Export-Import Dictionary: 40+ Essential Terms and Abbreviations

In the world of import-export, many technical terms are used in documents, shipping processes, and communication among logistics players. For those new to this field, these terms often feel confusing. However, if understood gradually, their meanings are quite simple and easy to remember.

To help facilitate understanding, here are 50 of the most frequently used import-export terms in international trade activities. 

Read also: Understanding Incoterms 2020: Important Rules in Export-Import

Basic Trade Documents

1. Commercial Invoice: A document containing details of item prices and total value. Usually comes as a package with Packing List and Bill of Lading.

2. Proforma Invoice: A temporary invoice sent before the official Commercial Invoice is issued.

3. Sales Contract: A sale and purchase agreement between exporter and importer. Contains agreements on price, quantity, goods quality, and shipping terms.

4. Packing List: A list of contents of goods packaging. Explains quantity, type of packaging, weight, dimensions, and goods details in the shipment.

5. Terms of Trade: Conditions for goods delivery in trade, such as FOB, CIF, and others.

6. Payment Terms: Agreement on payment methods, for example, bank transfer, TT, PayPal, or Letter of Credit.

Customs Licensing and Identity

7. Undername: A service for borrowing another company's license to facilitate the export-import process.

8. API (Importer Identification Number): The official identification number for importers. Consists of several types according to business needs.

9. SRP (Customs Registration Letter): Registration number from customs as the official importer identity.

10. DJBC: Directorate General of Customs and Excise, a government agency that handles customs.

11. NIK (Customs Identification Number): An identification number used in the customs system.

12. PNBP: Non-tax state revenue. 

Read also: Freight Forwarder Duties and Services: Complete Export-Import Guide

Parties in Shipping

13. Shipper: The sending party or exporter.

14. Consignee: The receiving party or importer.

15. Notify Party: The third party informed about the arrival of goods.

Logistics Companies and Services

16. EMKL: A company that handles sea freight.

17. EMKU: A company that handles air freight.

18. Forwarder Company: A company that arranges the goods shipping process, from documents, containers, to shipment.

Customs Documents and Processes

19. LHP: Report on the physical inspection of goods by officers.

20. Phytosanitary Certificate: A quarantine certificate stating that goods are pest-free and safe for shipment.

21. OB (Over Brengen): Forced transfer of imported goods due to delayed customs process.

Shipping Information

22. Vessel: The cargo ship. 

23. Voyage (Voy.): The ship's journey number.

24. Shipping Marks & Numbers: Marks or codes on goods packaging.

25. Description of Goods: Description of goods that must match the shipping documents.

26. Gross Weight (GW): Weight of goods including packaging.

27. Net Weight (NW): Net weight of goods without packaging.

28. Shipping Schedule
Departure schedule for ships or aircraft. 
 

Read also: What is HS Code: How to Find Out HS Code

Storage Facilities and Locations

29. Warehouse
A warehouse for storing goods.

30. UTPK
Container stacking area at the port.

31. Depo
A place for storing empty containers.

32. Delivery Order (DO)
A document for picking up containers or goods from a warehouse or port.

Loading and Unloading Process

33. Stuffing/Loading
The process of loading goods into a container (export).

34. Unstuffing/Unloading
The process of unloading goods from a container (import).

Types of Vessels

35. Feeder Vessel
A vessel that transports from the initial port to a transit port.

36. Mother Vessel
A large vessel that carries cargo from a transit port to the final destination.

Operational Time

37. Open Stack (O/S)
The time when containers are allowed to enter the port or warehouse.

38. Closing Time (C/T)
The last deadline for containers to enter.

39. Dwelling Time
The duration a container stays at the port.

Shipping Schedule

40. ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)
Estimated time of departure for a ship or aircraft.

41. ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
Estimated time of arrival for a ship or aircraft.

Shipping System

42. LCL (Less than Container Load)
Shipment of goods in one container that contains items from several senders.

43. FCL (Full Container Load)
Shipment of one full container for a single sender.

44. Consolidation
The process of combining several shipments into one container to reduce costs.

Weight and Volume Calculation

45. Volumetric
Weight calculation based on goods dimensions. Used if the goods are light but take up a lot of space.

Customs Inspection Lanes

46. SPJM
Red lane notification letter (strict inspection).

47. SPJK
Yellow lane notification letter (document inspection).

48. SPJH
Green lane notification letter (without inspection).

49. SSPCP
Proof of payment for import duties, excise, and taxes.

Special Shipping Terms

50. Part of Shipment
One container containing goods from several senders, but destined for a single receiver. 

These are 50 basic terms frequently encountered in the import-export process. Understanding these terms will help business actors communicate more clearly, avoid document errors, and streamline the shipping process.

In the next section, we will continue discussing other important import-export terms.

Source: https://misterexportir.com/100-istilah-dalam-export-import/