• CY (Container Yard) Cutoff

  A CY cutoff date is the date by which a container must be gated-in (checked-in) at the container yard before its scheduled sailing. CY cutoff dates are set by the carrier, typically about 2 days before the scheduled sailing.

• Continuous Customs Bond

  A continuous customs bond is a customs bond that covers all imported shipments for one year from the date of issue. A customs bond is required to import goods into the United States as a form of insurance to protect the U.S. Treasury.

• Contract of Carriage

  A contract of carriage is a negotiated contract not subject to a tariff that is between the carrier and shipper for the transportation of cargo.

• Control of Damaged Goods

  Control of damaged goods refers to the process of managing and disposing of goods that have been damaged during the shipping process. It involves taking possession of the goods, inspecting them, and deciding whether to repair or dispose of them.

• Countervailing Duties

  Countervailing duties (CVD) are duties intended to protect the U.S. manufacturing industry from foreign goods made cheap by subsidies and tax benefits from foreign governments.

• Country of Origin

  Country of origin is the location, determined for trade purposes, where your goods are manufactured or produced.

• Country of Origin Marking

  Country of Origin Marking is required on every article of foreign origin imported into the US. The item must state "Made In", "Product of", or a similar phrase followed by the country where it was produced.

• CTPAT

  CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) is a security program of U.S. Customs and Border Protection aimed at strengthening the security of international supply chains. CTPAT certification confers benefits including fewer Customs exams and access to the CTPAT portal.

• CBM (Cubic Meter)

  CBM (cubic meter) is a measurement of volume one meter wide by one meter long by one meter high. It is used to calculate chargeable weight.

• CAIN (Customs Assigned Importer Number)

  A CAIN is a Customs Assigned Importer Number. If an importer is importing into the U.S. as a foreign importer of record and they do not have an EIN, Flexport can apply for a CAIN on their behalf.

• Customs Bond

  A customs bond, or import bond, is a financial guarantee required by customs officials in certain countries when importing goods, ensuring the duties, taxes, and other fees associated with the import will be paid in full.

• CBP (Customs and Border Protection)

  CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security, formed in 2003, that regulates international travel and trade into the U.S.

• Customs Broker

  A customs broker is a licensed professional or company authorized by the relevant customs authority to assist importers and exporters with the customs clearance process.

• Customs Brokerage

  A customs brokerage is a professional service that assists importers and exporters in managing the customs clearance of international shipments.

• Customs Business

  Customs business refers to activities involving transactions with CBP concerning the entry and admissibility of merchandise, its classification and valuation, the payment of duties and taxes, and the refund, rebate, or drawback of those charges.

• Customs Clearance

  Customs clearance is the process of preparing and submitting the documentation required to facilitate the import or export of goods across international borders, ensuring shipments comply with the destination country's legal and regulatory requirements.