1. ShipStation Help U.S.
  2. Integrations Help Guide
  3. Integrations Glossary

Integrations Glossary

Collection of terms and definitions related to ShipStation's integrated partners.

Shipping and Integration Terms

A summary of common shipping and integration-specific terms.

Automated Package Verification (APV)

The United States Postal Service (USPS) built the Automated Package Verification APV System to manage postage discrepancies (under-paid and over-paid postage labels) in an automated fashion. The USPS APV program considers postage paid on every domestic package, based on weight, dimensions, package type, mailing service, and origin and destination ZIP codes.

Automatic Tracking

When tracking is available, ShipStation will automatically track the shipment status and update the tracking status on the Shipments tab. This feature allows for other advanced ShipStation features like delayed notifications and the Branded Tracking Page.

CN22 Form (CN22)

A customs declaration form required for international shipping, especially for packages coming from or destined for outside of the EU. These forms contain information about the goods you are shipping, including which goods are packaged inside your parcel, their value, names of the shipper and receiver, and any parties involved in the shipping. Customs authorities use these forms to determine taxation, import duties, security, public health, and environmental protection.

These documents are scanned and if descriptions inaccurately relate the contents, you may be fined for up to 100% of the merchandise value.

Check with your national tax authority for an overview of all EU countries. Also, take note of any regions where exceptions may apply. Some regions within the EU are not part of the EU customs zone, but shipments to these regions are still subject to customs control. Thus, you must always include a CN22 or CN23 customs declaration with them.

See the US Customs and Border Protection page for Determining Duty Rates.

NOTE: You can substitute a CN23 for a CN22, but not the other way around.

CN23 Form (CN23)

A customs declaration form required for international shipping, especially for packages coming from or destined for outside of the EU. These forms contain information about the goods you are shipping, including which goods are packaged inside your parcel, their value, names of the shipper and receiver, and any parties involved in the shipping. Customs authorities use these forms to determine taxation, import duties, security, public health, and environmental protection.

These documents are scanned and if descriptions inaccurately relate the contents, you may be fined for up to 100% of the merchandise value.

Check with your national tax authority for an overview of all EU countries. Also, take note of any regions where exceptions may apply. Some regions within the EU are not part of the EU customs zone, but shipments to these regions are still subject to customs control. Thus, you must always include a CN22 or CN23 customs declaration with them.

See the US Customs and Border Protection page for Determining Duty Rates.

NOTE: You can substitute a CN23 for a CN22, but not the other way around.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice details the agreement between the shipper and receiver. This includes who’s responsible for the shipment and the duties and taxes (and whether or not they’ve already been paid).

Delivered at Place (DAP)

The shipper is responsible for the transportation costs, but not responsible for paying the taxes associated with this shipment. Customs agents will be using the contact information provided on the invoice and customs declarations to settle the charges.

The opposite of DDP. See similar DDU. See also INCOTERM.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)

When a shipment is shipped as DDP, the shipper is responsible for the shipment and for paying the taxes associated with the shipment. DDP and DDU/DAP are incoterms.

The opposite of DDU and DAP. See INCOTERM.

Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU)

The shipper is responsible for the transportation costs, but not responsible for paying the taxes associated with this shipment. Customs agents will be using the contact information provided on the invoice and customs declarations to settle the charges.

The opposite of DDP. See similar DAP. See also INCOTERM.

Direct Integration

This is either a store or carrier integration built directly into ShipStation. These integrations have a branded tile in either the Store Setup or Carriers & Fulfillments Settings screens.

Economic Operator Registration And Identification Number (EORI)

An ID code used to track and register customs information in the EU. Currently, all businesses that import or export goods from countries outside the EU need one.

Electronic Advance Data (EAD)

A customs requirement that information about the sender, receiver, and parcel contents all be gathered digitally and sent ahead to Customs in the destination country. China and the US have passed legislation introducing this requirement to bolster border protection, and more countries are likely to follow suit in the coming years.

Electronic Trade Document (ETD)

A method to transmit customs documents electronically, used primarily by FedEx. The letters "ETD" will be printed on FedEx labels to indicate your data has been submitted electronically. For FedEx International Ground, the letters ETD will appear in a black box under the shipping service icon.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrates and manages a company’s main business processes in real-time. This technology connects together a large organization's different software systems into one, yet it still helps each department to manage its own system. 

Enterprise resource planning often integrates accounts payable, order tracking, stock-monitoring, and customer management systems to be accessed through one application with one interface.

Excise Duty

A tax imposed on goods for their production, licensing, and sale. Such fees are charged on alcohol or tobacco imported into the UK from outside the EU. The charges are applied by Border Force on behalf of HMRC. At the end of the Brexit transition period, excise duties are expected to apply for goods coming into the UK from the EU.

Harmonization Tariff System Code (HTS, HTSUS Code)

Also known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code, this is a 10-digit import classification system for internationally traded products. An HTSUS code takes the same form as an HS Code for the first six digits and then has four differing last digits. This internationally recognized commodity description is set by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

You can add harmonization codes to your customs declarations either manually in the order details, or by adding them to their product details. While not always required, it is recommended for international shipments. All U.S. importers should know and use the correct HTSUS codes because this classification is the basis for how commodity duties are assessed.

See also Harmonized System Codes.

Harmonized System Codes (HS Codes, HS Numbers)

An internationally standardized system of names and numbers used to classify globally traded products. The codes are required on customs declaration forms CN22 and CN23 for goods sent to other countries. Each commodity group is identified by a six-digit code used to identify the duty and tax rates for specific types of products.. The system was developed by the World Customs Organization and is used by over 200 countries as a basis for their customs tariffs.

See also Harmonization Tariff System code.

International Commercial Terms (INCOTERM)

Incoterms or International Commercial Terms are a series of pre-defined commercial terms that relate to international commercial law. Published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), these terms are widely used in international commercial transactions or procurement processes and their use is encouraged by trade councils, courts, and international lawyers. The terms exist as an international standard to protect buyers and sellers and to regulate the payment terms for the receiver of the goods.

See DDP, and DUP/DAP for examples of INCOTERMs.

International Transaction Number (ITN)

An International Transaction Number (ITN) is the number assigned to a shipment confirming that the Automated Export System (AES) accepted the Electronic Export Information (EEI) and has it on file. Every AES shipment must have a unique ITN.

For the purposes of AES filing, a shipment is all goods (regardless of the number of packages) tendered to the United States Postal Service on the same day from one U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) to one addressee. The USPS defines the USPPI as “the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction.” (Source: USPS)

Note to Buyer

The shipment update ShipStation sends to the selling channel will include any Notes to Buyer set on the order in ShipStation.

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA)

An authorization number or character sequence (typically) that must be displayed on or included with a returned product's packaging. This serves as part of the process of returning a product to receive a refund, replacement, or repair.

Also called a return authorization (RA), or a return goods authorization (RGA).

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

The commitment between a supplier and a customer defining which service will be provided, how the service will be measured, and what remedies or penalties (if any) may arise should the service fail, change, or be unmet.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL, TPL)

A firm that provides outsourced supply chain management and logistics services to its customers. Services generally include managing inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and returns management among other functions. The terms 3PL and fulfillment often get used interchangeably.

E.g.: Shipwire is a ShipStation-approved 3PL option.

Token

A token is an authentication method for an API service or integration. In most cases, the term refers to a username, password, or access key that grants ShipStation access to your order information.

For some channels, tokens will expire and have to be refreshed. When this occurs, in most cases you will need to reconfigure your store connection in ShipStation. Review the specific article for your selling channel in the Integrations Help Guide if you need further information.

Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Value-Added Tax - also known as a goods and services tax (GST) - is a consumption tax based on the value of goods and implemented as a destination-based tax. VAT usually comes into play when shipping internationally to countries that charge customs fees and taxes to recipients on imported goods. VAT may be recovered for commercial shipments only by a VAT registered recipient; VAT ranges from 5% to 25% depending upon country. VAT is generally charged only in the European Union, China, Mexico, and Thailand.

Shipments to certain countries are often subject to customs fees/taxes, like VAT. ShipStation does provide the option to have the fees charged to the shipper, instead of the recipient, if the carrier supports that option.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Software that supports day-to-day operations in a warehouse. Controls movement of goods and processes including receiving, tracking, picking, packing, and shipping.

Selling Channels - Common Features Terms

Definitions for the Common ShipStation Features table on each Selling Channel's help article.

Custom Statuses

This integration allows you to define the Status Mappings for the store connection.

Customer Emails

ShipStation will import the customer email address and can send customer shipment notification and delivery emails.

Customer Phone Numbers

ShipStation will import the customer phone number.

Discounts

ShipStation will import discount and coupon information for the order.

Identifies Gift Orders

ShipStation is able to determine if an order was placed as a gift.

Internal Notes

ShipStation will import internal notes or order activity from the selling channel.

Item Images

ShipStation will import an image URL for each line item in the order.

Item Options

ShipStation will import item options (such as color or size) for each line item in the order.

Item Warehouse Location

ShipStation will import a product stock location for each line item in the order.

Item Weight

ShipStation will import the weight for each line item in the order.

Notes from Buyer

ShipStation will import notes left by the customer at time of checkout. Displayed as Customer notes in ShipStation's Legacy Layout.

Order Weight

ShipStation will import the total order weight from the selling channel.

Payment Method

ShipStation will import the payment method used to pay for the order.

Requested Service

ShipStation will import the shipping method chosen by the customer at time of checkout.

Carriers - Common Features Terms

Definitions for Common ShipStation Features table on each Carrier's help article.

Carrier Insurance

Additional carrier insurance can be purchased through ShipStation.

Domestic Shipping

The carrier integration can be used to create domestic shipping labels.

Electronic Customs Submission

ShipStation will submit international customs information electronically to the carrier.

End of Day (Electronic)

ShipStation can perform an End of Day process for the carrier and submits the shipment information electronically. The End of Day process can be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. A printable file may or may not be available, see the End of Day (PDF).

End of Day (PDF)

ShipStation can perform an End of Day process for the carrier and creates an End of Day PDF file that can be printed and provided to the carrier. The End of Day process can be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. The file may or may not be submitted electronically, see End of Day (Electronic).

Estimated Rates

ShipStation will display estimated shipping rates for the carrier based on the connected account information and shipment details.

International Shipping

The carrier integration can be used to create international shipping labels.

Label Branding

ShipStation can print the store's logo on shipping labels created for this carrier. Label branding may not be available for all shipping services.

Label Messages

ShipStation can include information that will be displayed on the label as a label message. Label messages may not be available for all shipping services.

Multi-package Shipping

The carrier integration can be used to create multi-package shipments, where multiple individual packages are linked together into a single shipment record with a master tracking number.

Multiple Accounts

You can connect this carrier integration to ShipStation multiple times using different account information, and choose which account will be used to create each shipment.

Return Labels

The carrier integration can be used to create domestic return labels.

Tracking

Shipping labels created for this carrier will include a tracking number that can be used to view the shipment status on the carrier's tracking website. Tracking may not be available for all shipping services.

When tracking is available, ShipStation will automatically track the shipment status and update the tracking status on the Shipments tab. This feature allows for other advanced ShipStation features like delayed notifications and the Branded Tracking Page.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) built the Automated Package Verification APV System to manage postage discrepancies (under-paid and over-paid postage labels) in an automated fashion. The USPS APV program considers postage paid on every domestic package, based on weight, dimensions, package type, mailing service, and origin and destination ZIP codes.

A customs declaration form required for international shipping, especially for packages coming from or destined for outside of the EU. These forms contain information about the goods you are shipping, including which goods are packaged inside your parcel, their value, names of the shipper and receiver, and any parties involved in the shipping. Customs authorities use these forms to determine taxation, import duties, security, public health, and environmental protection.

These documents are scanned and if descriptions inaccurately relate the contents, you may be fined for up to 100% of the merchandise value.

Check with your national tax authority for an overview of all EU countries. Also, take note of any regions where exceptions may apply. Some regions within the EU are not part of the EU customs zone, but shipments to these regions are still subject to customs control. Thus, you must always include a CN22 or CN23 customs declaration with them.

See the US Customs and Border Protection page for Determining Duty Rates.

NOTE: You can substitute a CN23 for a CN22, but not the other way around.

A customs declaration form required for international shipping, especially for packages coming from or destined for outside of the EU. These forms contain information about the goods you are shipping, including which goods are packaged inside your parcel, their value, names of the shipper and receiver, and any parties involved in the shipping. Customs authorities use these forms to determine taxation, import duties, security, public health, and environmental protection.

These documents are scanned and if descriptions inaccurately relate the contents, you may be fined for up to 100% of the merchandise value.

Check with your national tax authority for an overview of all EU countries. Also, take note of any regions where exceptions may apply. Some regions within the EU are not part of the EU customs zone, but shipments to these regions are still subject to customs control. Thus, you must always include a CN22 or CN23 customs declaration with them.

See the US Customs and Border Protection page for Determining Duty Rates.

NOTE: You can substitute a CN23 for a CN22, but not the other way around.

A commercial invoice details the agreement between the shipper and receiver. This includes who’s responsible for the shipment and the duties and taxes (and whether or not they’ve already been paid).

When a shipment is shipped as DDP, the shipper is responsible for the shipment and for paying the taxes associated with the shipment. DDP and DDU/DAP are incoterms.

The opposite of DDU and DAP. See INCOTERM.

The shipper is responsible for the transportation costs, but not responsible for paying the taxes associated with this shipment. Customs agents will be using the contact information provided on the invoice and customs declarations to settle the charges.

The opposite of DDP. See similar DAP. See also INCOTERM.

The shipper is responsible for the transportation costs, but not responsible for paying the taxes associated with this shipment. Customs agents will be using the contact information provided on the invoice and customs declarations to settle the charges.

The opposite of DDP. See similar DDU. See also INCOTERM.

This is either a store or carrier integration built directly into ShipStation. These integrations have a branded tile in either the Store Setup or Carriers & Fulfillments Settings screens.

An ID code used to track and register customs information in the EU. Currently, all businesses that import or export goods from countries outside the EU need one.

A customs requirement that information about the sender, receiver, and parcel contents all be gathered digitally and sent ahead to Customs in the destination country. China and the US have passed legislation introducing this requirement to bolster border protection, and more countries are likely to follow suit in the coming years.

A method to transmit customs documents electronically, used primarily by FedEx. The letters "ETD" will be printed on FedEx labels to indicate your data has been submitted electronically. For FedEx International Ground, the letters ETD will appear in a black box under the shipping service icon.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrates and manages a company’s main business processes in real-time. This technology connects together a large organization's different software systems into one, yet it still helps each department to manage its own system. 

Enterprise resource planning often integrates accounts payable, order tracking, stock-monitoring, and customer management systems to be accessed through one application with one interface.

A tax imposed on goods for their production, licensing, and sale. Such fees are charged on alcohol or tobacco imported into the UK from outside the EU. The charges are applied by Border Force on behalf of HMRC. At the end of the Brexit transition period, excise duties are expected to apply for goods coming into the UK from the EU.

Also known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Code, this is a 10-digit import classification system for internationally traded products. An HTSUS code takes the same form as an HS Code for the first six digits and then has four differing last digits. This internationally recognized commodity description is set by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

You can add harmonization codes to your customs declarations either manually in the order details, or by adding them to their product details. While not always required, it is recommended for international shipments. All U.S. importers should know and use the correct HTSUS codes because this classification is the basis for how commodity duties are assessed.

See also Harmonized System Codes.

An internationally standardized system of names and numbers used to classify globally traded products. The codes are required on customs declaration forms CN22 and CN23 for goods sent to other countries. Each commodity group is identified by a six-digit code used to identify the duty and tax rates for specific types of products.. The system was developed by the World Customs Organization and is used by over 200 countries as a basis for their customs tariffs.

See also Harmonization Tariff System code.

An International Transaction Number (ITN) is the number assigned to a shipment confirming that the Automated Export System (AES) accepted the Electronic Export Information (EEI) and has it on file. Every AES shipment must have a unique ITN.

For the purposes of AES filing, a shipment is all goods (regardless of the number of packages) tendered to the United States Postal Service on the same day from one U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) to one addressee. The USPS defines the USPPI as “the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction.” (Source: USPS)

Incoterms or International Commercial Terms are a series of pre-defined commercial terms that relate to international commercial law. Published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), these terms are widely used in international commercial transactions or procurement processes and their use is encouraged by trade councils, courts, and international lawyers. The terms exist as an international standard to protect buyers and sellers and to regulate the payment terms for the receiver of the goods.

See DDP, and DUP/DAP for examples of INCOTERMs.

The shipment update ShipStation sends to the selling channel will include any Notes to Buyer set on the order in ShipStation.

An authorization number or character sequence (typically) that must be displayed on or included with a returned product's packaging. This serves as part of the process of returning a product to receive a refund, replacement, or repair.

Also called a return authorization (RA), or a return goods authorization (RGA).

The commitment between a supplier and a customer defining which service will be provided, how the service will be measured, and what remedies or penalties (if any) may arise should the service fail, change, or be unmet.

A firm that provides outsourced supply chain management and logistics services to its customers. Services generally include managing inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and returns management among other functions. The terms 3PL and fulfillment often get used interchangeably.

E.g.: Shipwire is a ShipStation-approved 3PL option.

A token is an authentication method for an API service or integration. In most cases, the term refers to a username, password, or access key that grants ShipStation access to your order information.

For some channels, tokens will expire and have to be refreshed. When this occurs, in most cases you will need to reconfigure your store connection in ShipStation. Review the specific article for your selling channel in the Integrations Help Guide if you need further information.

Value-Added Tax - also known as a goods and services tax (GST) - is a consumption tax based on the value of goods and implemented as a destination-based tax. VAT usually comes into play when shipping internationally to countries that charge customs fees and taxes to recipients on imported goods. VAT may be recovered for commercial shipments only by a VAT registered recipient; VAT ranges from 5% to 25% depending upon country. VAT is generally charged only in the European Union, China, Mexico, and Thailand.

Shipments to certain countries are often subject to customs fees/taxes, like VAT. ShipStation does provide the option to have the fees charged to the shipper, instead of the recipient, if the carrier supports that option.

Software that supports day-to-day operations in a warehouse. Controls movement of goods and processes including receiving, tracking, picking, packing, and shipping.

This integration allows you to define the Status Mappings for the store connection.

ShipStation will import the customer email address and can send customer shipment notification and delivery emails.

ShipStation will import the customer phone number.

ShipStation will import discount and coupon information for the order.

ShipStation is able to determine if an order was placed as a gift.

ShipStation will import internal notes or order activity from the selling channel.

ShipStation will import an image URL for each line item in the order.

ShipStation will import item options (such as color or size) for each line item in the order.

ShipStation will import a product stock location for each line item in the order.

ShipStation will import the weight for each line item in the order.

ShipStation will import notes left by the customer at time of checkout. Displayed as Customer notes in ShipStation's Legacy Layout.

ShipStation will import the total order weight from the selling channel.

ShipStation will import the payment method used to pay for the order.

ShipStation will import the shipping method chosen by the customer at time of checkout.

Additional carrier insurance can be purchased through ShipStation.

The carrier integration can be used to create domestic shipping labels.

ShipStation will submit international customs information electronically to the carrier.

ShipStation can perform an End of Day process for the carrier and submits the shipment information electronically. The End of Day process can be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. A printable file may or may not be available, see the End of Day (PDF).

ShipStation can perform an End of Day process for the carrier and creates an End of Day PDF file that can be printed and provided to the carrier. The End of Day process can be mandatory or optional, based on the carrier and your account with them. The file may or may not be submitted electronically, see End of Day (Electronic).

ShipStation will display estimated shipping rates for the carrier based on the connected account information and shipment details.

The carrier integration can be used to create international shipping labels.

ShipStation can print the store's logo on shipping labels created for this carrier. Label branding may not be available for all shipping services.

ShipStation can include information that will be displayed on the label as a label message. Label messages may not be available for all shipping services.

The carrier integration can be used to create multi-package shipments, where multiple individual packages are linked together into a single shipment record with a master tracking number.

You can connect this carrier integration to ShipStation multiple times using different account information, and choose which account will be used to create each shipment.

The carrier integration can be used to create domestic return labels.

Shipping labels created for this carrier will include a tracking number that can be used to view the shipment status on the carrier's tracking website. Tracking may not be available for all shipping services.

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