Import-Export Vocabulary

Here are twenty words and terms often used in import-export affairs.

1 bill of lading n. list of goods and shipping instructions; waybill
2 c.&f. abbr. cost & freight: includes shipping to named port but not insurance
3 c.i.f. abbr. cost, insurance & freight: includes insurance and shipping to named port
4 cargo n. goods or products that are being transported or shipped
5 certificate of origin n. a document that shows where goods come from
6 container n. huge box to hold goods for transport - container port n. to containerise v.
7 customs n. 1 government tax or duty on imported goods 2 the people who collect this tax
8 declare v. to make a statement of taxable goods - customs declaration form n.
9 f.a.s. abbr. free alongside ship [includes delivery to quayside but not loading]
10 f.o.b. abbr. free on board: includes loading onto ship
11 freight n. goods being transported; cargo
12 irrevocable adj. that cannot be undone; unalterable - irrevocable letter of credit n.
13 letter of credit n. a letter from a bank authorising a person to draw money from another bank
14 merchandise n. things bought and sold; commodities; wares - also v.
15 packing list n. a document that is sent with goods to show that they have been checked
16 pro forma invoice n. an invoice or request for payment sent in advance of goods supplied
17 quay n. a solid, artificial landing place for (un)loading ships; wharf - quayside n.
18 ship v. to send or transport by land, sea or air - also n. shipment n.
19 shipping agent n. a person acting for or representing a ship or ships at a port
20 waybill n. list of goods and shipping instructions; bill of lading - air waybill n.