Terms and Abbreviations
Learn about the 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. |