After Date

A phrase indicating that the date of maturity of a draft or other negotiable instrument is fixed by the date on which it was drawn. The date of maturity does not, therefore, depend on acceptance by the drawee. Compare: After Sight, At Sight.

After Sight

A phrase indicating that payment on a draft or other negotiable instrument is due a specified number of days after presentation of the draft to the drawee or payee. Compare: After Date, At Sight.

Agency for International Development

AID was created in 1961 to administer foreign economic assistance programs of the U.S. Government. AID has field missions and representatives in approximately 70 developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Near East.

Agent/Distributor Service

The AgentiDistributor Service (ADS), is an International Trade Administration (ITA) fee-based service, which locates foreign import agents and distributors. ADS provides a custom search overseas for interested and qualified foreign representatives on behalf of a U.S. exporter. Officers abroad conduct the search and prepare a report identifying up to six foreign prospects that have examined the U.S. firm’s product literature and have expressed interest in representing the U.S. firm’s products.

Air Waybill

A bill of lading, which covers both domestic and international flights transporting goods to a specified destination. Technically, 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 itself to cany the consignment to the airport of destination according to specified conditions. Compare: Inland Bill of Lading, Ocean Bill of Lading, Through Bill of Lading.

Alongside

A phrase referring to the side of a ship. Goods to be delivered “alongside” are to be placed on the dock or lighter within reach of the transport ship’s tackle so that they can be loaded aboard the ship. Goods are delivered to the port of embarkation, but without loading fees.

Alternate Consignee. See: Intermediate Consignee

American Business Initiative

The ABI, or American Business and Private Sector Development Initiative for Eastern Europe, emphasizes the export of American telecommunications, energy, environment, housing, and agriculture products and services to Eastern European countries.

American Traders Index

The American Traders Index (ATI), is the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service headquarters compilation of individual US&FCS domestic client files, for use by overseas posts to generate mailing lists.

Antidiversion Clause. See: Destination Control Statement.

Antidumping

Antidumping, is a reference to the system of laws to remedy dumping, is defined as a converse of dumping. See: Dumping

Antidumping/Countervailing Duty System

The Antidumping/Countervailing Duty System, a part of Customs’ Automated Commercial System, contains a case reference database and a statistical reporting system to capture data for International Trade Commission reports on antidumping and countervailing duties assessed and paid.

Applicant

The person who applies for an export or reexport license, and who has the authority of a principal party in interest to determine and control the export or reexport of items.

Arbitrage

The process of buying foreign exchange, stocks, bonds, and other commodities in one market and immediately selling them in another market at higher prices. See: hedging.

Assessment

The imposition of antidumping duties on imported merchandise.

Automated Broker Interface

ABI, a part of Customs’ Automated Commercial System, permits transmission of data pertaining to merchandise being imported into the U.S. Qualified participants include brokers, importers, carriers, port authorities, and independent data processing companies referred to as service centers.

Automated Clearinghouse

The Automated Clearinghouse (ACH) is a feature of the Automated Broker Interface which is a part of Customs Automated Commercial System. The ACH combines elements of bank lock box arrangements with electronic funds transfer services to replace cash or check for payment of estimated duties, taxes, and fee on imported merchandise.