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Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category

Miscellaneous

Import Export Forum

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Informed Trade International has made their import/export trade forum available to the public!

Ask a Question

If you have a question related to importing, exporting, or international trade, please feel free to post it in our online import forum or search through the database of import questions.

Mission Statement

Informed Trade International is an import/export compliance community devoted to US Customs import and export practices. Our goal is to facilitate international trade with the United States by assisting individuals in their efforts to manage the trade process.

Membership

Informed Trade International is one of the largest import export communities on the internet. We have a rapidly expanding member base, and provide our services at no charge in order to promote its growth and work toward the goal of informed trade.

Our membership includes licensed US Customs brokers, experienced freight forwarders, and professional importers. Please post your questions and comments to our community and let one of our members assist you today.

Import, Miscellaneous

How to Import – Internet Purchases, Quota

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Many kinds of goods imported for commercial use may be subject to a quota limit. It is the classification number of the article as identified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and the country of origin that determine whether or not an item is subject to quota requirements. In some cases, the quota is absolute, meaning that once the quota is filled – because the quota has reached its limit for that particular period of time – no additional quantities of that item may be imported until the next open period. Such merchandise must be warehoused or exported. Other quotas are tariff-related, which means that a certain quantity of goods may enter at a low rate of duty, but once that threshold is reached – during a specified period of time – a higher duty rate will be assessed for any additional quantities of that particular imported good. Unlimited quantities of some merchandise subject to tariff-rate quota may, however, enter at over the quota rates.

If you are importing goods for commercial use or resale, it’s a good idea to contact your local port of entry for more specific information.

The Quota program is generally applied only to commercial importations. While the importation of many goods imported under “personal use” quantities are not affected by quota restrictions, there is one exception; made-to-measure suits made in Hong Kong, which are restricted for both personal and commercial use.

Miscellaneous

Where are you from?

Monday, November 12th, 2007

This website gets visitors from all over the world! Presumably, they’re all interested in international trade, import/export, or government compliance, but we don’t know for sure. If you’re visiting us for the first time, or if you’re a regular, please take a moment to share your experiences about your country, importing, exporting and trading in general. We’d love to hear from you!

This month we’ve had visits from Germany, Canada, The United States, France, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Brazil, Colombia, The United Kingdom, Great Britain, Australia, Austria, Thailand, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Mongolia, New Zealand, and Venezuala to name just a few!

DE, CA, US, FR, BE, SE, PL, ES, BR, CO, UK, GB, AU, AT, TH, HU, IT, NL, MN, NZ, VE

Miscellaneous

Online Contracts and Digital Signatures

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Question

Is there a good way to reduce the amount of paperwork involved in online contracts? My agreements are generally very simple and go out to overseas suppliers and vendors. Setting up a new vendor can cost us close to a hundred dollars in courier fees to get the dcouments signed.

Answer

My suggestion is to use an online service where you can create your contract and collect a digital signature. Digital signatures can be as legally enforceable as pen and ink signauters and they greatly reduce the amount of time and resources required for physical documents.

There are several pay services available if you require a high level of detail in your document’s language, but most of our transactions are less than paragraph in length. We use the free service at signatureconfirm.com to create a semi-formal record with our vendors that detail things like order quantities, shipping methods, and terms of sale.

Please note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not specific legal advice. As an importer, it is your responsibility to meet all the legal requirements for importing goods.

Miscellaneous

NAICS Definitions – 42 Wholesalers Trade

Monday, November 12th, 2007

The Wholesalers Trade sector comprises establishments engaged in wholesaling merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise.

The wholesaling process is an intermediate step in the distribution of merchandise. Wholesalers are organized to sell or arrange the purchase or sale of (a) goods for resale (i.e., goods sold to other wholesalers or retailers), (b) capital or durable nonconsumer goods, and (c) raw and intermediate materials and supplies used in production.

Wholesalers sell merchandise to other businesses and normally operate from a warehouse or office. These warehouses and offices are characterized by having little or no display of merchandise. In addition, neither the design nor the location of the premises is intended to solicit walk-in traffic. Wholesalers do not normally use advertising directed to the general public. Customers are generally reached initially via telephone, in-person marketing, or by specialized advertising that may include Internet and other electronic means. Follow-up orders are either vendor-initiated or client-initiated, generally based on previous sales, and typically exhibit strong ties between sellers and buyers. In fact, transactions are often conducted between wholesalers and clients that have long-standing business relationships.

This sector comprises two main types of wholesalers: those that sell goods on their own account and those that arrange sales and purchases for others for a commission or fee.

(1) Establishments that sell goods on their own account are known as wholesalers, merchants, distributors, jobbers, drop shippers, import/export merchants, and sales branches. These establishments typically maintain their own warehouse, where they receive and handle goods for their customers. Goods are generally sold without transformation, but may include integral functions, such as sorting, packaging, labeling, and other marketing services.

(2) Establishments arranging for the purchase or sale of goods owned by others or purchasing goods on a commission basis are known as agents and brokers, commission merchants, import/export agents and brokers, auction companies, and manufacturers’ representatives. These establishments operate from offices and generally do not own or handle the goods they sell.

Some wholesalers establishments may be connected with a single manufacturer and promote and sell the particular manufacturers’ products to a wide range of other wholesalers or retailers. Other wholesalers may be connected to a retail chain or a limited number of retail chains and only provide a variety of products needed by that particular retail operation(s). These wholesalers may obtain the products from a wide range of manufacturers. Still other wholesalers may not take title to the goods, but act as agents and brokers for a commission.

Although, in general, wholesaling normally denotes sales in large volumes, durable nonconsumer goods may be sold in single units. Sales of capital or durable nonconsumer goods used in the production of goods and services, such as farm machinery, medium and heavy duty trucks, and industrial machinery, are always included in wholesale trade.

Miscellaneous

Quota Restrictions

Monday, November 12th, 2007

Quota book transmittals provide up to date information on restricted products, and those recently added to the quota system. Below is a list of quota transmittals issued by US Customs.

Quota Notices

ABI Programming for Morocco FTA
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Sock Safeguard Staging
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Staging for Quotas filled in 2005
Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

China 2006 Visa and ELVIS Clarification
Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of February China Staging
Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Proration Instructions for China Category 332/432/632 pt and 620
Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 2 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results China Stage 2 Opening – Proration Instructions
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 3 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005.
Thu, 23 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Nicaragua Textiles
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Amended CAFTA 2006 Nicaragua Textiles
Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 3 Opening Proration Instructions
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 4 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Chad AGOA Eligible
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

ABI and Quota Processing for CAFTA – Textiles
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 4 Opening – Proration Instructions
Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 5 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005.
Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 5 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2006 Import Limits under United States-Central America Free Trade for Textiles from Nicaragua – Certificate of Eligibility Requirement
Wed, 16 Jun 0006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 6 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 6 Opening – Category 332 432 632
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 6 Opening – Category 620
Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 7 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA 2006 Textile TPL
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA Ensembles
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Burkina Faso AGOA Eligible
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 7 Opening
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Processing update for Bahrain FTA (textiles)
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 8 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 8 Opening Category 620
Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China 2007 Restraint Limits
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Quota Preprocessing Extension
Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Canada TPLs
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Mexico TPLs
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Fabric Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Apparel Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Orig Apparel Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Non-Orig Textiles Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Sub-Saharan Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 FTA Textiles, Apparel, and Made-up Articles
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Singapore FTA 2007 Apparel Limits
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 CAFTA Nicaragua Textile Limits
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Vietnam Restraint Limits
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Quota/Visa Requirements for Textile Apparel from the Ukraine
Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

ABI Programming for Morocco FTA
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Opening
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Israel Butter Results of Opening
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of NAFTA Peanuts
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Tuna
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Dairy Ch 4 AUSN 10 Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Cond/Evap Milk Ch 4 AUSN 11 Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile Artichokes (Note 12) Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Third Opening
Thu, 12 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Fourth Opening
Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 Australia FTA Correction
Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Fourth Opening
Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 09 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Adjustment
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Amended Refined Sugar Adjustment
Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Raw Sugar Adjustment
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ – El Salvador
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Revised 2006 Ethyl Alcohol Limit
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 GATT Peanut TRQ Opening
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 3
Fri, 17 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 Tuna TRQ Protation and Liquidation Instructions.
Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Raw Sugar 2004-2005 Year End Results
Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 El Salvador Sugar TRQ
Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ Implementation for Honduras and Nicaragua
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Sugar TRQ Implementation for Honduras and Nicaragua
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 El Salvador Sugar TRQ Filled
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Peanut TRQ Opening
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton Announcement Number 18
Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

ABI and Quota Processing for CAFTA – Agricultural TRQ
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 4.
Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 4 (Amended)
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 4 Opening
Sat, 12 Jun 0006 00:00:00 EST

Clarification of Sugar Certificates for Quota Eligibility Requirements for Rail Cars and Truck Containers
Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

“Weekly” Special Import Quota Announcement Number 19 for Upland Cotton
Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ Implementation for Guatemala
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Sugar TRQ Implementation for Guatemala
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 6
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 7
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 8
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA 2006 Agricultural TRQs
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Additional Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 5 and 6
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Beef Export Certificate Clarification
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Processing update for Bahrain FTA (non-textiles)
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Refined Sugar Quota Processing Remarks
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar-Period 5
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton Announcement # 20
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 21
Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Specialty Sugar Period 5 and 6
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Ethyl Alcohol TRQ Update for CAFTA
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Tobacco TRQ Limit
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 22
Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 10
Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 23
Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Global Refined Sugar Filled
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 CBTPA Quantitative Limits
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 24
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 5
Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 9
Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Raw Cane Sugar TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Refined/Specialty Sugar TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Sugar Blends (17 AUSN 7) TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Sugar Blends (17 AUSN 8) TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Blended Syrups TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Mixes/Doughs TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Mixed Condiments TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 25
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 ATPDEA Quantitative Limits
Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 AGOA Opening
Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 26
Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 27
Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 1
Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Mexican Raw and Refined Sugar
Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Tariff Rate Quota on Cocoa Powder
Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 1
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 2
Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Mexico Certificate of Quota Eligibility Waivers for Sugar Imports FY 2006
Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 2
Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Wool TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA/MX Peanuts TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Mandarin Oranges TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Whiskbrooms
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Other brooms
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Peanut Butter and Paste
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Milk and Cream (4ausn5)
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Dried Milk, Dried Cream, and Dried Whey (Agriculture Licensing)
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Infant Formula
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Animal Feed
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Ice Cream TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Olives
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Dairy Products
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Whole Milk
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Chocolate TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Chocolate Crumb TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Butter
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Dried Milk
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Cheese
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Peanuts
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Ice Cream
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Jordan FTA Limits
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Milk and Cream, Condensed or Evaporate.
Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota on Tuna.
Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Bahrain FTA 2007 Agr Limits
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Butter and Fresh or Sour Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk and Dried Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk and Dried Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Butter Substitutes (Agriculture Licensing )
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Cheese And Substitutes for Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Mexico Orange Juice TRQ
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ and Agriculture Licensing on Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Substitutes
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Beef TRQ 2007 Limits
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Blue Mold Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Singapore FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Australia FTA 2007 Agricultural TRQs
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2007 Agricltural TRQs
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) Quantitative Limitations
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota -Cheese American-type (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Edam and Gouda Cheeses (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Italian-type Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Swiss or Emmentaler Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Cheese And Substitutes for Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Swiss Or Emmentaler Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Quota Opening Changes Due to Federal Office Closures on January 2, 2007
Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Miscellaneous

Import Export Definitions

Sunday, November 11th, 2007

United States Trade Representative

The USTR is a cabinet-level official with the rank of Ambassador who advises the President on trade policy. The USTR coordinates the development of U.S. trade policy initiatives; leads U.S. international trade negotiations; and seeks to expand U.S. exports by promoting removal or reduction of foreign trade barriers.

U.S. Munitions List

The USML identifies those items or categories of items considered to be defense articles and defense services subject to export control. The USML, is similar in coverage to the International Munitions List (IML), but is more restrictive in two ways. First, the USML, currently contains some dual-use items that are controlled for national security and foreign policy reasons (such as space-related or encryption-related equipment). Second, the USML contains some nuclear- related items. Under Presidential directive, most dual-use items are to be transferred from the USML, to the Commerce Department’s dual-use list. State, with the concurrence of Defense, designates which articles will be controlled under the USML. Items on the Munitions List face a stricter control regime and lack the safeguards to protect commercial competitivei~ess that apply to dual-use items.

Validated Export License

A document issued by the U.S. Government authorizing the export of commodities for which written export authorization is required by law. Compare: General Export License.

Value

Value is the selling price or cost if not sold, including freight, insurance, and other charges to U.S. port of export, but excluding unconditional discounts and commissions. On the SED, value should be reported to the nearest whole dollar, omit cents. Report one value for each Schedule B number.

Value-Added Tax

A European Community (EC) tax assessed on the increased value of goods as they pass from the raw material stage through the production process to final consumption. The tax on processors or merchants is levied on the amount by which they increase the value of items they purchase. The EC charges a tax equivalent to the value added to imports and rebates value-added taxes on exports.

Visa

Visas are required by many countries for entry of a foreigner. A visa is a stamp in a foreign national’s passport issued by a U.S. consular officer which creates a legal presumption that there are no apparent reasons to deny entry into the U.S. Regardless of the stamp, the final decision to grant admission is made by an officer of the U.S. Immigration Service at the port of entry.

Visa Waiver

A program of selected countries to eliminate the visa requirement on a test basis.

Voluntary Export Restriction

An understanding between trading partners in which the exporting nation, in order to reduce trade friction, agrees to limit its exports of a particular good. Also called Voluntary restraint agreement.

Voluntary Restraint Agreement

Informal bilateral or multilateral understandings in which exporters voluntarily limit exports of certain products to a particular country destination in order to avoid economic dislocation in the importing country and the imposition of mandatory import restrictions. These arrangements do not involve an obligation on the part of the importing country to provide “compensation” to the exporting country, as would be the case if the importing country unilaterally imposed equivalent restraints on imports. See: Voluntary Export Restriction.

Warehouse Receipt

A receipt issued by a warehouse listing goods received for storage.

Webb-Pomerene Association

Associations engaged in exporting that combine the products of similar producers for overseas sales. These associations have partial exemption from U.S. anti-trust laws but may not engage in import, domestic or third country trade or combine to export services.

Wharfage

A charge assessed by a pier or dock owner for handling incoming or outgoing cargo.

With Average (W.A.)

A marine insurance term meaning that a shipment is protected from partial damage whenever the damage exceeds 3 percent (or some other percentage).

Without Reserve

A term indicating that a shipper’s agent or representative is empowered to make definitive decisions and adjustments abroad without approval of the group or individual represented. Compare: Advisory Capacity.

World Bank Group

An integrated group of international institutions that provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries. The group includes the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Development Association, and the International Finance Corporation.

World Intellectual Property Organization

WIPO, a specialized agency, is a part of the United Nations system or organizations. Located in Geneva, WIPO promotes protection of intellectual property around the world through cooperation among states, and administers various “Unions,” each founded on a multilateral treaty and dealing with the legal and administrative aspects of intellectual property.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

The WTO is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTP agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments.

World Traders Data Reports

WTDRs is an International Trade Administration fee-based service which provides a background report on a specific foreign firm, prepared by commercial officers overseas. WTDRs provide information about the type of organization, year established, relative size, number of employees, general reputation, territory covered, language preferred, product lines handled, principal owners, financial references, and trade references. WTDRs include narrative information about the reliability of the foreign firm.

Zangger Committee

The Zangger Committee of the Nonproliferation Treaty Exporters examines controls enacted pursuant to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty by refining the list of items requiring nuclear safeguards. The Zangger Committee consists of 23 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) nuclear supplier nations which includes all nuclear weapons states except France and China. Through a series of consultations in the early 1 970s, the countries of the Zangger Committee compiled a “trigger list” of nuclear materials and equipment. The shipment of any item on the list to a non-nuclear weapons state “triggers” the requirement of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. Since the Zangger Committee is associated with the NPT, its members are obligated to treat all non-nuclear weapons parties to the treaty alike. For fear of discrediting the NPT, the Zangger countries cannot target strict nuclear controls toward certain nations with questionable proliferation credentials; the NPT binds them to assist non-nuclear weapons states with peaceful atomic energy projects.

Miscellaneous

Import Export Definitions

Sunday, November 11th, 2007

Trade Adjustment Assistance

TAA for firms and workers is authorized by the 1974 Trade Act. TAA for firms is administered by Commerce; TAA for workers is administered by Labor. Eligible firms must show that increased imports of articles like or directly competitive with those produced by the firm contributed importantly to declines in its sales and/or production and to the separation or threat of separation of a significant portion of the firm’s workers. These firms receive help through Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs), primarily in implementing adjustment strategies in production, marketing, and management. Eligible workers must be associated with a firm whose sales or production have decreased absolutely due to increases in like or directly competitive imported products resulting in total or partial separation of the employee and the decline in the firm’s sales or production. Assistance includes training, job search and relocation allowances, plus reemployment services for workers adversely affected by the increased imports.

Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers

TAACs are nonprofit, non-government organizations established to help firms qualify for and receive assistance in adjusting to import competition. TAACs are funded by the Commerce Department as a primary source of technical assistance to certified firms.

Trade and Development Agency

The TDA started within the Agency for International Development but was spun off as an independent agency in 1981. TDA offers tied aid and resembles Japan’s tied aid funding. The program provides project planning funding only for projects that are priorities of the host country and present a good opportunity for sales of U.S. goods and services.

Trade Balance. See: Balance of Payments

Trade Barriers

The United States Trade Representative classifies trade barriers into eight general categories: (1) import policies (tariffs and other import charges, quantitative restrictions, import licensing, and customs barriers); (2) standards, testing, labeling, and certification; (3) government procurement; (4) export subsidies; (5) lack of intellectual property protection; (6) service barriers; (7) investment barriers; and (8) other barriers (e.g., barriers encompassing more than one category or barriers affecting a single sector).

Trade Concordance

Trade concordance refers to the matching of Harmonized System (HS) codes to larger statistical definitions, such as the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code and the Standard Industrial Trade Classification (SITC) system. The Bureau of the Census, the United Nations, as well as individual Federal and private organizations, maintain trade concordances for the purpose of relating trade and production data.

Trade Mission

Generically, a trade mission is composed of individuals who are taken as a group to meet with prospective customers overseas. Missions visit specific individuals or places with no specific stage setting other than appointments. Appointments are made with government and/or commercial customers, or with individuals who may be a stepping stone to customers. ITA trade missions are scheduled in selected countries to help participants find local agents, representatives, and distributors, to make direct sales, or to conduct market assessments. Some missions include technical seminars to support sales of sophisticated products and technology in specific markets. hA missions include planning and publicity, appointments with qualified contacts and with government officials, market briefings and background information on contacts, as well as logistical support and interpreter service. Trade missions also are frequently organized by other Federal, State, or local agencies.

Trade Opportunities Program

The Trade Opportunities Program, TOPS, is an International Trade Administration service which provides sales leads from overseas firms seeking to buy or represent U.S. products and services. Through overseas channels, U.S. foreign commercial officers gather leads and details, including as specifications, quantities, end use, and delivery deadlines. TOPs are telexed to Washington and listed on the Commerce Department’s Economic Bulletin Board and redistributed by the private sector.

Trade Policy Committee

The TPC is a cabinet-level, interagency trade committee established by the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (chaired by the USTR) to provide broad guidance on trade issues. The Committee was renewed by an Executive Order at the end of the Carter Administration. Toward the end of the first Reagan Administration, with much dissension over Japan policy between the TPC, the Senior Interagency Group (chaired by Treasury), and th~ other groups, the White House created the Economic Policy Council (EPC) in 1985 as a single forum to reduce tensions. The Trade Policy Review Group (TPRG) is a subcabinet group which meets about once a week. The TPRG is an ad hoc creation that was not established by law. TPRG membership is fairly fluid, so that agencies which want to participate in a particular discussion can sit at the table. The Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC) has met approximately once a year since 1988. TPSC was established by law to obtain advice from the private sector on topics such as retaliation; it generally serves as a paper clearance structure. Beneath the TPSC is a large number (between 60-to-100) of TPSC subcommittees. Subcommittees are not independent; they are established ad referendum, to deal with topics of interim interest and are sometimes no more than phone and fax lists of interested parties on a given issue.

Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee

The President established the TPCC in May 1990 to unify and streamline the government’s decentralized approach to export promotion. TPCC members include Commerce (as chair), State, Treasury, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, and Transportation, the 0MB, the USTR, the Council of Economic Advisers, Eximbank, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Information Agency, the Agency for International Development, the Trade and Development Program, and the Small Business Administration.

Tramp Steamer

A ship not operating on regular routes or schedules.

Transit Zone

A port of entry in a coastal country that is established as a storage and distribution center for the convenience of a neighboring country lacking adequate port facilities or access to the sea. A zone is administered so that goods in transit to and from the neighboring country are not subject to the customs duties, import controls or many of the entry and exit formalities of the host country. A transit zone is a more limited facility than a free trade zone or a free port.

Transmittal Letter

A list of the particulars of the shipment and a record of the documents being transmitted together with instructions for disposition of documents. Any special instructions are also included.

Transparency

The extent to which laws, regulations, agreements, and practices affecting international trade are open, clear, measurable, and verifiable.

Trigger Price Mechanism

The TPM is an antidumping mechanism designed to protect U.S. industries from underpriced imports. First used in 1978 to protect the steel industry, the TPM is the price of the lowest cost foreign producer. Imports priced below the trigger price are assessed a duty equal to the difference between their price and the trigger price.

Trust Receipt

Release of merchandise by a bank to a buyer in which the bank retains the title to the merchandise. The buyer, who obtains the goods for manufacturing or sales purposes, is obligated to maintain the goods (or the proceeds from their sale) distinct from the remainder of his/her assets and to hold them ready for repossession by the bank.

Ultimate Consignee

The ultimate consignee is the person located abroad who is the true principal party in interest, receiving the export or reexport for the designated end-use.

Unfair Trade Practice

This term refers to any act, policy, or practice of a foreign government that: (a) violates, is inconsistent with, or otherwise denies benefits to the U.S. under any trade agreement to which the United Statesis a party; (b)is unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory and burdens or restricts United States commerce; or (c) is otherwise inconsistent with a favorable section 301 determination by the U.S. Trade Representative.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNCTAD was set up in December 1964 as a permanent organ of the UN General Assembly. UNCTAD promotes international trade and seeks to increase trade between developing countries and countries with different social and economic systems. UNCTAD also examines problems of economic development within the context of principles and policies of international trade and seeks to harmonize trade, development, and regional economic policies.

United States International Trade Commission. See: International Trade

Commission.

United States Price

In the context of dumping investigations, this term refers to the price at which goods are sold in the U.S. compared to their foreign market value. The comparisons are used in the process of determining whether imported merchandise is sold at less than fair value.

U.S. Principal Party In Interest (USPPI)

The person in the United States that receives the primary benefit monetary or otherwise of the export transaction.

Miscellaneous

Import Export Definitions

Sunday, November 11th, 2007

Shipping Weight

Shipping weight represents the gross weight in kilograms of shipments, including the weight of moisture content, wrappings, crates, boxes, and containers (other than cargo vans and similar substantial outer containers).

Ship’s Manifest

An instrument in writing, signed by the captain of the ship, that lists the individual shipments constituting the ship’s cargo.

Short Supply

Commodities in short supply may be subject to export controls to protect the domestic economy from the excessive drain of scarce materials and to reduce the serious inflationary impact of satisfying foreign demand. Two commodities which the U.S. controls for short supply purposes are crude oil and unprocessed western red cedar.

SIC – See: Standard Industrial Classification

Sight Draft

A draft which is payable upon presentation to the drawee. Compare: Date Draft, Time draft.

Single Carrier

A single carrier is an individual vessel, plane, truck, and rail car, not a steamship line or airline. For overload exports, the Customs Director may accept a single declaration for multiple car shipments moving under a single bill of lading and cleared simultaneously.

SITC – See: Standard International Trade Classification

Societe Anonyme (S.A.)

French expression meaning a corporation.

Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)

SDRs are international reserve assets, created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and allocated to individual member nations. Within conditions set by the IMF, SDRs can be used by a nation with a deficit in its balance of international payments to settle debts with another nation or with the IMF.

Special 301

The Special 301 statute requires the United States Trade Representative (IJSTR) to review annually the condition of intellectual property protection among U.S. trading partners. Submissions are accepted from industry after which the USTR, weighing all relevant information, makes a determination as to whether a country presents excessive barriers to trade with the United States by virtue of its inadequate protection of intellectual property. If the USTR makes a positive determination, a country may be named to the list of: (a) Priority Foreign Countries (the most egregious), (b)the Priority Watch List, or (c) the Watch List.

Spot Exchange

The purchase or sale of foreign exchange for immediate delivery.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

The SIC is the classification standard underlying all establishment-based U.S. economic statistics classified by industry.

Standard Industrial Trade Classification (SITC)

A standard numerical code system developed by the United Nations to classify commodities used in international trade. Compare: Nomenclature of the Customs Cooperation Council, Standard Industrial Classification.

Standards

As defined by the Multilateral Trade Negotiations “Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade” (Standards Code), a standard is a technical specification contained in a document that lays down characteristics of a product such as levels of quality, performance, safety, or dimensions. Standards may include, or deal exclusively with, terminology, symbols, testing and test methods, packaging, marking, or labeling requirements as they apply to a product.

State-Controlled Trading Company

In a country with a state trading monopoly, a trading entity empowered by the country’s government to conduct export business.

State/Industry-Organized, Government Approved

The State/Industry-Organized, Industry Approved (S/IOGA) trade missions are planned and organized by state development agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other export-oriented groups. To qualify for U.S. government sponsorship, organizers of this type of trade mission must agree to follow International Trade Administration criteria in planning and recruiting the mission. ITA offers guidance and assistance from planning through completion of the mission and coordinates the support of all relevant offices and the assistance of overseas commercial officers in each foreign city on the itinerary. The missions are normally led by a representative of the sponsoring organization. Organizers of S/IOGA missions recruit for the event and cover the expenses of the event incurred by ITA’s overseas post. S/IOGA missions may use the seminar format, the exhibit format, the traditional trade mission format, or a combination, such as a seminar/mission or exhibit/mission.

State Trading Enterprises

STEs are entities established by governments to import, export and/or produce certain products. Examples include: government-operated import/export monopolies and marketing boards or private companies that receive special or exclusive privileges from their governments to engage in trading activities.

Steamship Conference

A group of steamship operators that operate under mutually agreed upon freight rates.

Subsidies

GATT does not directly define subsidies. The U.S. regards a subsidy as a bounty or grant paid for the manufacture, production, or export of an article. Export subsidies are contingent on exports; domestic subsidies are conferred on production without reference to exports. While governments sometimes make outright payments to firms; subsidies usually take a less direct form (R&D support, tax breaks, loans on preferential terms, and provision of raw materials at below-market prices).

Summary Investigation

A 20-day investigation conducted by the International Trade Administration immediately following filing of an antidumping petition to ascertain if the petition contains sufficient information with respect to sales at “less than fair value” and the injury or threat of mateflal injury to a domestic industry caused by the alleged sales at “less than fair value” to warrant the initiation of an antidumping investigation.

Summit Conference

A summit conference is an international meeting at which heads of government are the chief negotiators, major world powers are represented, and the meeting serves substantive rather than ceremonial purposes. The term first came into use in reference to the Geneva Big Four Conference of 1955.

Switch Arrangements

A form of countertrade in which the seller sells on credit and then transfers the credit to a third party.

System for Tracking Export License Applications

STELA is a BXA computer-generated voice unit that interfaces with the BXA databaSe ECAS (Export Control Automated Support System). STELA enables a caller to check on an export license by making a telephone call.

Table of Denial Orders

The TDO is a list of individuals and firms which have been disbarred from shipping or ~eceiV1ng U.S. goods or technology. Firms and individuals on the list may be disbarred with respect to either controlled commodities or general destination (across-the-board) exports.

Tare Weight

The weight of a container and/or packing materials without the weight of the goods it contains. Compare: Gross Weight.

Tariff

A tax assessed by a government in accordance with its tariff schedule on goods as they enter (or leave) a country. May be imposed to protect domestic industries from imported goods andlorto generate revenue. Types include ad valorem, specific, variable, or some combination.

Tariff Anomaly

A tariff anomaly exists when the tariff on raw materials or semi-manufactured goods is higher than the tariff on the finished product.

Tariff Escalation

A situation in which tariffs on manufactured goods are relatively high, tariffs on semi-pro~~5~ goods are moderate, and tariffs on raw materials are nonexistent or very low.

Tariff Quotas

Application of a higher tariff rate to imported goods after a specified quantity of the item has entered the country at a lower prevailing rate.

Tariff Schedule

A comprehensive list of the goods which a country may import and the import duties applicable to each product.

Technical Advisory Committee

The TACs are voluntary groups of industry and government representatives who provide guidance and expertise to Commerce on technical and export control matters, including evaluation of technical issues; worldwide availability, use and production of technology; and licensing procedures related to specific industries. TACs have been set up for: (a) materials, (b) biotechnology, (c) computer systems, (d) electronics (formerly “semiconductors”), (e) sensors (formerly “electronic instrumentation”) (f) materials processing equipment (formerly “automated manufacturing equipment”), (g) military critical technologies, (h) telecommunications equipment, and (I) transportation and related equipment.

Technical Barrier to Trade

According to the Standards Code, a specification which sets forth characteristics or standards a product must meet (such as levels of quality, performance, safety, or dimensions) in order to be imported.

Technical Data

BXA regulations define technical data as “information of any kind that can be used, or adapted for use, in the design, production, manufacture, utilization, or reconstruction of articles or materials. All software is technical data.” Technical data can be either “tangible” or “intangible.” Models, prototypes, blueprints or operating manuals (even if stored on recording media) are examples of tangible technical data. Intangible technical data consists of technical services, such as training, oral advice, information guidance and consulting.

Technology Transfer

This term is used to characterize “the transfer of knowledge generated and developed in one place to another, where it is used to achieve some practical end.” Technology may be transferred in many ways: by giving it away (technical journals, conferences, emigration of technical experts, technical assistance programs); by industrial espionage; or by sale (patents, blueprints, industrial processes, and the activities of multinational corporations).

Through Bill of Lading

A single bill of lading covering both the domestic and international carriage of an export shipment. An air waybill, for instance is essentially a through bill of lading because of lading used for air shipments. Ocean shipments, on the other hand, usually require two separate documents — an inland bill of lading for domestic carriage and an ocean bill of lading for international carriage. Compare: Air Waybill, Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading.

Time Draft

A draft which matures either a certain number of days after acceptance or a certain number of days after the date of draft.

Trade Act of 1974

Legislation enacted late in 1974 and signed into law in January 1975, granting the President broad authority to enter into international agreements to reduce import barriers. Major purposes were to: (a) stimulate U.S. economic growth and to maintain and enlarge foreign markets for the products of U.S. agriculture, industry, mining and commerce; (b) strengthen economic relations with other countries through open and non-discriminatory trading practices; (c) protect American industry and workers against unfair or injurious import competition; and (d) provide “adjustment assistance” to industries, workers and communities injured or threatened by increased imports. The Act allowed the President to extend tariff preferences to certain imports from developing countries and set conditions under which Most-Favored-Nation Treatment could be extended to non-market economy countries and provided negotiating authority for the Tokyo Round of multilateral trade negotiations.

Miscellaneous

Import Export Definitions

Sunday, November 11th, 2007

Other Party Authorized to Receive License

The person authorized by the applicant to receive the license. If a person and address is listed in Block 15 of the BXA-748P Multipurpose Application Form, the Bureau of Export Administration will send the license to that person instead of the applicant. Designation of another party to receive the license does not alter the responsibilities of the applicant, licensee or exporter.

Overseas Private Investment Corporation

OPIC is a government corporation which assists U.S. private investments in less developed nations. These investments may include distributorships owned by U.S. manufacturers which are consistent with the economic interests of both the United States and the developing country involved.

Packing List

A list showing the number and kinds of items being shipped as well as other information needed for transportation purposes.

Parcel Post Receipt

The postal authorities’ signed acknowledgement of delivery to them of a shipment made by parcel post.

Period of Investigation

The period, usually 6 months, beginning at least 150 days before and continuing 30 days after the first day of the month when an antidumping petition is filed, during which an exporter’s home market (or third country) and United States prices and other appropriate facts are investigated to determine whether sales to the United States have been at less than fair value.

Phytosanitary Inspection Certificate

A certificate, issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to satisfy import regulations of foreign countries, indicating that a U.S. shipment has been inspected and is free from harmful pests and plant diseases.

Port of Export

Port of Export is the Customs port at which, or nearest to which, the land surface carrier transporting the merchandise crosses the border of the United States into foreign territory or, in the case of exportation by vessel or air, the Customs port where the merchandise is loaded on the vessel or aircraft which is to carry the merchandise to a foreign country or to a non-foreign area of ultimate destination.

Post-Shipment Verifications (PSVs)

PSVs conducted to determine that a commodity is being used for the purposes for which its export was licensed. Firms or individuals representing the end user, intermediate consignees, or the purchaser may be subject to inquiries pertaining to the post-shipment verification. As part of the PSV process, BXA forwards a cable to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the respective geographic location to conduct an on-site inspection to ensure that the commodity is physically present and used as stated in the application. Post-shipment verifications are usually conducted six-to-eight months subsequent to export of the commodity.

Power of Attorney (Formal)

A legal authorization from a principal party in interest to a forwarding agent to act on their behalf to facilitate the export of merchandise out of the United States; specifies the responsibilities to be carried out in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations.

Pre-License Checks

PLCs are conducted to determine that a request for a license to export a controlled commodity represents a legitimate order. Firms or individuals representing the licensee (the applicant), a consignee, the purchaser, an intermediate consignee, or the end user may be subject to inquiries pertaining to the pre-license check. As part of the process, BXA forwards a cable to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the respective geographical location to conduct an inspection or meet with company representatives to conduct inquiries on BXA’s behalf.

Preliminary Determination

The dumping determination by the International Trade Administration announcing the results of the investigation conducted within 160 days (or, in extraordinarily complicated cases, 210 days) after a petition is filed or an investigation is self-initiated by the International Trade Administration. If the International Trade Administration determines that there is a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that the merchandise under consideration is being sold or is likely to be sold at less than fair value, liquidation of all affected entries is suspended, and the matter is referred to the International Trade Commission. “Preliminary determination” also refers to the decision by the ITC where there is a reasonable indication that an industry in the United States is materially injured, or threatened with material injury, or the establishment of an industry in the United States is materially retarded by reason of the imports of the merchandise which is the subject of the petition. The ITC must make its decision within 45 days after the date on which the petition is filed or an investigation is self-initiated by the International Trade Administration. If this determination is negative, the investigation is terminated.

President’s Export Council

The President’s Export Council (PEC) advises the President on government policies and programs that affect U.S. trade performance; promote export expansion; and provide a forum for discussing and resolving trade-related problems among the business, industrial, agricultural, labor and government sectors. The council was established by Executive Order of the President in 1973 and was originally composed only of business executives. The Council was reconstituted in 1979 to include leaders of the labor and agricultural communities, Congress, and the Executive branch. Twenty-eight private sector members serve “at the pleasure of the President” with no set term of office. Other members include five U.S. Senators and five Members of the House, the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, State, and Treasury, the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank, and U.S. Trade Representative. The Council reports to the President through the Secretary of Commerce.

Principal Parties in Interest

Those persons in a transaction that receive the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, of the transaction. Generally, the principals in a transaction are the seller and the buyer. In most cases, a forwarding or other agent is not a principal party in interest.

Private Export Funding Corporation

PEFCO works with Eximbank in using private capital to finance U.S. exports. PEFCO acts as a supplemental lender to traditional commercial banking sources by making loans to public and private borrowers located outside of the United States who require medium and/or longer-term financing of their purchases of U.S. goods and services.

Product Groups

Commodity groupings used for export control purposes. See: Export Control Classification Number.

Profit

For the purposes of constructed value in an antidumping duty investigation or review, the profit used is the profit normally earned by a producer, from the country of export, of the same or similar product as that under investigation. By statute, the amount of profit shall not be less than 8 percent of the sum of general expenses and cost.

Pro Forma Invoice

An invoice provided by a supplier prior to the shipment of merchandise, informing the buyer of the kinds and quantities of goods to be sent, their value, and important specifications (weight, size, and similar characteristics).

Project License

The Bureau of Export Administration uses the project license to authorize large-scale exports of a wide variety of commodities and technical data for specified activities. Those activities can include capital expansion, maintenance, repair or operating supplies, or the supply of materials to be used in the production of other commodities for sale.

Protective Order

With regard to antidumping cases, a term for the order under which most business proprietary information is made available an attorney or other representative of a party to the proceeding.

Protest System

The Protest System, a part of Customs’ Automated Commercial System, tracks protests from the date they are received through final action. A protest is the legal means by which an importer, consignee, or other designated part may challenge decisions made by a District Director of Customs.

  • Ambassadors-at-large have a higher rank than a regular ambassador and are higher ranked on protocol than the head of the CIA;
  • The Deputy Chief of Mission, almost always a career officer, has the personal rank of minister which is one rank down from Ambassador;
  • The rank of Minister-Counselor is just a step below Minister;
  • The Deputy Principal Officer is a position at large consulates;
  • The Charge d’Affairs may either be acting, or indefinite, and is regarded as the acting Ambassador when the Ambassador is out of the country or when, for political reasons, an Ambassador is not appointed to a country;
  • An Attache may be either fairly high or fairly low; in terms of rank an attache can be anything; a military attache is of at least medium rank, but the military holds no diplomatic rank;
  • A consulate is not a diplomatic mission, nor is it autonomous; it is established at international organizations (such as USEC or NATO) or is used for reasons of diplomatic snobbery or pique.