Authorised Economic Operator: a status granted to traders and logistics providers meeting customs compliance and security standards, giving faster clearance and fewer inspections.

Example AEO-certified forwarders get priority processing.

See also Compliance, Customs Broker

The import declaration filed with customs to clear goods, listing value, classification and origin.

Example Filed electronically before the vessel arrives.

See also Shipping Bill, Assessment

A facility where imported goods are stored with duty suspended until they are cleared for home use or re-exported.

Example Stock held in bond and cleared in batches as it is sold.

See also Duty Deferment, ICD

A refund of import duty paid on inputs that are subsequently exported, either as they are or after processing.

Example Duty refunded on imported components exported as finished goods.

See also Duty, Export Incentive

The Harmonized System code that classifies a product for customs. The first six digits are international; countries extend them further. Classification drives the duty rate and any restrictions.

Example 8471.30 for portable computers.

See also Tariff, Duty, Classification

The export declaration filed with customs, without which goods cannot legally leave the country.

Example Filed against the invoice and packing list before stuffing.

See also Bill of Entry, Export Clearance