Ad Valorem Tariff: A tariff calculated “according to value,” or as a percentage of the value of goods cleared through Customs; for example, 15 percent ad valorem means 15 percent of the value of the entered merchandise.

Air Waybill: A Bill-of-lading that covers both domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination. It is a non-negotiable instrument of air transport that serves as a receipt for the shipper, indicating that the carrier has accepted the goods listed therein, and obligates the carrier to deliver the consignment to the destination airport as specified.

Anti-diversion Clause: This is a statement within the shipping documents to help ensure that U.S. exports go only to legally authorized destinations. The U.S. government generally requires a Destination Control Statement (DCS) on shipping documents. The DCS must be entered for items subject to the EAR regulations (items with potential military uses).

Antidumping Duty: A special duty imposed to offset the price effect of dumping that has been determined to be materially harmful to domestic producers. (See also dumping.)

APHIS Certificates: Before shipment, all agricultural products must be inspected by the US Department of Agriculture’s “Animal and Plant Inspection Service,” also known by the acronym APHIS. Fresh food, plants, and plant products (like lumber) must be checked for bug or bacterial infestation. And, if deemed safe, they are issued a “phytosanitary certificate.” Without these certificates, your goods may not be allowed into the destination country.

ATA Carnet: (see Carnet)

Bill of Lading: A contract between the owner of the goods and the shipping carrier. For vessels, there are two types: a straight bill of lading, which is not negotiable, and a negotiable, or shipper’s orders bill of lading. The latter can be bought, sold, or traded while the goods are in transit.

Bonded Goods: These are products stored in a secure warehouse. While there, the owners are not required to pay import duties, until the goods are sold. They may also be re-exported without paying duties.

Brokerage: Often refers to Customs House Broker, a third-party company that arranges for the customs clearance of inbound shipments.