Glossary

Fees charged by carriers for services beyond standard transportation, such as inside delivery, waiting time, and fuel surcharges.

Charges for storing cargo at the airport terminal.

Costs for transferring cargo between terminals or to/from the airport.

A document issued by an airline or its agent in India that provides details about the shipment and allows for tracking of the goods.

The cost associated with the issuance of an air waybill.

Required for the import of live animals, animal products, and by-products to ensure they meet health standards set by the Animal Quarantine and Certification Services of India.

A notification sent by the carrier to the consignee and other parties indicating the arrival of the shipment.

An international customs document that allows the temporary importation of goods without paying duties or taxes.

Restrictions on the transport of goods or passengers between ports within a country by foreign-flagged vessels.

A surcharge applied by carriers on freight rates to account for currency value fluctuations.

Insurance that protects the shipper against financial loss if the goods are damaged or lost during transportation.

An individual or company that transports goods or passengers for a fee.

A document used in India to show that excise duty has been paid on goods manufactured within the country.

A document certifying the quality and specifications of a shipment, often required for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food products imported into India.

Similar to COA, CAQ certifies the quality, purity, and composition of goods, particularly relevant for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food products.

Required for the importation of chemicals and chemical products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

A document certifying that the goods meet the required standards and regulations of India.

This certificate attests that the products being exported are freely sold in the country of origin and meet all applicable regulatory requirements.

A Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the Registrar of Companies (RoC) when a company is registered in India. It is required for establishing the legal identity of the business entity engaged in importing or exporting activities.

Some imported goods may require a Certificate of Inspection issued by an authorized inspection agency to verify compliance with quality, safety, and technical standards.

Sometimes required for goods exported to countries where preferential trade agreements do not apply, certifying the origin of the goods based on non-preferential rules of origin.

A document declaring the country of origin of goods, often required by Indian customs for tariff and trade compliance.

If availing benefits under Free Trade Agreements, a Certificate of Origin issued by the exporting country's authorized agency may be required to claim preferential tariffs.

Apart from licensing, businesses involved in food import/export in India may require a Certificate of Registration under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The seller pays for the cost and freight to bring the goods to the port of destination.

A contract between a shipowner and a charterer for the hire of a vessel either for a single voyage or a period of time.

A wheeled trailer or undercarriage used to transport containers over land.

An Incoterm where the seller covers the cost of the goods, marine insurance, and freight to the port of destination.

An Incoterm where the seller pays for carriage and insurance to the destination named by the buyer.

Required for the import of certain wildlife and plant species into India to ensure they are not endangered.

A document issued by the seller to the buyer detailing the goods sold, including their description, quantity, price, and terms of sale. It is required for customs clearance in India.

The party to whom the goods are consigned or delivered at the destination port.

A batch of goods destined for or delivered to someone.

A contract where the consignor retains ownership of the goods until they are sold by the consignee, who then takes a commission.

Costs for cleaning the container.

A facility where cargo is consolidated or de-consolidated for shipment or pickup. CFS typically provides services such as packing, unpacking, temporary storage, and customs clearance of containerized cargo.

The process of packing goods into standardized containers for transportation, facilitating efficient handling and multimodal transport.

An area designated for the storage and handling of shipping containers at a port or terminal.

The seller pays for carriage to the named place of destination.

A financial guarantee that an importer will comply with Indian customs regulations and pay any duties, taxes, or fines.

A licensed agent or firm authorized to handle customs clearance procedures on behalf of importers and exporters.

The process of completing customs formalities, paying duties, and obtaining permission to import or export goods. Customs Clearance Fee is the charge for customs documentation and clearance.

A document submitted to Indian customs authorities detailing the nature, quantity, and value of goods being imported or exported.

A document used by Indian customs to determine the value of the goods for duty purposes.

For goods transiting through India to another destination, a Customs Transit Declaration may be required to facilitate the movement of goods under customs supervision.

Required for determining the customs value of imported goods based on transaction value, transaction value of identical goods, or other valuation methods as per customs regulations.

Required for the import of hazardous materials to ensure they are handled and transported

A document certifying that dangerous goods have been packed, labeled, and declared according to international regulations, as required by Indian customs.

Extra fee for transporting hazardous materials.

The seller delivers the goods to the named place of destination, ready for unloading.

An Incoterm where the seller takes on all the responsibility, including shipping costs, duties, and taxes, until the goods are delivered to the buyer's premises.

An Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods to the buyer at the destination but does not cover duties or taxes.

The total weight of cargo, fuel, water, provisions, and passengers that a vessel can carry when loaded to its maximum draft.

A document issued by the carrier or freight forwarder instructing the release of the cargo to the named consignee in India.

A charge levied by the carrier for delays in loading or unloading cargo beyond the agreed-upon free time.

A fee charged by the carrier when the consignee holds onto the carrier's containers beyond the allowed free time.

Required for the import of aircraft, aviation equipment, and related products to ensure compliance with aviation safety standards.

DGFT is responsible for implementing the foreign trade policy of India. It issues Importer Exporter Code (IEC) numbers, regulates exports and imports, and formulates export-import policies.

A warehouse or specialized building stocked with products to be redistributed to retailers, wholesalers, or consumers.

A document issued by a shipping line acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment.

The seller delivers the goods to the named place of destination and unloads them.

The depth of a vessel's keel below the waterline, indicating the maximum depth to which the vessel is immersed when loaded with cargo.

Fees for waiting time beyond the allotted free time.

A document used to document the condition of a container or chassis at the time it is transferred from one carrier to another.

EPR is a policy approach designed to ensure that producers take responsibility for the management of their products throughout their entire lifecycle, including disposal and recycling. In India, EPR regulations may apply to various industries, including those involved in the manufacturing and distribution of goods transported by freight forwarding.

ETA refers to the expected time at which a shipment or vessel is anticipated to arrive at its destination port or terminal in India. It is an important piece of information for logistics planning and coordination

A document submitted to Indian customs authorities by the exporter detailing the goods being shipped out of the country.

A government-issued document authorizing the export of specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination from India.

The seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all costs and risks of transportation.

The seller delivers the goods alongside the vessel at the named port of shipment.

An Incoterm where the seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by the buyer at the seller’s premises or another named place.

A shipment that occupies an entire container, either 20 feet (TEU) or 40 feet (FEU) in size, without being shared with other cargo.

A small vessel that transfers goods from smaller ports to larger ports for onward transport by larger vessels.

FEMA is a regulatory framework enacted in India to regulate foreign exchange transactions, facilitating external trade and payments, and promoting orderly development and maintenance of foreign exchange markets in India. It governs all transactions involving foreign exchange and securities

An Incoterm where the seller's responsibilities are fulfilled when the goods pass the ship's rail at the port of shipment. The buyer assumes all risks from that point onwards.

A unified rate applicable to various types of cargo.

A document issued by the carrier requesting payment for transportation services rendered.

A company or individual that arranges the transportation of goods on behalf of shippers and consignees, including booking cargo space, preparing documentation, and coordinating logistics.

The price charged by a carrier for transporting goods from one location to another, typically based on factors such as distance, cargo volume, and type of cargo.

FSSAI is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. It is responsible for laying down science-based standards for food articles and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure food safety and hygiene. FSSAI registration or license may be required for businesses involved in handling or transporting food products within India.

An additional fee to cover fluctuating fuel costs.

A principle of maritime law where all parties involved in a sea voyage share the costs of losses incurred to save the vessel or cargo from peril.

A document required by Indian customs to declare the nature, quantity, and value of goods being imported or exported.

The total weight of a shipment, including the goods, packaging, and any other materials.

A ship’s total internal volume, including all spaces, measured in tons.

A trade program that provides preferential duty-free entry for products from designated beneficiary countries to India.

GSTIN is a unique identification number issued to businesses registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in India. It is mandatory for businesses engaged in the supply of goods or services, including importers and exporters.

International rules governing the liability of carriers for loss or damage to cargo during sea transportation.

Necessary for the import or export of food products that comply with Islamic dietary laws, particularly relevant for markets with significant Muslim populations.

An international nomenclature for the classification of products that allows participating countries to classify traded goods on a common basis

Goods that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transportation, such as chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials.

Additional fee for transporting hazardous materials.

A Bill of Lading issued by a freight forwarder or a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC) to the shipper.

An international trade body that represents airlines and regulates air transport standards and practices.

A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.

A government-issued document authorizing the importation of specific goods into India.

A set of predefined commercial terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) relating to international commercial law.

A trade agreement to promote free trade between India and ASEAN countries.

An agreement aimed at increasing trade between India and MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay).

A document certifying that merchandise was in good condition immediately prior to shipment.

A document issued by the insurance company providing coverage details for the shipment.

Cost of insuring the cargo during transport.

Charges for transferring containers between different modes of transport (e.g., from rail to truck).

The use of more than one mode of transport to move goods from origin to destination, such as combining truck, rail, and sea transportation.

ISI Mark indicates that a product conforms to the Indian standards specified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Certain products may require ISI certification for import or sale in India.

An inventory strategy where materials are ordered and received just as they are needed in the production process.

A unit of measure for weight, commonly used in air freight to measure the weight of cargo.

Charges for late submission of shipping documents.

The period within which the vessel must be ready to load or discharge cargo as specified in the charter party.

The period of time agreed upon between the shipowner and the charterer for loading and unloading cargo without incurring demurrage or detention charges.

A shipment that does not fill an entire container and is consolidated with other shipments to fill a container.

A financial document issued by a bank guaranteeing that a buyer’s payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount.

A document providing a guarantee to the carrier to release goods without presenting the original Bill of Lading, usually used when the original B/L is lost

Various authorizations required by the Indian government to import or export certain types of goods, such as agricultural products, firearms, or pharmaceuticals.

Costs for using a liftgate for loading/unloading.

The detailed coordination of a complex operation involving many people, facilities, or supplies, especially the organization of moving, housing, and supplying troops and equipment.

A shipment that does not require a full truck and is consolidated with other shipments.

A detailed statement listing the cargo, passengers, and crew of a ship or aircraft for the use of customs and other officials.

Insurance coverage for cargo or vessels against loss or damage while in transit on the sea.

A legal right granted to a creditor, such as a ship supplier or repairer, to secure payment for goods or services provided to a vessel.

The air waybill issued by the carrier or agent to the freight forwarder.

A unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms, used for measuring larger quantities of goods.

The movement of cargo using two or more different modes of transportation, such as rail, road, and sea.

An operator that provides integrated transport services using multiple modes of transportation, such as sea, air, road, and rail.

A trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico aimed at eliminating trade barriers

A legal contract between parties to protect confidential information shared during business dealings

A company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations without owning any vessel.

A document used for the transportation of goods overseas, serving as a receipt and a document of title.

A document issued by the seller confirming the details of an order placed by the buyer.

Fees associated with processing and handling a shipment at the point of origin.

Charges for cargo exceeding standard length dimensions.

This is a pre-shipment finance facility provided by banks in India to exporters for financing the purchase, processing, manufacturing, or packing of goods meant for export.

A document detailing the contents, dimensions, and weight of each package in a shipment, used for customs clearance and inventory management.

A flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, or other jacking device.

Costs associated with exchanging pallets.

The process of loading and securing cargo onto pallets for ease of handling and transportation.

Costs associated with palletizing cargo for air transport.

Additional charges during peak shipping seasons.

A daily rate charged for the use of equipment, such as containers, beyond the allotted free time.

A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for the import of plants, plant products, and agricultural commodities to ensure they are free from pests and diseases and comply with India's phytosanitary regulations.

This certificate is required for the importation of seeds, plants, and plant material to ensure compliance with plant quarantine regulations in India.

The port where the goods are unloaded from the vessel.

A document signed by the consignee upon delivery of goods as proof that the goods have been received in good condition.

Necessary for industries involved in the production or handling of hazardous substances to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

A government or quasi-governmental body responsible for the management and regulation of ports and maritime activities within its jurisdiction.

Additional fee when ports are congested

The port where cargo is unloaded from a vesse

The port where cargo is loaded onto a vessel.

Costs related to port security measures.

Costs for transferring cargo between rail and port terminals.

Freight charges that are paid by the shipper prior to the shipment departing from the origin.

A preliminary bill of sale sent to buyers in advance of a shipment or delivery of goods, detailing the goods to be shipped, their value, and other key information.

Required for certain categories of goods, such as live animals, plants, and agricultural products, to certify compliance with quarantine regulations.

A limitation on the quantity of goods that can be imported into a country.

A document certifying the allocation of import or export quotas for specific goods.

An offer to sell goods at a specified price under specified conditions.

Costs for cleaning the rail car after use.

Costs associated with the issuance of a railway bill.

A refrigerated container used for transporting perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals, at controlled temperatures.

A document from the carrier or freight forwarder authorizing the release of goods to the consignee in India

Extra charge for delivering to residential addresses.

A type of vessel designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, and trailers, which are driven on and off the ship.

A unit of measure used in shipping that represents either a metric ton or a cubic meter, whichever is greater.

A form used for customs declarations in the European Union.

An agreement between SAARC countries to promote free trade in South Asia.

A legal agreement between a buyer and a seller detailing the terms and conditions of a sale, including price, quantity, delivery terms, and payment terms.

Needed for the import or export of food, plant, and animal products to confirm compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures to protect human, animal, or plant health.

Charges to cover the cost of security measures.

A document required by some countries for export control purposes, providing detailed information about the shipment.

A document used by the shipper to provide instructions to the freight forwarder or carrier regarding the handling, transportation, and delivery of the shipment.

A document provided by the shipper to the carrier or freight forwarder detailing how and where the goods are to be transported.

A charter agreement where a shipping line leases container slots on a vessel rather than chartering the entire vessel.

Mandatory for businesses engaged in the export of software and electronic products from India.

A person or company responsible for loading and unloading cargo from vessels at ports.

The ratio of a cargo's volume to its weight, indicating how tightly the cargo can be packed into a vessel's hold.

The entire network of entities, directly or indirectly interlinked and interdependent in serving the same consumer or customer. It includes every stage involved in the production and sale of a product, from raw material suppliers to manufacturers and finally to the end users

An extra charge applied to cover additional costs, such as fuel or currency fluctuations.

A specialized container designed for transporting liquid or gaseous cargo, such as chemicals, petroleum products, or liquefied gases.

A schedule of duties or taxes imposed by a government on imported or exported goods.

A document listing the duties or taxes imposed by the Indian government on imported or exported goods.

Fees for handling cargo at the airport terminal.

A standard unit for measuring containerized cargo, equivalent to a 20-foot container.

Fees for using toll roads

An agreement between India and other countries that outlines the rules for trade, often aiming to reduce tariffs and trade barriers

Issued by local authorities, a trade license permits businesses to engage in commercial activities within a specific jurisdiction, including import/export operations.

Important for protecting intellectual property rights and preventing unauthorized use of trademarks during import/export transactions.

The time taken for goods to be transported from the port of loading to the port of discharge, including any intermediate stops or delays.

The transfer of goods from one mode of transport to another during the journey from the origin to the final destination.

The process of transporting goods by road using trucks or trailers.

A type of project that is constructed so that it can be sold to any buyer as a completed product.

A container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body and narrow-body aircraft.

A term referring to cargo that is stowed below the deck of a ship.

A standardized form used by carriers in India to detail the shipment's contents, destination, and terms of carriage.

A tax on the value added to goods and services, typically levied at each stage of production and distribution.

A ship or large boat used for transporting goods by sea.

A document certifying that a vessel complies with all applicable regulations and standards for transporting specific types of cargo

A document listing all cargo loaded on a vessel, including details such as container numbers, seal numbers, and descriptions of the goods.

A document required for the importation of live animals and animal products into India, certifying that they comply with the country's health regulations.

A charter party agreement where the shipowner provides the vessel and crew for a specific voyage, typically between two ports.

A unique identifier assigned to each sea journey undertaken by a vessel, used for tracking and documentation purposes.

A document providing proof of ownership of goods stored in a warehouse.

A clause in a freight contract that covers the transportation of goods from the seller's warehouse to the buyer's warehouse, including all intermediate transportation stages.

A document issued by a carrier giving details and instructions relating to the shipment of a consignment of goods.

A fee charged by the port authority for the use of wharf facilities, such as berths and piers, for loading or unloading cargo.

WPC is a wing of the Ministry of Communications in India responsible for regulating the use of wireless technology and spectrum allocation. It grants licenses and approvals for the establishment and operation of various wireless communication devices and services, including those used in logistics and transportation.

A security measure used to inspect the contents of cargo for prohibited or dangerous items.

A pricing strategy that adjusts the price of freight based on demand and supply conditions to maximize revenue

A contract specifying the terms and conditions for the use of a specific free trade zone or economic zone for import and export activities in India

A pricing structure where shipping costs are determined based on the geographical zone to which the shipment is being sent.