exporter, the purchaser, or the ultimate consignee, for the purpose of effecting delivery of the export to the ultimate consignee.
See: Export Credit Guarantee Programs.
A point located en route between two other points.
Used to denote movements of cargo containers interchangeably between transport modes, i.e., motor, water, and air carriers, and where the equipment is compatible within the multiple systems.
B/L covering cargo moving via multimodal means. Also known as Combined Transport B/L, or Multimodal B/L.
ICTF is a site where cargo is transferred from one form of transit to another, such as rail to ship.
NATO infrastructure projects are usually denominated in International Accounting Units. The IAU is a unit of measure based on the exchange rates of the 16 NATO member countries and is reevaluated every six months.
The IAF, created in January 1993, is a group of international accreditation bodies which has joined together to promotion international recognition of accreditation for quality systems (ISO 9000) registrars. Signatories include representatives of accrediting bodies in Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United States.
An international agreement is governed by international law; the term refers to a broad classification of legally binding arrangements between states. The arrangements include: treaties, conventions, protocols, annexes, accords, and memoranda of understanding. Other common titles include notes, pact, declaration, statute, constitution and process-verbal. The title is not a controlling factor in making distinctions among arrangements. Some titles are not used consistently; and titles are often used as synonyms, with subtlety in differentiation and resulting in an inability to apply certitude in definition. In this context, the following general characteristics apply: - Treaties are international agreements and are equivalent to conventions. The Vienna Convention on the Law on Treaties defines a treaty as an international agreement concluded between States in written form and governed by international law, whether embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments and whatever its particular designation. In its restricted sense in the United States, a treaty denotes an international agreement made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate in accordance with Article II, section 2 of the Constitution. During a year, the U.S. may be a signatory to approximately 400 international agreements; only about a dozen are treaties. Under U.S. law a treaty (or other international agreement, however designated) becomes the law of the land and is binding on federal, state and local government. This is not always the case in other nations which may require legislative action before a treaty takes the same effect as domestic law. The term plurilateral is sometimes used to differentiate between a treaty embracing a restricted number of states in contrast with multilateral as a reference to a treaty which is open to all nations. - Conventions are essentially the same as treaties. In the 1980s and beyond, the term convention has been used more in connection with multilateral, than bilateral, arrangements. Depending on the nature of the convention, the President may or may not consult the Senate. - Protocols may be any sort of international agreement. A protocol can stand alone or, more generally, it may be a supplementary agreement, or an amendment, of some sort. - Annexes are subsidiary agreements which are additional to a previously established arrangement. However, there is flexibility; the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) uses the term annex to indicate a free-standing agreement. - Accords are further from treaties than conventions. If there is any distinction to be made, an accord may suggest a non-binding agreement; there are exceptions. - Memoranda of Understanding are very detailed documents devised by Executive Branch agencies (such as aviation or major fishery agreements). An MOU may be less significant; it takes into account U.S. practice and the requirements of the other government. When a treaty or an executive agreement is first published by the United States, it is assigned a TIAS number and published in slip form in the Treaties and other International Acts Series. TIAS, published by the Department of State, is a series of individual pamphlets
See: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.
IATA, established in 1945, is a trade association serving airlines, passengers, shippers, travel agents, and governments. The association promotes safety, standardization in forms (baggage checks, tickets, weigh bills), and aids in establishing international airfares. IATA headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
The IACC, founded in 1978, is a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C. The IACC seeks to advance intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on a worldwide basis by promoting laws, regulations, and directives designed to render theft of IPR unattractive and unprofitable.
The IAEA, a specialized agency of the UN, is the primary international organization that enforces a system of safeguards to ensure that non-nuclear weapons states do not divert shipments of sensitive nuclear-related equipment from peaceful applications to the production of nuclear weapons. Before a supplier state of nuclear materials or equipment may approve an export to a non-nuclear weapons NPT (Nuclear non-Proliferation Treaty) signatory state, it must receive assurances that the recipient will place the material under IAEA safeguards. Subsequent to shipment, the recipient state must allow IAEA officials to verify the legitimate end use of the exported materials or equipment. IAEA, established in July 1957, gives advice and technical assistance to developing countries on nuclear power development, nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and related efforts. Safeguards are the technical means applied by the IAEA to verify that nuclear equipment or materials are used exclusively for peaceful purposes. IAEA headquarters are in Vienna, Austria
The International Atomic Energy List is one of three lists maintained by CoCom. The AEL, comprising strictly nuclear-related items that are also of commercial value, consists of: materials, facilities, nuclear-related equipment, and software. State, which has the lead in U.S. negotiations concerning the AEL, relies on DOE experts.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a part of the World Bank, was established in December 1945 to help countries reconstruct their economies after World War II. IBRD assists developing member countries by lending to government agencies and by guaranteeing private loans for such projects as agricultural modernization or infrastructural development. Bank headquarters are in Washington, D.C. See: World Bank
The IBA, passed in 1978, established a federal legislative framework for governing the activities of foreign banks, which previously had been governed only by state laws. The IBA established a policy of national treatment for U.S. offices of foreign banks by: (a) limiting any new multistate branching activities to activities more comparable to those of U.S. banks; (b) placing the foreign bank offices under the same reserve requirements that apply to U.S. banks; (c) limiting foreign bank involvement in U.S. securities; and (d) making federal deposit insurance available to U.S. offices of foreign banks if they chose to engage in retail banking. See: Foreign Bank Supervision Enhancement Act.
An IBF is one of four categories of foreign banking in the United States. An IBF may be a domestic bank or an office of a foreign bank. In either circumstance, the IBF maintains asset and liability ational Summary (MOS) listing all projects in the pipeline; (b) Technical Data Sheets (TDS), published for each approved loan, listing identifying information, procurement methods, cofinancing and similar data; (c) general procurement notices, issued for projects involving international competitive bidding; (d) specific procurement notices describing specific items to be procured and bidding requirements; and (e) major contract award notices identifying successful bidders for contracts which were recently awarded. See: International Competitive Bidding Limited International Bidding Local Competitive Bidding.
The ICHCA: (a) collects, edits, and disseminates technical information relating to cargo handling by all modes of transport; (b) maintains consultative status with the International Standards Organization for the development of standards relating to cargo handling equipment (such as hooks, containers, wire slings, spreaders, and pallets); (c) maintains a library for members' use; and (d) represents members' interests on an international basis. There is an ICHSA U.S. National Section. The ICHCA Secretariat General is in London, England.
ICSID, an affiliate of the World Bank, is a public international organization which provides facilities for the conciliation and arbitration of investment disputes between Contracting States and nationals of other Contracting States. The Centre's objective is to promote an atmosphere of mutual confidence between States and foreign investors conducive to increasing the flow of private international investment. The Centre does not itself engage in conciliation or arbitration but assists in the initiation and conduct of conciliation and arbitration proceedings. Recourse to conciliation and arbitration under the ICSID Convention is entirely voluntary. However, once the parties have consented, they are bound to carry out their undertakings and, the case of arbitration, to abide by the award. All Contracting States, whether or not parties to the dispute, are required to recognize awards rendered pursuant to the Convention as binding and to enforce the pecuniary obligations imposed thereby. The Centre also conducts and publishes research in foreign investment law. ICSID was created under a treaty, the Convenion on the Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States (the ICSID Convention) which entered into force in October 1966. The Centre's headquarters are in Washington, D.C. See: World Bank
ICC was created in 1919 to promote free trade, private enterprise, and represent business interests at national and international levels. Members include national councils from sixty countries. ICC headquarters are in Paris, France.
The ICAO is an United Nations specialized agency which promotes international cooperation in civil aviation. The ICAO Council adopts standards and recommended practices concerning air nagivation, prevention of unlawful interference, and facilitation of border-crossing procedures for international civil aviation. Operating since 1947, ICAO includes almost all U.N. members. Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.
An agreement signed by 67 countries, representing all of the world's major exporters and importers of coffee. The International Coffee Organization, ICO, acted as a forum for market participants since the early 1960s, but has not regulated markets since July 1989, when consuming and exporting country members were unable to agree on export quotas. Since suspending export quotas, the ICO has been acting mainly as a center for meetings and as a collector of statistics on the coffee market. The forum scheduled a September 1994 decision on future directions for the ICO. The Association of Coffee Producing Countries, a new pact comprising 28 members which account for 85 percent of world coffee exports, has been seeking to strengthen world prices through an export-retention plan
See: International Coffee Agreement.
An ICA is an international understanding, usually reflected in a legal instrument, relating to trade in a particular basic commodity, and based on terms negotiated and accepted by most of the countries that export and import commercially significant quantities of the commodity. Some commodity agreements (such as exists for coffee, cocoa, natural rubber, sugar, and tin) center on economic provisions intended to defend a price range for the commodity through the use of buffer stocks or export quotas or both. Other commodity agreements (such as existing agreements for jute and jute products, olive oil, and wheat) promote cooperation among producers and consumers through improved consultation, exchange of information, research and development, and export promotion
ICB is one of several forms of procurement made with World Bank financing. While the World Bank provides financing from its loans for the contracts and ensures that agreed procurement procedures are observed, the borrower, not the World Bank, is always responsible for procurement. ICB requires that: (a) all goods or works to be procured through ICB be internationally advertised through the United Nations (in the publication: Development Business) and at least one major local newspaper; (b) bids be entertained in the bidder's or other currencies in which expenses would normally be occurred on in an international currency specified by the borrower; (c) payments be made in the currencies in the bids, without requirement to accept any portion of payment in countertrade; (d) documents be in an international language (English, French, or Spanish); (e) bids be openly reviewed; and (f) contracts be awarded to the lowest evaluated responsive bid. ICB permits a margin of preference to be given to domestic goods and, under certain conditions, to domestic contracting services in developing countries. See: International Business Opportunities Service Limited International Bidding Local Competitive Bidding
See: Confederation Internationale du Credit Agricole.
ICFTU was established in 1949 to promote the trade union movement by recognizing workers' organizations and through other means of support for the rights of workers to bargain. Members include more than 140 national organizations from nearly 100 countries. ICFTU organizes and educates free trade unions in the developing world primarly through its three regional organizations: APRO for Asia and the Pacific located in New Delhi, India; AFRO in Afria, and ORIT in Latin America, located in Mexico City. ICFTU headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.
The ICO is a U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration office that persuades international associations to select the U.S. as venues for their meetings. The ICO operates out of the American Embassy in Paris.
This Convention, developed by the Customs Cooperation Council, seeks to foster international trade and cooperation by simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures and operations. (The term customs procedure is not used in the narrow sense of the treatment assigned to imported goods; it covers all provisions relating to a particular sphere of customs activity.) The Convention (also known as the Kyoto Convention) was adopted in May 1973 in Kyoto, Japan as a core legal instrument with three original annexes on customs procedures. Nearly thirty additional annexes (each covering a different area of customs procedures and operations) have since been created. To ensure worldwide harmonization, the convention is also open to non-members of the CCC which are state members of the United Nations or its specialized agencies. A country is only required to accept the convention itself and at least one of the annexes to become a contracting party. (When the U.S. became party to the Covnention, effective January, 1984, it accepted twenty of the annexes and entered certain reservations with respect to some of their provisions.) The annexes contain definitions, standards, and recommended practices; and countries can reserve against any standard or recommended practice in a particular annex. There is also a provision obligating countries to review their national legislation every three years to determine if reservations can be removed. See: Customs Cooperation Council
The International Research Council (a predecessor organization to ICSU) was created in 1919 to coordinate international activity in the different branches of science and their applications. ICSU, founded in 1931, is a non-governmental organization with two categories of members: (a) national, multidisciplinary scientific academies or research councils which promote cooperation and research and (b) international organizations which promote cooperation in a single field of science (scientific unions). A small headquarters office is in Paris, France. The Council seeks to break the barriers of specialization through international interdisciplinary programs and research bodies
The ICJ, established in 1945, is the principal judicial organ of the UN. The ICJ decides cases submitted to it by states and gives advisory opinions on legal questions submitted to it by the General Assembly or Security Council or by UN specialized agencies. The court is composed of 15 judges elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council from a list of persons nominated by the national groups in the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The seat of the Court is in The Hague, Netherlands
The IDB, which is maintained by the Center for International Research, is an automated data bank containing statistical tables of demographic, economic, and social data for all countries of the world. Data categories include: population; vital statistics; health and nutrition; fertility, migration; foreign-born and refugee statistics; provinces and cities; marital status; family planning; ethnic, religious and language groups; literacy and education; labor force, employment, income and gross national product; and household size and housing indicators. IDB data users include the U.S. government, private firms, research institutions, and international organizations. See: Center for International Research
An IDR is a negotiable bank-issued certificate representing ownership of stock securities by an investor outside the country of origin. The securities backing the receipt remain in the custody of the issuing bank or a correspondent.
The International Electrotechnical Commission was established in 1906 to deal with questions related to international standardization in the electrical and electronic engineering fields. The members of the IEC are the national committees, one for each country, which are required to be as representative as possible of all electrical interests in the country concerned: manufacturers, users, governmental authorities, teaching, and professional bodies. They are composed of representatives of the various organizations which deal with questions of electrical standardization at the national level. Most of them are recognized and supported by their governments.
The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) was enacted in 1977 to extend emergency powers previously granted to the President by the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917 (which still authorized the President to exercise extraordinary powers when the United States is at war). IEEPA enables the President, after declaring that a national emergency exists because of a threat from a source outside the United States, to investigate, regulate, compel or prohibit virtually any economic transaction involving property in which a foreign country or national has an interest
The IEA was founded in 1974 as a forum for energy cooperation among 21 member nations. The IEA helped participating countries prepare to reduce the economic risks of oil supply disruptions and to reduce dependence on oil through coordinated and cooperative research efforts.
The IESC is a non-profit, Agency for International Development-funded organization which recruits retired U.S. executives and technical advisers to counsel businesses in developing nations on a volunteer basis. IESC's program includes short-term technical and managerial assistance and long-range trade and investment services. IESC was founded in 1964; headquarters is in Stamford, Connecticut.
The IEB governs the frequency of international exhibitions and oversees the guarantees and facilties which the host nation is required to offer. By agreement, member states may mount international exhibitions only after the events have been registered with IEB. Member states are also precluded from participating in exhibitions in non-member states in the absence of agreement by the Bureau. IEB, originally created in in 1928, was revised in 1972; headquarters are in Paris, France.
The IFC was established in 1956 as a member of the World Bank Group. The IFC promotes private sector investment in developing countries. The IFC charges market rates and seeks profitable returns. See: Africa Enterprise Fund Africa Project Development Facility African Management Services Company Caribbean/Central America Business Advisory Service World Bank.
The IFRB (French: Comite International d'Enregistrement des Frequences) is an organizational entity under the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Located in Geneva, IFRB is composed of five full-time elected officials with a rotating chairmanship. IFRB maintains the International Frequency Register, monitors and analyzes all ITU records of frequency use around the world, and makes determinations as to whether or not certain systems are in compliance with the Radio Regulations.
IFAD, created in 1976 (began operations in December 1977), provides financial support for programs which improve agricultural policies and increase food production among members. The Fund also seeks to improve nutrition in developing countries. IFAF membership includes over 140 nations; headquarters are in Rome, Italy.
The CoCom industrial list contains dual-use items whose export are controlled for strategic reasons
UNIDROIT studies methods for coordinate and unify the private and trade laws of member countries. The Institute (originally established in 1926 at the initiative of Italy and associated with the League of Nations) is independent, with headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The IIPA represents U.S. copyright-based industries in bilateral and multilateral efforts to improve international protection of copyrighted works. IIPA is composed of trade associations each representing a significant segment of the U.S. copyright community. IIPA was formed in 1984; headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
See: Foreign Direct Investment in the United States Portfolio Investment.
The ILO, set up in 1919, became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. The ILO seeks to promote improved working and living conditions by establishing standards that reduce social injustice in areas such as employment, pay, health, working conditions, and freedom of association among workers. Headquarers are in Geneva, Switzerland.
The IMO was established as a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1948. The IMO facilitates cooperation on technical matters affecting merchant shipping and traffic, including improved maritime safety and prevention of marine pollution. Headquartrers are in London, England.
INMARSAT is an international partnership of signatories from 67 nations. The partnership provides mobile satellite capacity to its signatories, who, in turn, use the capacity to provide worldwide mobile satellite services to their maritime, aeronautical and land-mobile customers -- including shipping, cruise, fishing, research and offshore exploration industries, and airlines. INMARSAT began service in 1976. COMSAT is the U.S. signatory to INMARSAT.
International Market Insight, IMI, reports are prepared by staff at American embassies and consulates. An IMI covers developments in a single country that are of interest to traders and investors. Topics may include: new laws, policies and procedures, new trade regulations, and marketplace changes.
See: Industry Subsector Analysis.
The IMF, established in December 1945, promotes international monetary harmony, monitors the exchange rate and monetary policies of member nations, and provides credit for member countries which experience temporary balance of payments deficits. Each member has a quota, expressed in Special Drawing Rights, which reflects both the relative size of the member's economy and that member's voting power in the Fund. Quotas also determine members' access to the financial resources of, and their shares in the allocation of Special Drawing Rights by, the Fund. The IMF, funded through members' quotas, may supplement resources through borrowing. IMF membership is approximately 175 countries. See: Compensatory and Contingency Financing Facility Credit Tranches Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility Extended Fund Facility General Arrangements to Borrow Reserve Tranche Special Drawing Rights Stand-By Arrangements
The International Munitions List, IML, is one of three lists controlled by the 17-member Coordinating Committee on Multilateral Export Controls (CoCom). The IML contains 23 categories and is similar in coverage, but less restrictive, than the U.S. Munitions List (USML).
The IOM assists countries in meeting individual needs arising from immigration and emigration. The Organization was established in 1951; headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
The International POW WOW promotes foreign tourism to the United States. It is an annual trade fair, sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America, which brings together over 1,200 international buyers (tour operators and wholesalers) from 55 countries. The buyers are chosen through international selection criteria and purchase packages which they sell to their respective travel retailers.
CCIR (French: Comite International des Radiocommunications) studies and issues recommendations on technical and operating questions connected with radiocommunications. CCIR, a subsidiary organization of the International Telecommunications Union, is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Department of State is the U.S. member. See: International Telecommunications Union
See: Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.
The ISSA, established in 1927, is comprised of organizations responsible for the administration of social security. ISSA aims to protect and develop social security throughout the world. The Assocation works closely with the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ISSA secretariat is locaated in the ILO building in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ISO, established in 1947, is a worldwide federation of national bodies, representing approximately 90 member countries. The scope of the International Standards Organization covers standardization in all fields except electrical and electronic engineering standards, which are the responsibility of the IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission. Together, the ISO and IEC form the specialized system for worldwide standardization -- the world's largest nongovernmental system for voluntary industrial and technical collaboration at the international level. The result of ISO technical work is published in the form of International Standards. There are, for example, ISO standards for the quality grading of steel; for testing the strength of woven textiles; for storage of citrus fruits; for magnetic codes on credit cards; for automobile safety belts; and for ensuring the quality and performance of such diverse products as surgical implants, ski bindings, wire ropes, and photographic lenses. See: International Accreditation Forum
ISO 9000 is the general name for the quality standard accepted throughout the European Economic Community. It was initially adopted in 1987. ISO is a series of documents on quality assurance published by the Geneva-based International Standards Organization. The five documents outline standards for developing Total Quality Management and a Quality Improvement Process. 9000 consists of guidelines for the selection and use of the quality systems contained in 9001-9003. 9001 outlines a model for quality assurance in design, development, production, installation, and servicing. 9002 outlines a model for quality assurance in production and installation. 9003 outlines model for quality assurance for final inspection and testing. 9004 is not a standard but contains guidelines for quality management and quality system elements
ISONET is an agreement between standardizing bodies to make information on standards, technical regulations, and related matters readily available. ISONET links the information centers of national standards bodies with each other and with the ISO Information Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. National members of ISONET are responsible for serving as the international reference point for information about the standards, technical regulations and certification systems which operate in the individual member's country and for providing their own nationals with information on national, foreign, regional and international technical rules.
ISDA promotes orderly practices in the swap market, conducts research on the volume and quality of transactions, and public understanding. The Association, established in 1985, is a not-for-profit corporation, with headquarters in New York City; members include over 140 institutions worldwide representing dealers in swaps, corporations, software firms, and law firms. ISDA, formerly known as the International Swap Dealers Association, changed its name in August 1993. See: Derivatives.
The ITU (French: Union Internationale des Telecommunications, UIT) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with responsibilities for developing operational procedures and technical standards for the use of the radio frequency spectrum, the satellite orbit, and for the international public telephone and telegraph network. ITU develops telecommunications standards in the form of recommendations covering all technical aspects of systems and equipment including interfaces, methods of operation and principles governing the fixing of tariffs and rates to be charged. There are over 160 member nations of the ITU. The Radio Regulations that results from ITU conferences have treaty status and provide the principal guidelines for world telecommunications. In the case of the U.S., they are the framework for development of the U.S. national frequency allocations and regulations. The ITU has four permanent organs: the General Secretariat, the International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB), the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR), and the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT). The Union is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Department of State is the U.S. member. See: International Frequency Registration Board International Radio Consultative Committee International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee
INTELSAT, created in 1964 under a multilateral agreement, is a nonprofit cooperative of about 120 countries that jointly own and operate a global communications satellite system serving the world. The system is used primarily for international communications, and by many countries for domestic communications. In 1991, the INTELSAT system comprised a network of 16 satellites in geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Ocean regions, with service to about 1,500 international and domestic earth station antennas. COMSAT is the United Statess representative to and participant in Intelsat
These are transborder services provided via cable, radio, or satellite. These service offerings have traditionally been international message telephone service (IMTS), telex, and telegraph, but during the 1980's have grown to include private leased lines, overseas value-added services, and international 800 services.
CCITT (French: Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique) studies and issues recommendations on standards and specifications on techincal, operating, and tariff questions connected with telephony, data transmission, and telegraphy. CCITT, a subsidiary organization of the International Telecommunications Union, is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Department of State is the U.S. member. See: International Telecommunication Union.
An independent U.S. Government agency concerned with imports, import duties, and the effect of imports on U.S. industry. The Commission has six commissioners who review and make recommendations concerning countervailing duty and antidumping petitions submitted by U.S. industries seeking relief from imports that benefit unfair trade practices. Known as the U.S. Tariff Commission before its mandate was broadened by the Trade Act of 1974.
ITDCs provide programs and services to farmers and agribusinesses to enhance exports of agricultural and forestry commodities and related products. Activities include developing and promoting programs unique to a region's products, conducting research, providing market information, and offering conferences and seminars for exports. Grants for the ITDCs are administered by the Agriculture Department's Cooperative State Research Service.
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations, ITAR, are administered by the State Department to control the export of U.S. defense articles and services. The provisions implemented in the ITAR are governed by the Arms Export Control Act. Direct commercial sales of U.S.-origin defense products, components, technologies, and services are controlled under the ITAR by the State's Office of Defense Trade Controls. See: Defense Trade Regulations.
IVANS include advanced telecommunications services, such as voice mail and electronic banking. IVANS agreements play a growing role in maintaining the competitiveness of American firms and provide benefits for consumers worldwide.
Investment climate statements, ICSs, are prepared occasionally by the commercial sections of the U.S. embassies for the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, covering 67 individual countries. The ICSs provide statistics and analysis of policies and issues effecting the climate for direct investment in the individual country.
See: United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
The ISLP, administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as part of the Enterprise for the Americas initiative, supports investment sector reforms in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB evalutes the need for reform in individual countries and, with input from several U.S. government agencies, negotiates the terms for investment sector loans. See: Enterprise for the Americas Initiative.
This refers to areas of non-merchandise invisible trade that include expenses such as freight and insurance and most types of services and investment.
An itemized list of goods shipped to a buyer, stating quantities, prices, shipping charges, etc.
A complete listing of all cargo entering the country of discharge. Required at all world ports and is the primary source of cargo control, against which duty is assessed by the receiving country.
An instrument that, once established, cannot be modified or cancelled without the agreement of all parties concerned.
Letter of credit in which the specified payment is guaranteed by the bank if all terms and conditions are met by the drawee and which cannot be revoked without joint agreement of both the buyer and the seller.
See: Organization of the Islamic Conference.
The IsDB (sometimes IDB) finances economic aid and social development in member countries. The Bank also supports Muslim communities in non-member countries. Membership is open to all countries which are members of the Islamic Conference. Members include: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina, the Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The Bank was created in 1973 (began operations in October 1975); headquarters are in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Bank that opens a straight or negotiable letter of credit and assumes the obligation to pay the bank or beneficiary if the documents presented are in accordance with the terms of the letter of credit.
The carrier issuing transportation documents or publishing a tariff.
ICE (English: Institute of Foreign Trade) is an Italian agency which promotes exports through a network of domestic and foreign offices. Although ICE obtains overall policy directiel Commercio con l'Estero), it functions as an autonomous public corporation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministero degseas embassies and consulates, though ICE's overseas officers are independent of these organizations.