International Trade Law Fundamentals
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in International Trade Law course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Absolute Advantage refers to a country having a higher productivity in pr… #
Related terms include Comparative Advantage, which is the ability of a country to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost. Absolute Advantage is often used to explain why countries specialize in certain industries and engage in international trade. For example, a country with an absolute advantage in producing wheat may export wheat to another country that has an absolute advantage in producing textiles.
Ad Valorem Tariff is a type of tariff that is levied as a percentage of t… #
Related terms include Specific Tariff, which is a fixed amount per unit of the imported good. Ad Valorem Tariff is often used to protect domestic industries and raise revenue for the government. For example, a country may impose an ad valorem tariff of 10% on imported cars, which means that the importer must pay 10% of the value of the car as a tariff.
Anti #
Dumping Duty is a type of duty imposed on imported goods that are sold at a price lower than their normal value, with the intention of protecting domestic industries from unfair competition. Related terms include Countervailing Duty, which is imposed on imported goods that have received subsidies from the exporting country. Anti-Dumping Duty is often used to prevent unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries. For example, a country may impose an anti-dumping duty on imported steel that is sold at a price lower than its normal value.
Arbitration is a process of resolving disputes between parties thr… #
Related terms include Mediation, which is a process of resolving disputes through the use of a neutral third-party mediator. Arbitration is often used in international trade to resolve disputes between parties from different countries. For example, a dispute between a buyer and seller from different countries may be resolved through arbitration.
Bill of Lading is a document that serves as a receipt for goods sh… #
Related terms include Commercial Invoice, which is a document that provides details of the goods being sold. Bill of Lading is often used in international trade to provide proof of shipment and ownership of goods. For example, a bill of lading may be used to prove that goods were shipped from one country to another.
Bonded Warehouse is a facility where goods are stored under cus… #
Related terms include Free Trade Zone, which is an area where goods can be imported and exported without the payment of duties and taxes. Bonded Warehouse is often used in international trade to store goods that are intended for re-export or that require further processing. For example, a company may store goods in a bonded warehouse until they are released for sale in the domestic market.
Business Ethics refers to the principles and values that guide the… #
Related terms include Corporate Social Responsibility, which refers to the voluntary efforts of businesses to improve social and environmental conditions. Business Ethics is often used in international trade to promote responsible and sustainable business practices. For example, a company may adopt a code of ethics that prohibits bribery and corruption in its business dealings.
Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the country of… #
Certificate of Origin is often used in international trade to determine the country of origin of goods and to apply the relevant tariffs and trade agreements. For example, a certificate of origin may be required to prove that goods were produced in a particular country.
Commercial Invoice is a document that provides details of the goods</i… #
Related terms include Bill of Lading, which is a document that serves as a receipt for goods shipped. Commercial Invoice is often used in international trade to provide proof of the sale and to determine the value of the goods for customs purposes. For example, a commercial invoice may be used to prove the value of goods being imported.
Comparative Advantage refers to the ability of a country to produc… #
Related terms include Absolute Advantage, which refers to a country having a higher productivity in producing a particular good or service. Comparative Advantage is often used to explain why countries specialize in certain industries and engage in international trade. For example, a country with a comparative advantage in producing textiles may export textiles to another country that has a comparative advantage in producing electronics.
Countervailing Duty is a type of duty imposed on imported goods th… #
Related terms include Anti-Dumping Duty, which is imposed on imported goods that are sold at a price lower than their normal value. Countervailing Duty is often used to prevent unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries. For example, a country may impose a countervailing duty on imported goods that have received subsidies from the exporting country.
Customs Broker is a person or company that acts as an agent … #
Related terms include Freight Forwarder, which is a person or company that arranges the transportation of goods. Customs Broker is often used in international trade to facilitate the clearance of goods through customs and to ensure compliance with customs regulations. For example, a customs broker may be used to clear goods through customs and to pay any applicable duties and taxes.
Customs Declaration is a document that provides details of the goods</… #
Customs Declaration is often used in international trade to provide proof of the import or export of goods and to determine the applicable duties and taxes. For example, a customs declaration may be required to prove the value and quantity of goods being imported.
Dumping refers to the practice of selling goods in a foreign marke… #
Dumping is often used in international trade to describe unfair trade practices that can harm domestic industries. For example, a company may be accused of dumping if it sells goods in a foreign market at a price lower than their normal value.
Embargo refers to a government restriction on the import or… #
Related terms include Sanction, which is a restriction on trade or other economic activities imposed by one country on another. Embargo is often used in international trade to restrict trade with certain countries or to prohibit the export of certain goods. For example, a country may impose an embargo on the import of goods from another country due to political or security concerns.
Export License is a document that grants permission to export g… #
Related terms include Import License, which is a document that grants permission to import goods into a country. Export License is often used in international trade to regulate the export of goods and to ensure compliance with export regulations. For example, a company may require an export license to export goods to another country.
Free Trade Agreement refers to an agreement between two or more countr… #
Related terms include Customs Union, which is an agreement between countries to establish a common external tariff and to eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods and services traded between them. Free Trade Agreement is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, a free trade agreement between two countries may reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods traded between them.
Freight Forwarder is a person or company that arranges the tran… #
Related terms include Customs Broker, which is a person or company that acts as an agent for the importer or exporter in clearing goods through customs. Freight Forwarder is often used in international trade to facilitate the transportation of goods and to ensure compliance with transportation regulations. For example, a freight forwarder may be used to arrange the transportation of goods from one country to another.
Generalized System of Preferences refers to a system of tariff … #
Related terms include Most-Favored-Nation Treatment, which is a principle of international trade that requires countries to grant the same tariff treatment to all trading partners. Generalized System of Preferences is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between developed and developing countries. For example, a developed country may grant tariff preferences to a developing country under the Generalized System of Preferences.
Incoterms refers to a set of terms that define the responsibilities</i… #
Incoterms is often used in international trade to clarify the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in the delivery of goods and to reduce the risk of disputes. For example, Incoterms may be used to define the point at which the risk of loss or damage to goods passes from the seller to the buyer.
Intellectual Property refers to the rights granted to inventors an… #
Related terms include Trade Secret, which is confidential information that is used in a business to gain a competitive advantage. Intellectual Property is often used in international trade to protect the rights of inventors and creators and to promote innovation and creativity. For example, a company may use intellectual property rights to protect its patents and trademarks in foreign markets.
International Chamber of Commerce refers to a organization that promotes… #
Related terms include World Trade Organization, which is an international organization that promotes trade liberalization and sets rules for international trade. International Chamber of Commerce is often used in international trade to promote trade facilitation and to provide a framework for businesses operating internationally. For example, the International Chamber of Commerce may provide guidelines for businesses on how to comply with international trade regulations.
Letter of Credit refers to a document that guarantees payment to the s… #
Letter of Credit is often used in international trade to provide a secure method of payment and to reduce the risk of disputes. For example, a letter of credit may be used to guarantee payment to the seller upon presentation of complying documents, such as a bill of lading and a commercial invoice.
Most #
Favored-Nation Treatment refers to a principle of international trade that requires countries to grant the same tariff treatment to all trading partners, with the intention of promoting trade liberalization and fair competition. Related terms include National Treatment, which is a principle of international trade that requires countries to grant the same treatment to foreign goods and services as they grant to domestic goods and services. Most-Favored-Nation Treatment is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, a country may grant most-favored-nation treatment to all its trading partners, which means that it will apply the same tariffs to all imported goods regardless of their country of origin.
National Treatment refers to a principle of international trade that requ… #
National Treatment is often used in international trade to promote fair competition and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, a country may grant national treatment to foreign goods and services, which means that it will apply the same regulations and standards to foreign goods and services as it applies to domestic goods and services.
Non #
Tariff Barrier refers to a restriction on international trade that is not a tariff, often including quotas, licenses, and regulations. Related terms include Tariff, which is a tax on imported goods. Non-Tariff Barrier is often used in international trade to describe restrictions on trade that are not tariffs, such as quotas, licenses, and regulations. For example, a country may impose a quota on the import of certain goods, which is a non-tariff barrier to trade.
Quota refers to a limit on the quantity of goods that can b… #
Quota is often used in international trade to restrict the quantity of goods that can be imported or exported, and to protect domestic industries or to conserve natural resources. For example, a country may impose a quota on the import of certain goods to protect its domestic industry.
Sanction refers to a restriction on trade or other economic act… #
Related terms include Embargo, which is a government restriction on the import or export of goods. Sanction is often used in international trade to restrict trade with certain countries or to prohibit the export of certain goods. For example, a country may impose sanctions on another country due to political or security concerns.
Tariff refers to a tax on imported goods, often used #
To protect domestic industries or to raise revenue for the government. Related terms include Non-Tariff Barrier, which is a restriction on international trade that is not a tariff. Tariff is often used in international trade to protect domestic industries or to raise revenue for the government. For example, a country may impose a tariff on imported goods to protect its domestic industry.
Trade Agreement refers to an agreement between two or more countries</… #
Related terms include Free Trade Agreement, which is an agreement between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods and services traded between them. Trade Agreement is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, a trade agreement between two countries may reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods traded between them.
Trade Facilitation refers to the simplification and harmonization … #
Trade Facilitation is often used in international trade to reduce costs and delays in trade procedures, and to increase the efficiency of trade. For example, a country may simplify its customs procedures to reduce the time and cost of clearing goods through customs.
Trade Secret refers to confidential information that is used in a busi… #
Related terms include Intellectual Property, which refers to the rights granted to inventors and creators to protect their inventions and creations. Trade Secret is often used in international trade to protect confidential information and to prevent its unauthorized disclosure. For example, a company may use trade secrets to protect its formulas and processes from being disclosed to competitors.
World Customs Organization refers to an international organization that p… #
World Customs Organization is often used in international trade to promote trade facilitation and to increase the efficiency of trade. For example, the World Customs Organization may provide guidelines for countries on how to simplify and harmonize their customs procedures.
World Trade Organization refers to an international organization that pro… #
Related terms include International Chamber of Commerce, which is an organization that promotes international trade and investment. World Trade Organization is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, the World Trade Organization may provide a framework for countries to negotiate trade agreements and to resolve trade disputes.
WTO Agreement refers to the agreement that established the World Trade… #
Related terms include Trade Agreement, which is an agreement between countries to reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods and services traded between them. WTO Agreement is often used in international trade to promote trade liberalization and to increase economic cooperation between countries. For example, the WTO Agreement may provide a framework for countries to negotiate trade agreements and to resolve trade disputes.