Abbreviations in Business/Commercial English

attn. (for the) attention (of)
Abbreviation Explanation
a/c account
acct.
attn. (for the) attention (of)
B/E bill of exchange
B/L bill of lading
cc carbon copy
cf. compare
cfr. cost and freight
cif cost, insurance, freight
cip carriage and insurance paid to
C/N credit note
c/o care of
cod cash on delivery
Corp. Corporation
cpt carriage paid to
cwo cash with order
D/A documents against acceptance
DDP delivery duty paid
DN debit note
D/P documents against payment
enc(s) enclosure(s)
EXW ex works
FOB free on board
for free on rail
Inc Incorporated (US)
L/C letter of credit
Ltd limited
p&p postage and packing
p.p. * on behalf of
pto please turn over
re with reference to, regarding
RRP recommended retail price
SAE stamped addresses envelope
VAT Value Added Tax
ZIP (code) zone of improved delivery (US)

* (lat.: per procurationem)

Ulrike Schroedter contributed to this table. Thanks to Peter.