CNS Customs Acronym Jargon Buster

Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
AEOC Authorised Economic Operator Customs Simplification HMRC Authorised Economic Operator status is an internationally recognised quality mark that shows a business’s role in the international supply chain is secure, and that it has customs control procedures that meet Authorised Economic Operator standards and criteria.
AFSS Association of Freight Software Suppliers AFSS AFSS represents members on the main HMRC Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) and plays an active role in numerous working groups.
AICES Association of International Courier and Express Services AICES AICES members offer UK importers & exporters services to assist with trading during the post-Brexit transition.
ALVS Automatic Licence Verification System DEFRA System that traders use to submit documentation to Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and Port Health Authorities (PHA) to pass their decision notifications.
APC Additional Procedure Code HMRC The additional procedure is a 3-digit code which relates to a specific set of circumstances which applies to goods.
APERAK Acknowledgement message UN EDIFACT The function of this message is:

• To inform a message issuer that his message has been received by the addressee’s application and has been rejected due to errors encountered during its processing in the application.
• To acknowledge to a message issuer the receipt of their message by the addressee’s application.
APHA Animal and Plant Health Agency DEFRA The APHA is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and also works on behalf of the Scottish and Welsh Governments. APHA works to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
AWB Airway Bill Airfreight Companies (For Air) A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity & destination of the goods being carried.
It can also serve as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the good(s) at its destination.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
BEEMS Border Entry & Exit Movement Services CNS A suite of Border Management products (currently, Pre-Lodgement and Safety & Security Declarations)
BIFA British International Freight Association BIFA The British International Freight Association is a trade association representing UK freight forwarders.
BIRDS Bulk Import Reduced Data Set HMRC To declare one or more low value parcels in a single import declaration when you import goods to Great Britain.
BOL Bill of Lading Freight Companies (For Martime) A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity & destination of the goods being carried.
It can also serve as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the good(s) at its destination.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
CCMI CHIEF/CDS Customer Messaging Interface Web Service CNS An interface provided by CNS for communicating to CHIEF/CDS through declarant’s software(s).
CDMS Customs Declaration Management System CNS A software created by CNS to be used by Clearing Agents for submitting Declarations to HMRC.
CDS Customs Declaration Service HMRC CDS is replacing CHIEF with a modern and flexible system that can handle anticipated future import and export growth.
CFL Courier Facilities Ltd CFL CFL provide a handling service at Heathrow for Imports & Exports by Air.
CFSP Customs Freight Simplified Procedures HMRC Alternative customs procedures designed to get goods through a border as speedily as possible by allowing the submission of a simplified customs declaration at the border, rather than a fully detailed declaration. By the 4th working day of the month following the submission of the simplified declaration, a supplementary declaration with the full financial and statistical details of the import must be submitted to HMRC and the import duties must be paid. This allows businesses more time to gather and submit accurate information to HMRC and more time to pay import duties.
CHED Common Health Entry Document HMRC Replacement for CVED documents, this pre-notifies local port health authorities of arriving cargo deemed at risk (e.g food, feed etc.). Normally created by the importer but customs brokers / agents usually perform on behalf of them.
CHIEF Customs Handling of Import & Export Freight HMRC CHIEF is the computer system of the UK’s revenue and customs services, HMRC. Used for managing the declaration and movement of goods into and out of the UK and allowing UK traders to communicate with counterpart customs systems in the other member states of the EU. It also managed movement of goods across EU borders where the moved material belonged to a UK party. It has been partly replaced by the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). CHIEF is due to be fully retired during 2023.
CILT Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport CILT The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK is the membership organisation for United Kingdom professionals involved in the movement of goods and people, and their associated supply chains.
CLE Previous document type: Presentation notification concerning entry in the declarant’s records (EIDR) HMRC Presentation notification concerning entry in the declarant’s records (EIDR)
CN Consignment Number CSP’s (For Air) A unique number to identify an item or items in the inventory.
CNS Community Network Services CNS Pioneering digital innovation, empowering trade for almost 40 years. Since our founding in 1986 CNS has lead the way with the introduction of the first computerised systems to streamline trade processes for our Ports, Logistics and Freight Management industry clients. CNS continues to innovate to be at the forefront in meeting the challenges of todays complex trading environment.
COARRI Container discharge/loading report message UN EDIFACT A message by which the container terminal reports that the containers specified have been discharged from a seagoing vessel (discharged as ordered, overlanded or shortlanded), or have been loaded into a seagoing vessel. This message is part of a total set of container-related messages. These messages serve to facilitate the intermodal handling of containers by streamlining the information exchange.
D – Used for import discharging from a vessel.
L – Used for export loading to a vessel.
COASTS Container Operational Anti-Smuggling Targeting System SL Manifest  / HMRC Manifest data sent to COASTS EDCS mailbox and Border Force’s AFTC
CODECO Container gate-in/gate-out report message UN EDIFACT A message by which a terminal, depot, etc. confirms that the containers specified have been delivered or picked up by the inland carrier (road, rail or barge). This message can also be used to report internal terminal container movements (excluding loading and discharging the vessel) and to report the change in status of container(s) without those containers having physically been moved.
This message is part of a total set of container-related messages. These messages serve to facilitate the intermodal handling of containers by streamlining the information exchange. The business scenario for the container messages is clarified in a separate document, called: ‘Guide to the scenario of EDIFACT container messages’.
I – Used for ingating of an export
O – Used for outgating of an import
COPARN Container announcement message UN EDIFACT The message contains an order to release, to make available, to accept or to call down containers or to announce the impending arrival of containers.
COPINO Container pre-notification message UN EDIFACT A message by which an inland carrier notifies of the delivery or pick-up of containers.
COPRAR Container discharge/loading order message UN EDIFACT A message to order to the container terminal that the containers specified have to be discharged from a seagoing vessel or have to be loaded into a seagoing vessel.
COREOR Container release order message UN EDIFACT Order to release containers, and giving permission for them to be picked up by or on behalf of a specified party.
CPC Customs Procedure Codes HMRC Code used by a clearing agent to identify the type of good being imported/exported.
CSP Community System Provider All CSPs provide links between a Clearing Agent’s software & HMRC’s CDS system.
CST Customs Status of Goods UN EDIFACT To specify goods in terms of customs identities, status and intended use.
CUSCAR Customs cargo report message UN EDIFACT This message permits the transfer of data from a carrier to a Customs administration for the purpose of meeting Customs cargo reporting requirements.
CUSDEC Customs declaration message UN EDIFACT This Customs Declaration Message (CUSDEC) permits the transfer of data from a declarant to a customs administration for the purpose of meeting legislative and/or operational requirements in respect of the declaration of goods for import, export or transit.
The message may also be used, for example:
• To transmit data from an exporter in one country to an importer in another country.
• To transmit consignment data from one customs administration to another.
• To transmit data from a customs authority to other governments agencies and/or interested administrations.
• To transmit data from a declarant to the appropriate data collection agency on the movement of goods between statistical territories.
CUSRES Customs response message UN EDIFACT This Customs Response Message (CUSRES) permits the transfer of data from a customs administration:
• To acknowledge the receipt of the message
• To indicate whether the information received is correct or if there are errors (i.e. accepted without errors, accepted with errors, rejected, etc.)
• To inform the sender of the status of the customs declaration (i.e. goods released, goods for examination, documents required, etc.)
• To transmit additional information as agreed between parties (i.e. tax information, quantity information, etc.)
• To respond to batched messages (i.e. CUSDEC, CUSCAR, CUSREP, CUSEXP).
Note: this message is not meant to replace the functionality of the CONTRL message.
CVED Common Veterinary Entry Document HMRC Antiquated document in the UK, but still used in the EU.
The Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) is the official document used in all member states of the European Union (EU) to pre-notify the arrival of each consignment of live animals (pets not included), live animal products and products of animal origin intended for import to or transit through the EU from third countries.
The first part of the CVED contains relevant information about the consignment and is intended for the notifying part to report to the competent veterinary authority in the Border Inspection Post (BIP).
The second part of the CVED shows the results of the conducted checks, and is used by the competent authority at the BIP to communicate to the notifying part the decision regarding the consignment.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
DCR Declaration Consignment Reference HMRC Previous Document Type code, see DUCR
DCS DUCR Parts HMRC The DUCR/Parts of each of the other initial declarations are to be declared as separate “DCS” previous documents in DE 2/1, against the corresponding items at item level.
DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs HMRC The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a department of HMRC responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries and rural communities in the United Kingdom.
DFT Department for Transport UK Government The DFT plan & invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. DfT is a ministerial department, supported by 24 agencies & public bodies.
DIS Declaration Information Service HMRC The DIS can be used to enquire on a single import or export declaration.
DMS Declaration Management System HMRC DMS is responsible for automated support of the management of customs declarations.
DUCR Declaration Unique Consignment Reference HMRC The DUCR and the optional Part suffix is the main reference key to any CHIEF or CDS declaration.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
EAA Export Anticipated Arrival message HMRC An electronic message sent to notify of the anticipated arrival datetime of an export to its destination location.

This message relates to the movement of a consignment covered by CHIEF export declarations and should only be used at UK frontier locations that are not currently operating an export inventory linking system.
EAC Export Associate Consignment HMRC An electronic message sent a DUCR with an export declaration.

These transactions relate to the movement of consignments covered by CHIEF export declarations and should only be used at UK frontier locations that are not currently operating an export inventory linking system.
EAL Export Arrival at Location message HMRC An electronic message sent to notify that the export has arrived at a location.

This message relates to the movement of a consignment covered by CHIEF export declarations and should only be used at UK frontier locations that are not currently operating an export inventory linking system.
ECS Export Control System HMRC ECS is an approach that is designed to standardize communications between different countries and ensure that all proper processes and validations are performed from the export declaration through to the presentation of goods at exit, leading to the exit confirmation processes.
EDCS Electronic Data Capture Service HMRC A service provided by HMRC that facilitates the exchange of various EDI messages between traders and government systems (notably CHIEF). EDI messages are electronic versions of documents such as a Bill of Lading or inventory documents.
EDI Electronic Data Interchange UN EDIFACT UN/EDIFACT (the United Nations rules for Elec­tronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport) comprise a set of internationally agreed standards, directo­ries, and guidelines for the electronic interchange of structured data, between independent computerized information systems.
EDL Export Depart Location message HMRC An electronic message sent to notify that the export has deprated from a location.

This message relates to the movement of a consignment covered by CHIEF export declarations and should only be used at UK frontier locations that are not currently operating an export inventory linking system.
EFD Full Export Declaration HMRC An export declaration is a type of form submitted at the port, providing details about the goods that are bound for export.
EIDR Entry in the Declarant’s Records HMRC Entry in the Declarant’s Records (EIDR) is a simplified procedure.
Under this procedure, an economic operator may be authorised to enter certain goods to the customs import procedure at their premises or another approved location.
EMCS Excise Movement and Control System HMRC Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS) is a UK and EU-wide computer system that’s used to record duty suspended movements of excise goods taking place within the UK and the EU. It allows the exchange of secure online messages containing specific consignment and movement information between UK and EU trading partners.
EMR Export Master Route HMRC This message is used by CHIEF/CDS to notify the Inventory system of the route and status of a master movement and, for a master (anticipated) arrival, optionally to supply the route, status and other details for the contained declaration movements.
ENS Entry Summary Declaration HMRC Required if moving goods into Great Britain, Northern Ireland from Great Britain, or into Northern Ireland from outside the EU.
EORI Economic Operators Registration & Identification HMRC Unique identifier for traders within HMRC’s Digital Tax Platform.
EPU Entry Processing Unit HMRC HMRC has divided the UK into regions that help identify where an item or items are being cleared/declared.
These have been called Entry Processing Units.
ERS Export route or status change notification HMRC This message is used by CHIEF/CDS to notify the Inventory system of the route and status (and the values of some declared data elements) for a consignment(part).
ERTS Enhanced Remote Transit Shed HMRC Legacy name for ETSF.
ETS External Temporary Storage Clearing Agents, HMRC Removal from Maritime site to an ETSF (Manual Approval by HMRC staff) – T1 guarantee document required
ETSF External Temporary Storage Facility All A warehouse or other secure location where cargo can be held prior to the payment of import duties and VAT.
EU European Union EU The European Union is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
EXA Export Arrived Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Arrived declaration
EXB Export Simplified Arrived Declaration on an occasional basis. Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for an arrived declaration on an occasional (regular) basis.
EXC Export Simplified Arrived Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for an arrived declaration.
EXD Export Pre-Lodged Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Prelodged declaration.
EXE Export Simplified Pre-Lodged Declaration on an occasional basis. Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for a pre-lodged declaration on an occasional (regular) basis.
EXF Export Simplified Pre-Lodged Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for a pre-lodged declaration.
EXJ Export Arrived Amendment Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration amendment type for an arrived declaration.
EXK Export Pre-Lodged Amendment Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration amendment type for an pre-lodged declaration.
EXR Retrospective lodgement of an export declaration. Clearing Agents, HMRC Retrospective lodgement of a declaration.
EXU Supplementary recapitulative declaration of simplified declarations covered by C and F Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary recapitulative declaration of simplified declarations covered by C and F.
EXV Supplementary recapitulative export declaration under the procedure covered by Article 182 of the Code Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary recapitulative declaration under the procedure covered by Article 182 of the Code.
EXX Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes B and E) Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes B and E).
EXY Export Arrived Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes C and F) Clearing Agents, HMRC Export Arrived Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes C and F).
EXZ Export Arrived Supplementary declarations for Entry in Declarants Records Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary declaration under the procedure covered under Article 182 of the Code (EIDR).
Acronym Unabbreviated Created / Used By Definition/Description
FCDO Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office UK Government The FCDO is a department of the UK Government and is responsible for:

• Safeguarding the UK’s national security by countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, and working to reduce conflict.
• Building the UK’s prosperity by increasing exports and investment, opening markets, ensuring access to resources, and promoting sustainable global growth.
• Supporting British nationals around the world through modern and efficient consular services.
FCL Full Container Load Clearing Agents, Inventory Systems The consigned shipment occupies the whole container on an FCL agreement and is not shared with other consignees.
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations FIATA The FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a non-governmental organization representing freight forwarders worldwide.
FSA Food Standards Agency UK Government The Food Standards Agency is a non-ministerial government department of the Government of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for protecting public health in relation to food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
FSD Final Supplementary Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC A final supplementary declaration (FSD) is required at the end of each month’s reporting period for each trader authorised for CFSP.
This FSD includes all supplementary declarations submitted up to the 4th working day of the following month.
This declaration is sent to HMRC as a ‘normal’ import supplementary declaration (ISD) with a specific procedure code and AI Statements showing the numbers of ISD and ISW declarations being reported.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
GLC Goods Location Code HMRC Used to identify the precise location of the goods at the time of their entry to a customs procedure, to enable Customs to carry out physical control on the goods.
GMR Goods Movement Reference HMRC A Goods Movement Reference (GMR) number is generated by GVMS, the GMR links together all the customs declarations for a particular shipment. This allows the haulier to present one GMR number at the European border to prove that all the goods being shipped have been correctly declared to HM Revenue and Customs.
GVMS Goods Vehicle Movement Service HMRC GVMS is a UK Government IT platform for moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland and Great Britain and is linked to CDS and CHIEF. Hauliers who move goods through a port in the UK that uses the Goods Vehicle Movement Service will need to register for the service to get their goods through customs. They will need to register if any goods they bring into or take from the UK are through a port using the GVMS. The GVMS is a UK Government IT platform for moving goods into or out of Northern Ireland and Great Britain and is linked to CDS and CHIEF. Hauliers who move goods through a port in the UK that uses the GVMS will need to register for the service to get their goods through customs. They will need to register if any goods they bring into or take from the UK are through a port using the GVMS.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
HMRC His (Her) Majesty’s Revenue and Customs HMRC HMRC is a non-ministerial department of the UK Government responsible for the collection of taxes, the payment of some forms of state support, the administration of other regulatory regimes including the national minimum wage and the issuance of national insurance numbers.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
ICC International Chamber of Commerce ICC The ICC is an institutional representative of 45 million companies in more than 170 countries who aim to make it easier for businesses to trade internationally.
ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association ICHCA ICHCA is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement.
ICR Inventory consignment reference HMRC For C21 Declaration (amendment)
ICS Import Clearance Status HMRC See: SOE
IFD Into Warehouse Declaration via Full, Standard, Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Full Declaration for Movement into a Warehouse/ETSF.
IFTSTA International multi-modal status report message UN EDIFACT A message to report the transport status and/or a change in the transport status (i.e. event) between agreed parties.
ILIVMR Inventory Linking Imports Validate Movement Request HMRC Upon receipt of a ‘inventoryLinkingImportValidateMovementRequest’ notification, a CSP is required to check whether they can validate that the ICR on the declaration is the same, and check that the number of packages matches against the inventory record.
IM Previous document type: Import declaration HMRC Import declaration.
IMA Import Arrived Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration type for already arrived cargo.
IMB Import Simplified Arrived Declaration on an occasional basis. Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for an arrived declaration on an occasional (regular) basis.
IMC Import Simplified Arrived Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for an arrived declaration.
IMD Import Pre-Lodged Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration for a shipment that hasn’t yet arrived, will expire with CDS if the shipment does not arrive within 30 days.
IME Import Simplified Pre-Lodged Declaration on an occasional basis. Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for a pre-lodged declaration on an occasional (regular) basis.
IMF Import Simplified Pre-Lodged Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Declaration type for a pre-lodged declaration.
IMiTS Import Movement into Temporary Storage Clearing Agents, HMRC Simplified Removal from Maritime site to an ETSF (Auto Approval after 2hr delay so HMRC can put on hold if needed) – check for CCG guarantee as trusted expiry.
IMJ Import Arrived Amendment Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration amendment type for an arrived declaration.
IMK Import Pre-Lodged Amendment Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Declaration amendment type for an pre-lodged declaration.
IMO International Maritime Organisation IMO The International Maritime Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
IMR Retrospective lodgement of a declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Retrospective lodgement of a declaration
IMU Supplementary recapitulative declaration of simplified declarations covered by C and F Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary recapitulative declaration of simplified declarations covered by C and F
IMV Supplementary recapitulative declaration under the procedure covered under Article 182 of the Code Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary recapitulative declaration under the procedure covered under Article 182 of the Code
IMX Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes B and E) Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes B and E)
IMY Import Arrived Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes C and F) Clearing Agents, HMRC Import Arrived Supplementary declaration of simplified declarations (codes C and F)
IMZ Import Arrived Supplementary declarations for Entry in Declarants Records Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary declaration under the procedure covered under Article 182 of the Code (EIDR)
IRC Inventory Return Code Inventory Systems Code returned for inventory linked declarations which will update the status of the cargo(es)
ISD Import Supplementary Declaration Clearing Agents, HMRC Supplementary Declaration for Movement into a Warehouse/ETSF.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
JMS Java/Jakarta Message Service Inventory Systems A Java API for message-oriented middleware that can be used to facilitate the sending and receiving of messages between software systems.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
LCL Less than container Load Clearing Agents, Inventory Systems Used in sea freight to describe loads that are “less than a container load,” or a shipment that does not fill an entire container.
LRN Local Reference number Clearing Agents The Local Reference Number (LRN) defined by the declarant and submitted in Data Element 2/5 will need to be unique for a period of 2 days from the point of declaration acceptance. It can only be reused once the 2 calendar days have elapsed.
LUK Logistics UK Logistics UK Formally the Freight Transport Assocation, Logisitcs UK is one of the largest trade associations in the UK, with members moving goods by road, rail, sea, and air.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency MCA The MCA works to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea. We produce legislation and guidance on maritime matters, and provide certification to seafarers.
MCR Master Consignment Number HMRC, Inventory Systems Previous Document Type code, see MUCR
MDTP Multi-channel Digital Tax Platform HMRC User receives MDTP notifications, a HTTP response from CDS as an acknowledgement for a received declaration. This notification routes to a configured ‘TOPIC’.
MRN Movement Reference Number HMRC Also known as the ReferenceID.
MUCN Master Universal Consignment Number HMRC Generated by CNS Compass as a result of an amalgamation of UCNs.
MUCR Master Unique Consignment Reference HMRC Used to associate a number of DUCRs into a single UCR.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
N4 Terminal Operating System created by Navis Navis Terminal Operating System created by Navis.
NCH National Clearance Hub HMRC The National Clearance Hub (NCH) handles the movement and processing of goods moving into, out of, or through the UK.
NCTS New Community Transit System UK Government A pan European continent system (including UK and other non EU Countries e.g Ukraine) which governs the opening and closing of T documents.
NFAU National Frontiers Approval Unit UK Government The Border Force National Frontier Approvals Unit (NFAU) in Birmingham is responsible for the processing and maintenance of all Temporary Storage authorisations.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
P2P Permission to Progress HMRC Permission to Progress means that the export entry has been cleared and the goods may now be loaded for transport.
PBN Pre-Boarding Notification Irish Government A PBN is a ‘virtual envelope’ where the details of the Master Reference Numbers (MRN’s) of all the customs declarations relating to the goods are held together in one place. Each PBN has a unique identifier called the PBN ID.
PDT 337 Previous document type: Temporary storage declaration HMRC Temporary storage declaration
PDT 355 Previous document type: Entry summary declaration HMRC Entry summary declaration
PDT 781 Previous document type: Arrival ID of postal consignment HMRC Arrival ID of postal consignment
PDT 820 Previous document type: Union/common transit declaration – Mixed consignments (T) HMRC Union/common transit declaration – Mixed consignments (T)
PDT 821 Previous document type: External Union/common transit declaration (T1) HMRC External Union/common transit declaration (T1)
PDT 830 Previous document type: Goods declaration for exportation HMRC Goods declaration for exportation
PDT 952 Previous document type: TIR carnet HMRC TIR carnet
PDT ZZZ Previous document type: Other previous document HMRC Other previous document
PEACH Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate HMRC System for pre-notifying plant health of high risk or controlled plant matter.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
RHA Road Haulage Association RHA The Road Haulage Association Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee dedicated to the interests of the road haulage industry. It is the only trade association in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to road haulage.
ROE Route of Examination HMRC An alphanumerical value denoting the current examination status of the declaration.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
SAD Single Administrative Document HMRC A Single Administrative Document or SAD (also known as form C88 in the UK) is the main customs form used in international trade to or from the European Union’s Customs Union. Traders and agents can use the SAD to assist with declaring import, export, transit and community status declarations when electronic systems fail and manual processing of declarations is required.
SDE Previous document type: Simplified declaration HMRC Simplified declaration
SFD Simplified Frontier Declaration HMRC An SFD contains the minimum amount of information needed to be submitted at the frontier to enable import release of the goods. It can only be used by a trader authorised to use simplified customs declaration procedures (SCDP/CFSP).
SIC Standard Industrial Classification Code HMRC The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) was a system for classifying industries by a four-digit code as a method of standardizing industry classification for statistical purposes across agencies.
SMUCR Super Master Unique Consignment Reference HMRC A Master Unique Consignment Reference (MUCR) is normally used to link or associate several Declaration UCRs (DUCRs).
SOE Status of Entry HMRC A numerical value denoting the current status of the declaration. Also known as an ICS Code.
SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea International Maritime Organisation The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is an international maritime treaty that sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment and operation of merchant ships.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
T1 Transit 1 Clearing Agents, HMRC The status of goods moving under transit. T1 refers to goods that are not in free circulation within the EU. Movements of goods starting in Great Britain will almost always have T1 status. Movements of goods starting in Northern Ireland will be treated as T2 goods if they are in free circulation, or T1 goods if they not in free circulation. Also see NCTS.
T2 Transit 2 Clearing Agents, HMRC The status of goods moving under transit. T2 refers to goods that are in free circulation within the EU. Movements of goods starting in Northern Ireland will be treated as T2 goods if they are in free circulation. Also see NCTS.
TDR Trader Dress Rehearsal HMRC TDR is a free service that is designed to help you prepare for the live Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and is in essence a test environment.
TOS Terminal Operating System Ports TOS helps to manage the movement of containers at cargo terminals. Managers of cargo terminals use TOS software to monitor a range of activities across an entire port or inland terminal and maximize efficiency when loading and unloading container ships and other vehicles.
TVGM Terminal Determined Verified Gross Mass SOLAS The Verified Gross Mass is the weight of the cargo including dunnage and bracing plus the tare weight of the container carrying this cargo. SOLAS requires the shipper to provide VGM in a “shipping document,” either as part of the shipping instruction or in a separate communication, before vessel loading.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
UCC Union Customs Code HMRC The UCC is the rulebook for managing the external borders of the EU’s customs union. It is relevant in a Brexit context because these are the rules and procedures that were put in place on the EU side of UK-EU border points after the end of the transition period.
UCD Unique Container Description Inventory Systems A 2-character code which identifies the status of a container. E.g. L8 = Loaded Container.
UCN Universal Consignment Number CSP’s (For Maritime) A unique number to identify an item or items in the inventory.
This can be at a Container (Unit), Cargo or Consignment level with slightly differing (child) syntaxes for each.
UCR Unique Consignment Reference Freight Companies Usually allocated by a consignor (sender), that uniquely identifies a consignment of goods.
UTR Unique Taxpayer Reference HMRC Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers (or UTRs) are 10-digit codes that uniquely identify you or your business.
UVI Unique Voyage Indicator Compass Unique identifier for each voyage undertaken by a vessel.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
VBS Vehicle Booking System Ports VBS is a system in place at many UK ports whereby vehicles must be booked-in prior to collection/ delivery of containers.
VERMAS Verified Gross Mass Message UN EDIFACT VERMAS can be used by different parties at different times in a transport chain. It is not dedicated to a particular process step.
For example, in relation to a supply chain including the transport of a packed container on an ocean vessel, the VERMAS permits to submit the verified gross mass of the packed container and supporting information as legally required by the SOLAS Convention Chapter VI, Part A, Regulation 2.
VGM Verified Gross Mass SOLAS The Verified Gross Mass is the weight of the cargo including dunnage and bracing plus the tare weight of the container carrying this cargo. SOLAS requires the shipper to provide VGM in a “shipping document,” either as part of the shipping instruction or in a separate communication, before vessel loading.
Acronym Unabbreviated Created/ Used By Definition/Description
WCO World Customs Organisation WCO The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The WCO works on customs-related matters including the development of international conventions, instruments, and tools on topics such as commodity classification, valuation, rules of origin, collection of customs revenue, supply chain security, international trade facilitation, customs enforcement activities, combating counterfeiting in support of intellectual property rights (IPR), illegal drug enforcement, combating counterfeiting of medicinal drugs, illegal weapons trading, integrity promotion, and delivering sustainable capacity building to assist with customs reforms and modernization. The WCO maintains the international Harmonized System (HS) goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.