Glossary of Terms

This glossary provides clear explanations of key terms used in the automotive export, shipping, and logistics industry. Understanding these terms will help our customers and partners navigate international trade and vehicle export processes more effectively.

Bill of Entry

An official customs document required for importing or exporting goods. It includes details of the goods, merchant, value, origin, destination, and applicable duties or taxes.

B/L (Bill of Lading)

A vital shipping document serving as:

• Receipt of goods by the carrier.
• Evidence of the carriage contract.
• Title of ownership for the goods.

It must be presented at the destination port to release the cargo.

C&F (Cost and Freight)

A trade term where the seller covers the cost of goods and transportation to the destination port. The buyer is responsible for arranging insurance.

Cancellation of Registration Form

A document confirming a vehicle’s temporary deregistration in Japan for export purposes. It contains full vehicle details and specifications.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

A shipping term covering the cost of goods, freight, and marine insurance up to the destination port. Buyers handle additional costs after arrival.

Clearing Agent

A licensed professional who manages customs clearance, ensuring documents are filed correctly and duties/taxes are paid for smooth release of goods.

Commercial Invoice

A document issued by the seller providing customs authorities with detailed information about goods, their value, and the transaction.

Consignee

The buyer or recipient who legally owns the vehicle after customs clearance and registration in the destination country.

Deregistration Certificate

A document proving that a vehicle has been officially removed from Japan’s national register, making it eligible for export.

DHL Delivery Address

The buyer’s provided address where shipping documents are sent (often separate from the vehicle delivery address).

EAA (East Africa Automobile Services)

An authorized inspection company approved by Tanzanian and Ugandan authorities to verify vehicles before export.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

The expected date and time of shipment arrival at the destination port.

ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)

The scheduled date and time when a shipment departs from the port of origin.

Export Certificate

A legal document certifying that goods, particularly vehicles, are cleared for export from Japan.

Export Permit

Approval issued by Japanese customs confirming that a shipment meets all export regulations.

FOB (Free on Board)

A trade term where the seller covers all costs until the goods are loaded onto the vessel. The buyer assumes responsibility after loading.

Forwarding Agent

An individual or company arranging transportation of goods from the port of discharge to the final delivery point.

Import Permit

Authorization from the destination country allowing goods, especially vehicles, to be legally imported. Required in regulated markets (e.g., South Africa).

Inspection Certificate

A document confirming that a vehicle has passed mandatory pre-export inspection and complies with import regulations.

Insurance Document

Proof of insurance coverage for goods during shipping. Mandatory under CIF terms, optional under FOB or C&F.

Intertek

A global inspection firm authorized by the Mozambique government to verify vehicles before export.

ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission)

A South African authority regulating imports and exports, responsible for issuing import permits for vehicles.

JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center)

An official Japanese inspection body that certifies vehicles for export to countries such as Kenya and Zambia.

LOA (Letter of Authority)

A document issued by South Africa’s NRCS that permits vehicle importation into the country.

Notify Party

The person or company to be notified by the shipping line once cargo arrives at the port of discharge. Often the consignee or clearing agent.

NRCS (National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications)

The South African agency responsible for issuing the LOA for vehicle imports.

Packing List

A detailed list of items shipped, including descriptions, weight, and quantity. Used for customs clearance and shipment tracking.

Port of Departure

The port where goods or vehicles are shipped out of the exporting country.

Port of Discharge

The port where goods are unloaded and prepared for customs clearance in the destination country.

Proforma Invoice

A preliminary invoice issued by the seller before shipment, detailing estimated costs for goods and shipping.

Shipping Agent

A company responsible for handling cargo operations such as loading, unloading, and coordinating delivery.

Transshipment

The process of transferring goods from one vessel (or mode of transport) to another during transit.

TT Copy (Telegraphic Transfer Copy)

A bank-issued document proving that payment has been made via telegraphic transfer.

Under Offer

Indicates that a vehicle is reserved because a buyer has made an offer. If accepted, the vehicle is considered sold.

Vanning Charge/Fee

The cost incurred for loading and securing goods inside a shipping container.

Vehicle Destination

The final country or location where the vehicle will be imported, registered, and used.