Followings terms are very common in Import / Export business which are explained.

EORI Number
An EORI number is a number unique throughout the European Community assigned by customs authorities to the businesses or persons. For any Commercial Import / Export you must register for this data base with customs.

You or your business may or may not be VAT registered, in both cases its registration must be completed.

Please seek advice before your first commercial Import/Export.

ROUTE 6
Once the customs entry is successfully completed and submitted through CHIEF and it goes on ROUTE 6

that means your goods will be customs cleared straightaway.

ROUTE 1
Once the customs entry is successfully completed and submitted through CHIEF and it goes on ROUTE 1, that means your goods have been picked up for its paperwork examination.

It could take up to 12 hours to clear your goods.

ROUTE 2
Once the customs entry is successfully completed and submitted through CHIEF and it goes on ROUTE 2, that means your goods have been picked up for physical examination.

It could take up to 24 hours to clear your goods.

TERMS OF SALE

EX-WKS
Cost/Value of the goods at the suppliers warehouse in the country of origin

FOB
Cost/Value of the goods up to the local port in the country of origin

C&F
Cost/Value of the goods up to the port of importing country

CIF
Cost /Value of the goods up to the port of importing country including its insurance

NAMES OF DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS

DEFRA
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

FERA
Plant health department who controls most fresh fruit & vegetables

HMI
Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate controls some of fresh fruit & vegetables

GMS
General Marketing Standard who controls fresh fruit & vegetables on random basis

BIP
Border Inspection Post controls high risk fruit, vegetables & animal origin products

UKBA
United Kingdom Border Agency responsible for stopping illegal imports

NCH
National Clearance Hub who is responsible for customs control compliance