Terms and Abbreviations

General Terms & Abbreviations

| Term | Definition | | ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ABI | Automated Broker Interface - An electronic data interchange system used to transmit data to CBP | | ACE | Automated Commercial Environment - CBP's system for facilitating trade. Includes a "portal" that the trade community can access to view and manage their accounts and data | | AES | Automated Export System - Electronic filing system for U.S. exports | | B/L (or BoL) | Bill of Lading - Document that serves as the contract of carriage of freight, the carrier's receipt, and proof of ownership of the goods | | CBP | Customs & Border Protection - a.k.a. U.S. Customs | | CEE | Centers of Excellence - Specialized operational units established by CBP to enhance trade processing and compliance across specific industry sectors | | CROSS | Customs Ruling Online Search System - A searchable online database that contains binding customs rulings | | Customs Bond | A financial guarantee to Customs to ensure all duties, taxes and fees are paid | | Customs Ruling | A binding administrative decision issued by CBP that provides certainty to importers & exporters on key customs information and procedures, including duty drawback | | Customs Surety | Specialized insurance firm licensed to issue customs bonds | | Duties | Taxes imposed on imported goods, also known as tariffs | | Duty Drawback | Export promotion trade program that permits an exporter to obtain duty refunds on previous imports | | EEI | Electronic Export Information - Electronic declaration of exporter merchandise | | Excise Taxes | Specialized taxers imposed on specific goods, including alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and luxury goods | | HMF | Harbor Maintenance Fee - An administrative fee imposed by CBP on imported ocean cargo | | HTS | Harmonized Tariff Schedule - Customs system for assigning numeric classification identifiers to goods | | IoR | Importer of Record - Legal entity or individual responsible for ensuring that imported goods comply with customs laws and regulations | | IoR Number | A unique identifier assigned by CBP to entities or individuals responsible for importing goods | | MPF | Merchandise Processing Fee - A general administrative fee imposed by CBP on imported goods, regardless of mode of transportation | | Section 301 Duties | Additional duties imposed on specific goods originating in China. Eligible for duty drawback |

Duty Drawback-Specific Terms & Abbreviations

| Term | Definition | | -------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Claimant | The person or company making the drawback claim | | Notice of Intent (NOI) | Prior notice given to CBP of the intent to export, destroy or return goods that will be used in a drawback claim. Filed on CBP Form 7553. | | Accelerated Payment (AP) | CBP-issued approval for claimants to receive expedited refunds | | Waiver of Prior Notice (WPN) | CBP-issued approval that allows claimants to export or destroy goods without providing prior notice to CBP. Can be issued retroactively and proactively. | | One Time Waiver (OTW) | CBP-issued approval to waive the requirement to file Notice of Intent. Approval will only be granted one time. | | Letter of Notification of Intent | A letter notifying CBP of the intent to file drawback using an existing, approved general manufacturing ruling. |