Customs Glossary Guide: Difference between revisions

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🔖 This article is part of the Customs Compliance Guide and the Customs Glossary Guide

A glossary of customs terms and acronyms used in cross-border trade and BorderConnect.

A

CBP ACE eManifest

A49: An A49 Automotive Release shipment release type for goods entering Canada. Used in ACI for shipping production automotive parts to Chrysler, Ford and GM.
A8A: A8A In-Bond Cargo Control Documents are primarily used to clear auxiliary and special shipment types with CBSA including In-Bonds.
ACE: The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is CBP’s trade processing system used to facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen border security; in highway mode it includes “e-Manifest: Trucks” for advance electronic manifesting. ^[1]
ACE ID: A unique identifier used within CBP ACE/e-Manifest for entities such as a driver, truck, or trailer (as recorded on the ACE highway manifest). ^[1]
ACE In-Bond: An ACE In-Bond created as part of an ACE eManifest declaration (as opposed to an in-bond created by a broker/ABI filer submitting the bond information).
ACI: Advance Commercial Information (ACI) / eManifest is a CBSA program that requires electronic pre-arrival information for commercial goods and conveyances arriving in Canada. ^[2]
Air Freight: Freight that’s shipped at least partially by air.
Air Waybill: An Air Waybill (AWB) is a document that accompanies goods shipped by an international air carrier/courier. It serves as a receipt of goods and a contract of carriage.
AMPS: An Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) is CBSA’s civil penalty regime used to support compliance with customs legislation through monetary penalties. ^[3]
API: An application programming interface (API) is a set of protocols/tools that allow software systems to exchange data. BorderConnect API provides a way to exchange eManifest-related data with other software.
Audit: A safety audit is a review of a motor carrier’s records by the DOT to verify safety management controls and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
Authority: Motor carrier authority is mandatory for trucking companies operating as for-hire carriers transporting passengers or regulated commodities while engaged in interstate commerce.

B

Bill of Lading: A Bill of Lading (BOL) is a document detailing an agreement between a shipper and carrier that usually includes commodity, weight, pick-up/delivery, and payment terms.
Bobtail: A tractor without a trailer attached.
Bonded Carrier: A bonded carrier has posted security with CBP/CBSA and is permitted to transport, under customs control, goods upon which duty/tax has not yet been paid.
Bonded Carrier IRS Number: Your IRS number is the number CBP has associated with your status as a bonded carrier. In BorderConnect you can manage stored IRS numbers under Manage Data → “ACE Bonded Carrier IRS Numbers”.
Bonded Warehouse: A bonded warehouse is a facility licensed by CBSA/CBP where unreleased goods may be stored, generally deferring duties/taxes until the goods are entered or exported.
BRASS: The Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) shipment type is a CBP truck release option intended to expedite release of certain highly compliant, high-volume freight. CBP has indicated new importer registrations are not being accepted (program being phased out). ^[4]

C

C-TPAT: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is CBP’s voluntary supply chain security program for importers, carriers, and other trade partners. ^[5]
Canada Customs Invoice (CCI): A Canada Customs Invoice is a CBSA document containing data elements required for certain releases/accounting.
Cargo Control Number: A Cargo Control Number (CCN) is a unique number assigned to a shipment entering Canada that identifies the carrier and distinguishes shipments in CBSA systems.
Cargo Exemption: A cargo exemption in ACI is used to indicate exempt cargo such as LVS (Courier), Flying Truck, IIT, and Mail loaded on the truck/trailer(s). In these cases, a shipment may not be required, but the cargo exemption indicator must be set to indicate it is aboard. ^[2]
Carnet: An ATA Carnet is an international customs document that can facilitate temporary import/export of eligible goods.
Carrier: A registered company or owner operator licensed to transport goods via highway method.
Carrier Code: A Highway Carrier Code is a unique 4 character code used by CBSA to identify a carrier.
CBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the U.S. federal agency responsible for customs and border enforcement.
CBSA: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is the Canadian federal agency responsible for border enforcement and customs administration.
CDL: A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) authorizes an individual to operate certain commercial motor vehicles.
CDRP: The Commercial Driver Registration Program (CDRP) is a CBSA program to facilitate border processing for approved participants.
Certificate of Origin: A Certificate of Origin (CO) certifies where goods originate and may support preferential tariff treatment where applicable.
CFIA: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates food and certain biological goods; shipments may be subject to CFIA-related requirements/inspection.
Change Trip: Transmits a change request for the manifest to CBSA (e.g., ETA, port, truck/trailer, or other trip data).
Change Shipment: Transmits a change request for the shipment(s) to CBSA (e.g., ETA, port, shipper/consignee, commodity, etc.).
Chassis: The framework of a commercial vehicle to which the engine/transmission, cab, fuel tanks, axles and cargo compartments are fixed.
Citizenship: Indicates where a driver or passenger is recognized under law as being a legal member of a sovereign state.
City of Acceptance: Used to indicate the city where the goods began a continuous journey to Canada (when different from the shipper’s address).
City of Loading: Used to indicate the city the goods were shipped from (should match shipper’s city on paperwork).
Commercial Invoice: A bill of sale or other acceptable documentation that provides key data elements (value, quantity, seller, etc.).
Commodity: Indicates the goods loaded on the truck or trailer.
Consignee: The entity who is financially responsible (the buyer) for receipt of a shipment; may differ from the receiver.
Consolidated Freight: Multiple shipments grouped by a consolidator/freight forwarder and shipped under one cargo document, often requiring later deconsolidation reporting.
Container: A standard-sized rectangular box used to transport freight by ship, rail and highway.
Conveyance Reference Number: Unique reference number (trip number) given by the carrier to a manifest in ACI.
Courier LVS: A Courier Low Value Shipment (LVS) is a CBSA courier program streamlining reporting/release/accounting for qualifying low value shipments.
CSA: Customs Self Assessment (CSA), is a Canadian Shipment Type for goods to clear through CBSA for approved importers/carriers.
CSA Importer: CSA Importers may use approved business systems to forward data and remit taxes/duties under CSA processes.
CSA Importer Business Number: Canada Revenue Agency Business Number of the CSA importer.
Customs: The government service responsible for administration of customs law, duty/tax collection, and enforcement of import/export rules.
Customs Broker: A customs broker acts on behalf of importers to prepare entries, calculate duties/taxes, and interface with CBP/CBSA and other government agencies.
CVOR: The Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration (CVOR) is Ontario’s registration system for operators of commercial motor vehicles.

D

Delivery Address: In ACI, the address to which goods are physically delivered if different from the consignee.
Department of Defense Shipment: A U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Shipment is a shipment of goods belonging or destined to the U.S. Department of Defense being transported by a commercial carrier.
Double Drop: Also known as doubles: one tractor and two trailers.
DTOPS: Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System issues transponders/decals for carriers crossing into the U.S.

E

EDI: Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) allows electronic transmission of trade/manifest data.
eManifest: eManifest refers to North American electronic pre-arrival manifesting (ACE for U.S., ACI/eManifest for Canada). ^[1]^[2]
ELD: Electronic Logging Device that records driving time and related data.
Emergency Repairs: Repairs resulting from an unforeseen contingency outside Canada that were necessary to enable safe return to Canada. See Emergency Repairs (CBSA Cargo Exemption).
Entry Number: A unique number referencing a commercial U.S. import entry (often associated with broker/ABI filings).
ETA: Estimated time of arrival.

F

First Canadian port of entry at pac highway

FAST: The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint Canada–U.S. commercial clearance program designed to expedite low-risk, pre-approved shipments and drivers at participating ports/lanes. ^[6]^[7]
FAST ID: A unique identifier associated with an approved FAST participant (driver), issued through the FAST program. ^[6]^[7]
First Canadian Port of Entry: The First Canadian Port of Entry is the location where the driver will be entering Canada.
Flatbed: An open trailer used for freight that doesn’t require a dry van or reefer.
Flying Truck: A Flying Truck is a CBSA cargo exemption used when goods originally manifested in air mode arrive by highway.
FMCSA: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a U.S. DOT agency regulating the trucking industry.
Free of Duty: A Free of Duty Shipment (CBP Form 7523) is a U.S. shipment type for certain duty-free merchandise (subject to conditions and value limits depending on circumstance).
Freight Forwarder: A Freight Forwarder coordinates shipments between shippers, carriers and consignees.

G

Goods Astray: A Goods Astray shipment type may be used for certain undeliverable/returned goods meeting CBP requirements.

H

Hazmat Code: A four digit number used to identify certain hazardous materials/dangerous goods classifications in U.S. contexts.
Highway Carrier Code: CBSA-assigned four-character identifier required for ACI/eManifest and for many commercial highway shipment processes into Canada.
HS Code: Harmonized System (HS) Code is the international product nomenclature developed/maintained under the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework.

I

IIT (United States): In the U.S., Instruments of International Traffic (IIT) (e.g., 10.41a) is a U.S. shipment type for certain reusable articles used in international traffic.
IIT (Canada): Instruments of International Trade (IIT), is a Canadian cargo exemption for reusable containers, skids, pallets, straps, etc. used in international commercial transportation of goods.
Importer CSA Business Number: Canada Revenue Agency number of a CSA importer (used when Shipment Type is CSA).
In-Bond (United States): An In Bond is a U.S. shipment type allowing movement of goods under bond prior to final release.
In-Bond (Canada): An In-Bond is a Canadian shipment type allowing inland movement of unreleased goods under CBSA control.
In-Transit: An In Transit Manifest controls the movement of goods transiting Canada or the U.S. en route between domestic points.
Insurance Policy: Required when submitting certain dangerous goods information; in BorderConnect users can add insurance policy data in the company profile.
Informal Entry: An informal entry is a simplified CBP entry process often used for certain low-value/personal or qualifying commercial importations. CBP regulations reference informal entry processing for shipments typically valued at $2,500 or less (with exceptions; CBP can require formal entry where necessary). ^[8]^[9]
Intangibles: Intangibles is a U.S. shipment type for certain specific commodity categories referenced in CBP shipment type guidance.
Intermodal Transportation: Shipping that uses more than one mode (truck/rail/ship/air).
International Mail: International Mail is a U.S. shipment category for qualifying mail movements between postal operators.

L

LTL: Less-Than-Truckload: smaller shipments consolidated with other freight.
LVS: Low Value Shipment (LVS) is a courier-related low value program concept (Canada context includes Courier LVS).

M

MC Number: Interstate operating authority identifier assigned by FMCSA for certain for-hire carriers.
Motor Carrier: A private or for-hire business that hauls passengers and/or freight.

N

NAFTA: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trilateral agreement signed by Canada, the United States, and Mexico (now replaced by CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC).
NEXUS: NEXUS expedites border clearance for low-risk, pre-approved travelers.
NMFTA: The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) assigns and maintains Standard Carrier Alpha Codes (SCAC), the 2–4 letter codes used to identify transportation companies in many commercial/government systems. ^[10]^[11]

O

Orders In Council: An Orders in Council Shipment (OIC) is a Canadian shipment type for certain exemptions directed by Order in Council.
Owner Operator: A driver who owns their own truck; may operate under their own authority or leased to a carrier.

P

Pallet: A platform used to assemble goods into unit loads for handling/transport.
PAPS: Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS) is a U.S. release type commonly used for commercial truck shipments requiring pre-arrival clearance linkage.
PARS: Pre-arrival Review System (PARS) is a Canadian release type enabling pre-arrival review of entries.
Personal Effects: Articles for a traveller’s personal use during the journey (excluding commercial goods).
Personal Goods: Personal Goods (Casual Goods) is a Canadian shipment type for non-commercial goods transported by a highway carrier.
Personal Shipment: A Personal Shipment (Household Goods/Unaccompanied Articles) is a U.S. shipment type for non-commercial household/personal goods.
PIP: Partners in Protection (PIP) is a CBSA program to enhance border and supply chain security.
Port Code: A unique four digit code associated to the corresponding first Canadian port of entry and/or the United States port of arrival.
Port of Entry: The location where goods/conveyance first enter a country for customs processing.
Postal Shipment: A Postal Shipment is a Canadian cargo exemption for mail moving via postal channels.
Proof of Delivery (POD): Paperwork confirming delivery of a load.
Province of Loading: Province where goods were shipped from.

Q

QP In-Bond: A QP In-Bond is when a broker/approved filer submits the bond on behalf of the carrier; the carrier links it on the ACE manifest using the same shipment control number.
Quick Assign: BorderConnect feature to select previously entered data by typing partial values.

R

Reefer Trailer: Refrigerated trailer.
Release Office: CBSA office responsible for releasing the shipment (varies by shipment type).
Released: Status indicating goods have been authorized to enter the economy.
Returned American Products: Returned American Products are U.S. goods being returned under qualifying conditions.
RMD: Release on Minimum Documentation (Paper RMD) allows release of certain commercial goods already in Canada under specific scenarios.
RNS: Release Notification System (RNS) provides release status updates for shipments to Canada.

S

SCAC: A Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a 2–4 letter code used to identify transportation companies; NMFTA is the primary issuing authority for SCACs in North America. ^[10]
Seal Number: A metal or plastic lock for cargo trailers and trucks to secure cargo from tampering.
Section 321: Section 321 (19 U.S.C. 1321) is the U.S. “de minimis” framework historically allowing certain low-value shipments (up to $800) to enter duty- and tax-free under qualifying conditions. Duty-free de minimis availability can be suspended by U.S. policy actions/tariff orders, so filers should confirm current CBP guidance before using Section 321-related processes. ^[12]^[13]
Shipment Control Number: A Shipment Control Number (SCN) is a unique number assigned to a U.S.-bound shipment in ACE highway manifesting.
Shipment Type: A Shipment Type (clearance/release option) is the method by which goods obtain permission to enter the country.
Shipper: Party shown on shipping documents as responsible for shipping/origin.
Skid: Another term for a pallet.
Surety: A party (often a bank/insurer) that accepts responsibility for financial consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations.
Surety Bond: A guarantee to assume responsibility for a debt/obligation if a party defaults.
Status Query: BorderConnect feature that requests status updates for a shipment with CBSA (RNS context).
Straight Truck: Vehicle with cargo body mounted to chassis (not a tractor-trailer).
Sub Location: A Sublocation is a CBSA-approved warehouse code where a cargo report is acquitted and goods are authorized to deliver (commonly required for Canadian In-Bond).
Sufferance Warehouse: Sufferance warehouses are CBSA-licensed facilities for short-term storage/examination of unreleased imported goods.

T

Tanker: Closed bulk trailer.
Team Driver: Two drivers operating one commercial vehicle.
Temporary Importation: Goods imported under authorization for a limited period and specified use.
Terminal: Company office location used for account organization/timezone context in BorderConnect.
Tractor Trailer: Tractor and semitrailer combination.
Transaction Number: A unique number referencing a Canadian commercial shipment from a customs broker (varies by process/program).
Travel Document: Documents required to cross (e.g., CDL plus WHTI-approved document or FAST where applicable).
Trip Number: Unique number used by customs to identify an eManifest trip (SCAC/carrier code + unique characters). ^[1]^[2]

U

UN Code: Four digit dangerous goods identifier (U.N. number).
USDOT: U.S. DOT number identifying a motor carrier for safety monitoring/enforcement.

V

VIN: Vehicle identification number. In BorderConnect it should be entered in full for ACE eManifest; partial VINs may not be accepted in certain contexts. ^[1]

W

WACM: Warehouse Arrival Certification Message (WACM) is transmitted to CBSA when unreleased shipments arrive at a sufferance warehouse (arrivals are reported per CCN).
Waybill: A document issued by a carrier listing shipment details/instructions.
WHTI: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document when entering the U.S. by land/water.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 CBP — ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF) https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 CBSA — ACI/eManifest Highway Electronic Commerce Client Requirements https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html
↑ CBSA — AMPS information (contraventions page) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c377-eng.html
↑ CBP — Inbound Truck Mode Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/truck_faqs_0.pdf
↑ CBP — C-TPAT overview https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/CTPAT
↑ ^6.0 ^6.1 CBP — FAST program overview https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/fast
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 CBSA — FAST program https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/menu-eng.html
↑ CBP (Help Center) — Informal entry under $2,500 https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1077?language=en_US
↑ eCFR — 19 CFR Part 143, Subpart C (Informal Entry) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-143/subpart-C
↑ ^10.0 ^10.1 NMFTA — SCAC overview https://nmfta.org/scac/
↑ NMFTA — SCAC Application (PDF) https://store.nmfta.org/products/document/1008
↑ FDA (Import Basics) — De minimis entry definition ($800) https://www.fda.gov/industry/import-basics/common-entry-types
↑ Reuters — reporting on de minimis suspension language under tariff orders (19 U.S.C. 1321) https://www.reuters.com/world/trumps-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-suspend-loophole-behind-fentanyl-shipments-2025-02-02/

[cbp-ace-truck-guide-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 CBP — ACE Truck Manifest User Guide (PDF) https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ACE%20Truck%20Manifest%20User%20Guide.pdf

[cbsa-aci-highway-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 ^2.3 CBSA — ACI/eManifest Highway Electronic Commerce Client Requirements https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/manif/eccrdhi-deccerout-eng.html

[cbsa-amps-3] CBSA — AMPS information (contraventions page) https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trade-commerce/amps/contraventions-infractions/c377-eng.html

[cbp-truck-faqs-4] CBP — Inbound Truck Mode Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/truck_faqs_0.pdf

[cbp-ctpat-5] CBP — C-TPAT overview https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/ports-entry/cargo-security/CTPAT

[cbp-fast-6] 6.0 ^6.1 CBP — FAST program overview https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/fast

[cbsa-fast-7] 7.0 ^7.1 CBSA — FAST program https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/fast-expres/menu-eng.html

[cbp-informal-8] CBP (Help Center) — Informal entry under $2,500 https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1077?language=en_US

[ecfr-informal-9] CFR — 19 CFR Part 143, Subpart C (Informal Entry) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-143/subpart-C

[nmfta-scac-10] 10.0 ^10.1 NMFTA — SCAC overview https://nmfta.org/scac/

[nmfta-scac-app-11] NMFTA — SCAC Application (PDF) https://store.nmfta.org/products/document/1008

[fda-deminimis-12] FDA (Import Basics) — De minimis entry definition ($800) https://www.fda.gov/industry/import-basics/common-entry-types

[reuters-deminimis-13] Reuters — reporting on de minimis suspension language under tariff orders (19 U.S.C. 1321) https://www.reuters.com/world/trumps-canada-mexico-china-tariffs-suspend-loophole-behind-fentanyl-shipments-2025-02-02/

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