PURPOSE

To define the procedure to obtain duty-free entry of material or equipment into the United States.

POLICY

Foreign purchases made by Rensselaer are subject to government-imposed duty.

Instances where it can be demonstrated that there is no domestic equivalent for the material or equipment being purchased or that the material or equipment will be in the United States for a temporary period, Rensselaer will apply for a waiver of duty-fees.

PROCEDURE

The Purchasing Department will coordinate the process in obtaining a waiver of duty fees.

A United States Department of Commerce form that Purchasing will obtain, needs to be completed and reviewed by legal counsel in advance of shipment of the material or equipment to the United States.

Supporting documentation is required, such as the Purchase Order, quotations and vendor descriptive literature.

This process is complex and can take three months or longer to accomplish.

Revised 3/02