BSA GROUP Glossary of International Trade & Sourcing Terms

Explore BSA GROUP’s glossary to understand key international trade, sourcing, and logistics terms. Learn about OEM, FOB, MOQ, quality inspection, and more.

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A

  • Alipay – A widely used digital payment method in China for online transactions.
  • ATA (Actual Time of Arrival) – The exact time when goods or shipments are scheduled to arrive at the destination port.
  • Aliexpress Private Label – Selling products under your own brand using Aliexpress suppliers.
  • Amazon FBA Inspection – Quality checks conducted before sending products to Amazon FBA warehouses.
  • Alibaba Dropshipping – Fulfillment method where products are shipped directly from Alibaba suppliers to customers.
  • Amazon Private Label – Selling products under your own brand on Amazon, sourced from third-party manufacturers.
  • AQL Inspection – Acceptance Quality Limit inspection to ensure product quality meets agreed standards.
  • Amazon Dropshipping – Selling products on Amazon without holding inventory; supplier ships directly to the buyer.
  • Affiliate Marketing – A marketing model where partners promote products and earn commissions on sales.

B

C

D

  • D-U-N-S Number – A unique nine-digit identifier for businesses, used globally for credit reporting and supplier verification.
  • Duties and Taxes – Charges imposed by customs or governments on imported or exported goods.
  • Dangerous Goods Declaration – Official document declaring hazardous items for safe shipping and regulatory compliance.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Shipping term where the seller assumes all costs and risks until goods are delivered to the buyer.
  • Dropshipping From China To Australia – Fulfillment method where products are shipped directly from Chinese suppliers to customers in Australia.
  • Dropshipping From China To UK – Fulfillment service delivering goods from Chinese suppliers directly to UK customers.
  • Dropshipping vs Wholesale – Comparison between direct-to-customer shipping and bulk purchasing for resale.
  • DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) – Shipping term where the seller delivers goods without paying import duties; the buyer handles customs charges.
  • DHgate Dropshipping – Dropshipping products using DHgate platform, shipped directly from China to end customers.
  • Dropshipping From China To Europe – Fulfillment method where Chinese suppliers ship products directly to European customers.
  • Dropshipping From China To USA – Sending products directly from Chinese suppliers to customers in the United States.
  • DTC Brand Fulfillment – Direct-to-consumer order processing and delivery for branded products.
  • Dropshipping – Business model where retailers sell products without holding inventory, shipped directly from suppliers to customers.
  • Dropshipping Agent – Third-party service that manages product sourcing, storage, and shipping for dropshipping businesses.
  • Dropshipping From China To Philippines – Fulfillment service shipping products directly from China to customers in the Philippines.
  • Dropshipping Product – Item sold via dropshipping model without the retailer holding inventory.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) – Shipping term where the seller handles all shipping costs and import duties, delivering goods directly to the buyer.

E

F

G

H

  • Hazardous Materials – Substances that may pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during storage, handling, or shipping.
  • Harmonized System Code (HS Code) – An international standardized code used to classify traded products for customs purposes.
  • Handling Fee – Additional charges applied for processing, packaging, or moving goods during shipping.
  • Handover Document – Paperwork confirming the transfer of goods or responsibilities from one party to another.
  • Holdup – A delay in shipment or production, often due to customs, supplier, or logistics issues.
  • Hot Sale Product – Products currently in high demand, often driving fast turnover or bulk orders.

I

  • Import/Export License – Official authorization allowing a company to legally import or export goods between countries.
  • Inventory Management – Practices for tracking, storing, and controlling stock to ensure efficient supply chain operations.
  • Instagram Dropshipping – Selling products directly to customers on Instagram without holding inventory, using third-party suppliers for fulfillment.
  • Incoterms – International commercial terms defining responsibilities, risks, and costs for buyers and sellers during shipping.
  • International Priority Airmail (IPA) – A fast and cost-effective international mail service for small parcels and letters.
  • Import License – Official permission required to bring certain goods into a country, often regulated by customs authorities.
  • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) – Legal protections for inventions, brands, designs, and other creations to prevent unauthorized use or copying.
  • In-Process (DUPRO) Inspection – Quality checks conducted during production to ensure products meet specifications before final assembly or shipment.
  • Inspection Report – A document detailing the findings of a product or factory inspection, often used to verify quality and compliance.

J

  • Just-in-Time (JIT) – Inventory and supply chain management strategy that reduces storage costs by receiving goods only as needed.
  • JIT Manufacturing – Production method where goods are manufactured based on demand, minimizing excess inventory.
  • Joint Inspection – Inspection process conducted by both buyer and supplier to ensure product quality before shipment.
  • Job Lot – Small batch of products, commonly used in wholesale or procurement for limited quantity orders.

K

  • Kompass – An international B2B directory and sourcing platform connecting companies by industry worldwide.

L

M

  • Mass Production – Large-scale manufacturing of products, typically for wholesale or export, reducing per-unit cost.
  • Marketplace Photography – Professional product photography optimized for e-commerce marketplaces to increase buyer engagement.
  • Manufacturing Process – Step-by-step procedure used in producing goods, including sourcing, assembly, quality control, and packaging.
  • Measurement – Dimensions, weight, and specifications of a product, critical for production accuracy and shipping.
  • Logistics Solutions – Services that manage transportation, warehousing, and delivery of goods from supplier to buyer efficiently.
  • Market Research – Analysis of market trends, customer demand, and competitor products to guide sourcing and sales strategy.
  • MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – The smallest quantity of a product that a supplier is willing to sell in a single order.

N

  • Net Weight – The weight of a product itself, excluding any packaging, essential for shipping cost and customs declarations.
  • NAFTA Compliance – Ensuring products meet trade agreement requirements between the US, Canada, and Mexico for duty-free entry.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) – Legal contract protecting confidential information shared between buyers, suppliers, or manufacturers.

O

P

  • Pick and Pack – Process of selecting items from inventory and packaging them for shipment.
  • Packing List – A shipping document detailing the contents, quantity, and packaging information of a shipment.
  • PayPal – An online payment platform commonly used for international transactions and cross-border payments.
  • Port of Loading – The seaport or airport where goods are loaded onto the main transport vessel.
  • Purchase Order – A formal document issued by a buyer to confirm product details, pricing, and order quantity.
  • Private Label – Products manufactured by a supplier and sold under a buyer’s own brand name.
  • Patent – A legal right that protects an invention from being made or sold without authorization.
  • Place of Delivery – The agreed location where goods are delivered to the buyer under a contract or Incoterm.
  • Proforma Invoice – A preliminary invoice provided by the seller outlining product and payment details before shipment.
  • Pre-Shipment Inspection – A quality check conducted before shipment to verify product quantity, quality, and compliance.
  • Product Sourcing – The process of identifying and selecting suitable suppliers to manufacture or supply products.
  • Payment Terms – The agreed conditions that define how and when payments are made between buyer and seller.
  • Port of Discharge – The destination port where goods are unloaded from the main transport vessel.
  • Production Sample – A final sample produced to confirm quality and specifications before mass production.
  • Pre-Production Inspection – An inspection conducted before manufacturing begins to verify materials and production readiness.
  • Procurement Services – Professional services that manage supplier sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing processes.
  • Procurement – The overall process of sourcing, purchasing, and managing goods or services for a business.

Q

  • Quality Control (QC) – The process of monitoring and inspecting products during or after production to ensure they meet defined quality standards.
  • Quality Inspection – A systematic examination of products to verify specifications, workmanship, and compliance before shipment.
  • Quality Assurance (QA) – A proactive system focused on preventing defects by improving production processes and quality management practices.
  • Quotation – A formal price offer from a supplier outlining product cost, specifications, MOQ, lead time, and trade terms.
  • Quick Turn Production – A manufacturing approach designed to shorten production lead times for urgent or fast-moving orders.
  • Quality Standard – A set of defined criteria used to evaluate product performance, safety, and consistency.
  • Quality Management System (QMS) – A structured framework that documents processes and responsibilities to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Quantity Tolerance – The allowable variation between ordered and delivered quantities in bulk manufacturing.
  • Quotation Validity – The time period during which a supplier’s quoted price and terms remain effective.

R

  • Research Sources – Reliable sources for supplier, product, and market research in global trade.

S

  • Sales Contract – Formal agreement between buyer and supplier outlining terms of sale.
  • Sea Waybill – Document issued by a carrier acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment.
  • Shipping Mark – Labels or symbols on packages to identify contents and handling instructions.
  • Shipping Sample – Sample product sent to buyer for approval before mass production or shipment.
  • Supply Chain – Entire process of producing, sourcing, and delivering a product.
  • Supplier Verification – Process of validating supplier legitimacy and capabilities.
  • Signature Confirmation – Proof of delivery requiring recipient’s signature.
  • Sourcing Agent – Professional helping buyers find and manage suppliers overseas.
  • Shipping Solution – Optimized method for transporting goods efficiently and safely.

T

  • T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) – Bank transfer method widely used in international trade.
  • Trade Terms – Standardized international commerce terms defining responsibilities of buyers and sellers.
  • Tare Weight – Weight of packaging or container without the product inside.
  • Tariff – Tax or duty imposed on imported/exported goods.
  • Trademark – Registered symbol, logo, or name protecting brand identity.
  • Trade Assurance – Payment protection service for buyers sourcing from overseas suppliers.
  • Third-Party Inspection – Independent quality check performed by certified agencies.

V

  • Vendor – Supplier or seller providing goods or services.
  • VAT (Value Added Tax) – Tax applied on value added at each stage of production or sale.

W

  • Wholesale Price – Cost of goods sold in bulk to retailers or distributors.
  • Western Union – International money transfer service commonly used for payments.
  • White Label – Product manufactured by one company and rebranded by another.
  • Wire Transfer – Electronic method for sending money between banks.
  • Wholesale Order – Bulk purchase of products from a supplier at a discounted rate.

Y

Z

  • Zero Inventory – Business model where goods are shipped directly from supplier to customer.
  • Zone Clearance – Customs procedure allowing goods to move out of a free trade zone.

China

  • Alibaba – Major B2B platform connecting international buyers with Chinese suppliers.
  • 1688 – Chinese domestic wholesale platform, mainly serving local buyers.
  • Made-in-China – B2B platform showcasing Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Global Sources – B2B sourcing platform focused on verified suppliers from China and Asia.
  • DHgate – Online wholesale marketplace for small orders from Chinese suppliers.
  • Taobao – Leading Chinese C2C platform for consumer goods.
  • Tmall – Alibaba’s premium B2C platform for branded products in China.
  • JD.com – Major Chinese online retailer offering B2C direct sales and marketplace services.
  • AliExpress – Global B2C platform for international buyers sourcing small quantities from China.
  • HKTDC – Hong Kong Trade Development Council platform for verified suppliers and buyers.
  • LightInTheBox – Global online retail and wholesale platform based in China.
  • CnFans – Chinese cross-border purchasing and sourcing service for international buyers.
  • KakoBuy – Platform supporting international buyers to source Chinese products efficiently, including spreadsheets search tools.
  • Hipobuy – China sourcing agent platform, focusing on bulk orders and cross-border shipping.
  • ACBuy – Chinese sourcing and purchasing platform for global buyers to manage product orders and shipments.
  • MuleBuy – China cross-border purchasing service specializing in apparel and accessories sourcing.
  • LoveGoBuy – Chinese sourcing service providing global buyers access to small-batch and bulk products.
  • AllChinaBuy – Platform for international buyers to source a wide range of Chinese products efficiently.
  • PonyBuy – China cross-border purchasing agent for e-commerce and wholesale buyers.
  • Hoobuy – Specialized Chinese sourcing platform for global buyers, offering consolidated shipping services.
  • Superbuy – Chinese cross-border purchasing platform supporting international buyers for personal and wholesale orders.
  • CSSBuy – China-based sourcing agent platform focusing on fashion, footwear, and streetwear products for global buyers.
  • BaseTao – Chinese cross-border sourcing platform with spreadsheet search tools for efficient procurement.

United States

  • Amazon – Leading US B2C platform for domestic and international buyers.
  • eBay – C2C/B2C online marketplace for US and global buyers.
  • Walmart.com – Online retail platform of Walmart serving US consumers and global orders.
  • Etsy – Marketplace for handmade, vintage, and craft items with global reach.
  • Faire – US wholesale marketplace connecting small brands with retailers.
  • Tundra – US B2B wholesale platform for small retailers, boutiques, and bulk orders.
  • Overstock – Online retailer offering discounted goods and bulk purchase options.
  • Wayfair – US e-commerce platform focusing on furniture, home goods, and décor.

Europe

  • Ozon – Major Russian e-commerce platform for B2C and marketplace sales.
  • Zalando – European online retailer focused on fashion and lifestyle products.
  • Rakuten – Japanese e-commerce platform also serving European markets.
  • Mercado Libre – Latin America’s largest online marketplace, popular in Spain and Portugal.
  • Cdiscount – French e-commerce platform for consumer electronics, home, and lifestyle products.
  • Bol.com – Leading Dutch online retailer serving the Netherlands and Belgium.
  • Allegro – Largest Polish online marketplace for consumer and B2B sales.

Southeast Asia

  • Shopee – Leading Southeast Asian B2C platform across multiple countries.
  • Lazada – Alibaba’s e-commerce platform for Southeast Asia.
  • Qoo10 – Popular online marketplace in Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea.
  • Coupang – South Korea’s largest online retailer.
  • Lelong – Malaysia’s local e-commerce platform for B2C and small retailers.

Japan

  • Rakuten – Japan’s largest online retail platform, serving B2C and marketplace sellers.
  • Mercari – C2C marketplace for Japan with international shipping options.
  • Yahoo Auction Japan – Japanese C2C auction platform for consumer and collectible goods.

Latin America

  • Mercado Libre – Largest online marketplace in Latin America, covering multiple countries.
  • B2W Digital – Brazilian e-commerce company operating platforms like Americanas and Submarino.
  • Magazine Luiza – Brazilian online and offline retail chain, also offering e-commerce services.

Middle East

  • Noon – Leading Middle Eastern online marketplace for UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
  • Souq – Amazon-owned e-commerce platform in Middle East, now integrated with Amazon.ae.

Global Sourcing Platforms

  • Global Sourcing – B2B sourcing platform connecting buyers to verified global suppliers.
  • TradeKey – International B2B marketplace connecting buyers and suppliers worldwide.
  • Indiamart – India’s leading B2B platform for manufacturers and suppliers.
  • Global Marketplace – Collective term for cross-border B2B/B2C platforms serving multiple countries.