Customs

    Common Terms in Customs

    Export

    Physically and legally transmitting goods from a the boundaries of a country or national territory.

    Import

    Physically and legally transmitting goods into the boundary of a country or national territory.

    Reexport 

    Exportation from a customs territory of goods previously imported into that territory

    Bonded Storage/Transport 

    A method of storing or transporting goods that have either already been exported from an national territory, or have yet to be imported. The warehouse or truck are "international grounds."

    Clearing 

    The act of lawfully importing goods through a recognised import authority.

    Agent 

    Any third party who works on behalf of a contracting party. Most common in customs clearance are "clearing agents" and "forwarding agents."

    Frustrated 

    Cargo that is held up and unable to be imported to a country or territory for whatever reason.

    Demurrage 

    Fees that accrue from cargo behind held pre-customs. Frustrated cargo can greatly increase demurrage fees.

    Boundary

    The physical edge when entering or leaving a country or national territory.

    Border 

    The actual physical crossing point of a boundary. 

    Port of Entry

    Port through which goods are imported.

    Import Fees/Duties/Tariffs 

    The legally required fees charged by governments to import goods. Each country has vastly different regulations. 

    Exemption

    When part or all of the import fees and / or process are exempted for specific goods or organizations, usually in response to extraordinary circumstances.