The handful of terms that trip people up most in import/export, each explained in one line — clear enough for your first shipment.
Bill of lading (B/L)The document you claim the goods against; the consignee uses it to take delivery, and it also proves the carriage contract
IncotermsThe rules splitting freight, insurance and risk between buyer and seller — for example FOB, CIF
CBM (volumetric)Weight derived from a shipment's volume; light, bulky goods are often charged this way
THC (terminal handling)The fee for loading, unloading and moving containers at the terminal — a common line on ocean quotes
Customs valueThe base for calculating duty = goods price + international freight + insurance
DDP / DDUTwo delivery terms — whether the seller handles import clearance and pays the duties, or not
HS codeThe international classification code for a product; it sets the duty rate and import rules, and misclassifying means back-duty
AEO certificationCustoms' trusted-trader status — faster clearance and a lower chance of inspection