BIFA Standard Trading Conditions
We trade in accordance with BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (2025 Edition). Samphire Customs Limited present Customs Declarations under Direct Representation Only.
DownloadGlossary
| Customs acronyms & glossary | ||
|---|---|---|
| ADD | Anti-Dumping Duties | Customs duties imposed on imports from specific countries in addition to the normal or preferential duty; additional duties can be introduced where the export price is below the normal value, thus protecting UK manufacturers. |
| AEO | Authorised Economic Operator |
AEO is an operator whose customs procedures, upon application, has been granted the status of authorised economic operator. AEO status is recognised in various countries across the world. |
| BCP | Border Control Post | Most consignments of animals, animal products and products of non-animal origin from Non-EU countries must come through a Border Control Post (BCP), previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP). Such products must undergo certain veterinary checks in accordance with European Directive 97/78/EC. These rules apply to both commercial and personal traffic. |
| BTI | Binding Tariff Information | A written decision on the commodity code applied to goods, in writing from HMRC. |
| C88 | Export or Import Declaration |
Same as Single Administrative Document (SAD). |
| C of O | Certificate of Origin | A specific document identifying the goods, in which the authority or body empowered to issue it certifies expressly that the goods to which the certificate relates originate in a specific country. |
| CCT | Common Customs Tariff |
Since the completion of the internal market, goods can circulate freely between Member States. The ‘Common Customs Tariff’ (CCT) therefore applies to the import of goods across the external borders of the EU. |
| CDS | Customs Declaration Service |
CDS replaced the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF). The Customs Declaration Service delivers a new system for importers and exporters who have to complete customs declarations when trading outside the UK. |
| CFSP | Customs Freight Simplified Procedures |
A simplified import entry procedure used in the UK, that is intended to accelerate the release of imported goods. |
| CHIEF | Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight |
CDS replaced the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (CHIEF). The Customs Declaration Service delivers a new system for importers and exporters who have to complete customs declarations when trading outside the UK. |
| CPC | Customs Procedure Code | A code that identifies which regime the goods will enter or leave under free circulation/excise/GSP/IPR/OPR. |
| CTC | Common Transit Convention | Facilitates the movement of goods across borders of member countries (EU Member States; Turkey, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine) by only requiring customs declarations and payment of duties when goods arrive at their final destination. |
| CVC | Certificate of Veterinary Clearance |
A document issued by the official veterinary officer at a BCP controlling Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and live animals entering the EC. |
| DEFRA | Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
The Government department responsible for UK agriculture, fisheries and foodstuffs. |
| DEP | Designated Export Place | A place of export (not a port or airport) authorised by HMRC for the export clearance of freight. |
| DUCR | Declaration Unique Consignment Reference |
A reference allocated to each export and import declaration after acceptance by CDS (Customs Declaration Service). |
| EAD | Export Accompanying Document | An EAD is a document that accompanies the goods to the office of exit and serves as proof from a competent customs office that an export is admissible. |
| ECS | Export Control System | EU’s common export system, which enables message traffic between different national export systems. |
| EFTA | European Free Trade Association | Free trade area consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. |
| EIDR | Entry in Declarants Records | Allows the authorised declarant to enter imported or exported goods to a customs procedure without the need to provide a full customs entry. |
| ENS | Entry Summary Declaration | All carriers must complete the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) when entering UK and an Exit Summary Declaration (EXS) when leaving the UK. This is part of the Safety and Security Declaration (SSD). |
| EORI | Economic Operators Registration and Identification System |
Businesses and people wishing to trade outside GB will require an EORI number. This is a unique identification number used in all customs procedures, issued by HMRC. |
| EUR1 | Movement Certificate | European Preference/Movement Certificate used between EU countries and countries with whom the EU has bilateral trade agreements. Confirms goods qualify under the original rules of the agreement(s). |
| EXS | Exit Summary Declaration | All carriers must complete the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) when entering the UK and an Exit Summary Declaration (EXS) when leaving the UK. This is part of the Safety and Security Declaration (SSD). |
| GMR | Goods Movement Reference | A reference generated by the GV S platform which groups movement references at consignment level. |
| GVMS | Goods Vehicle Movement Service | Government border control IT system introduced by HMRC to facilitate the movement of ro-ro traffic when importing and exporting to certain ports within the UK. |
| HMRC | His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs | The UK Government Service which is responsible for the administration of Customs law and the collection of duties and taxes, and which also has the responsibility for the application of other laws and regulations relating to the importation, exportation, movement or storage of goods. |
| ICS | Import Control System | Import control system used to declare goods arriving in the Union. A declaration, presentation of goods and the arrival declaration is required for all modes of transport. |
| IPAFFS | Import of products, animals, food and feed system |
IPAFFS is the domestic system for the import of live animals, animal products and high-risk food and feed not of animal origin into Great Britain. |
| IPR | Inward Processing Relief | The Customs procedure under which certain goods can be brought into the country, relieved from payment of import duties and taxes, on the basis that such goods are intended for manufacturing, processing or repair and subsequent exportation. |
| MRN | Movement Reference Number | This is the unique reference number produced when an export or import declaration is produced. |
| NCTS | New Computerised Transit System |
An electronic platform in the EU which is used for any goods travelling under Union Transit, also referred to as TAD or T1. |
| OPR | Outward Processing Relief | The system of giving relief on goods temporarily exported and re-imported after process or repair in a country outside the EU. |
| PoA | Power of Attorney | A power of attorney or letter of attorney is a written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter. |
| SAD | Single Administrative Document | Also known as the C88, this document is needed for imports and exports in and out of the UK, it provides custom officials with essential information such as their origin, value and destination. |
| SPS | Sanitary and Phytosanitary | The measures to protect humans, animals, and plants from diseases, pests, or contaminants. |
| SSD | Safety and Security Declaration | All carriers must complete the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) when entering UK and an Exit Summary Declaration (EXS) wh n leaving the UK. This is part of the Safety and Security Declaration (SSD). |
| TAD | Transport Authorised Document | The TAD accompanies the goods where a transit declaration is processed at an office of departure by the NCTS or T1. |
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