Airway Bill- Airline shipping document that indicates the shipper, consignee (or importer) piece count, weight, and shipping details.

APHIS- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services. This department of the USDA is primarily responsible for inspection of all containers, plants, and animals entering the territory of the United States.

Arrival Notice- Freight Forwarders and Ocean Shipping companies frequently give advance notice of a shipment before it arrives in the port. The arrival notice often indicates some additional charges that, if not paid immediately, could slow down how quickly the freight is sent on to the owner. The arrival notice may also indicate important information necessary for customs clearance. If you get an arrival notice, tell your customs broker immediately!

Bill of Lading- Ocean shipping document that indicates the shipper, consignee (or importer) piece count, weight, and shipping details. Think of the Bill of Lading as a receipt for goods being shipped. Once the shipment has come to the United States, the Bill of Lading is used to prove who is the owner of the shipped goods. A properly endorsed Bill of Lading entitles the bearer of the Bill to the goods described.

CITES- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. This form is used for both trophies of certain animals, or for goods made from the hides of certain animals and reptiles. There are two possible forms: an Export CITES is generally issued by the exporting country for entry into the United States, while the Import CITES may be required in addition to the Export CITES, and is issued by the United States. A trophy of a Leopard skin from Namibia, for instance, requires both the Import CITES and the Export CITES. Be forewarned- these forms must be originals and an importer cannot obtain them after the shipment has left the exporting country. US Fish and Wildlife strictly enforces the use of these forms, and your Customs Broker can assist you in determining what forms may be required for your shipment.

USDA- United States Dept of Agriculture. The USDA is charged with protecting the United States food supply by vigorous inspection of plants and animals coming from overseas. This prevents pests and diseases and other problems from being introduced accidentally.