Glossary of Customs and Trade Terms

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ECOSOC	UN Economic and Social Council
EDI	Electronic Data Interchange. The electronic transmission of data.
EDIFACT	International data interchange standards sponsored by the United Nations. See UN/EDIFACT.
EEZ	Exclusive Economic Zone
Embargo	In international trade, an embargo refers to government actions limiting or prohibiting imports and/or exports of goods and/or services from or to a country. Such limitations may be applied by the embargoing country against its own nationals, such as the United States embargo against trade from Cuba, or in concert with other countries against a third country, such as the 1990 United Nations embargo against trade in any form with Iraq or the earlier U.N. embargo against trade with South Africa. Embargoes may also be applied just against trade in certain products regardless of origin, such as the ban on trade in ivory.
ETA	Estimated time of arrival
ETD	Estimated time of departure
EU	European Union
Examination of goods	the physical inspection of goods by the Customs to satisfy themselves that the nature, origin, condition, quantity and value of the goods are in accordance with the particulars furnished in the Goods declaration. (Kyoto Convention)
Exchange controls	The rationing of foreign currencies, bank drafts and other instruments for settling international financial obligations by countries seeking to ameliorate acute balance of payments difficulties. When such measures are imposed, importers must apply for prior authorization from the government to obtain the foreign currency required to bring in designated amounts and types of goods. Since such measures have the effect of restricting imports, they are considered non-tariff barriers to trade.
Excise duty	A tax on goods that are manufactured locally
Export duties and taxes	- Customs duties and all other duties, taxes or charges which are collected on or in connection with the exportation of goods, but not including any charges which are limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered or collected by the Customs on behalf of another national authority. (Kyoto Convention) - Customs duties and all other duties, taxes, fees or other charges which are collected on or in connection with the exportation of goods but not including fees and charges which are limited in amount to the approximate cost of services rendered. (WCO)
Export entry	a declaration used by the government to collect trade data and to ensure compliance with legislation. In some countries also used to collect export duties/taxes.
Export licence	A government document which permits the ‘Licensee’ to engage in the export of designated goods to certain destinations.
Exportation	The act of taking any goods out of the Customs territory. (WCO)
EXW ex-Works (... named place)	The seller makes the goods available to the buyer at the seller’s premises. The title & risk pass to the buyer at that point, including payment of all transportation and insurance costs from the seller’s door. The EXW price does not include the price of loading goods onto a vehicle. EXW terms of trade are used for all modes of transportation.