Tariffs
A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on goods brought into a country. The tariff duty is imposed based on the country of origin, i.e., country of manufacturing—it does not refer to the country that goods were shipped from. The amount is based on duties/tariffs applicable on the day the goods arrive in the USA. The importing business pays this duty to its government. The business may then pass this cost on to Columbia University. If Columbia buys straight from a manufacturer, it must pay the duty to the shipping company, such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL.
Columbia’s Procurement Services team is working closely with our strategic suppliers to mitigate the impact of tariff changes on UwPAs. We are also committed to supporting the Columbia community as we navigate these complexities and make informed decisions.
How Best to Manage During This Time
To reduce risk and protect budgets in an unpredictable trade environment, please be advised there are certain common-sense approaches to procurement:
- Plan ahead for longer lead times or pricing shifts—especially for international purchases.
- Use UwPA suppliers to leverage favorable contracts and strategic relationships.
- Avoid one-off international orders that may result in unexpected tariffs, customs fees, or shipment delays.
- Leverage standard product configurations in highly impacted areas like technology where some suppliers are securing inventory to hedge against market volatility.
- Work with our team early when major or sensitive procurements involve international suppliers.
- Notify our team if you suspect that a supplier is opportunistically and unfairly increasing its pricing. You should contact Procurement Services directly.
Known Vendor Tariff Surcharges as of 5/6/2025
- Vendor
- Millipore-Sigma
- Tariff Surcharge
- 2% surcharge across all products.
Navigating Tariffs, Trade, and International Shipments
When you import goods, contact Columbia's customs broker, DB Schenker, once the purchase order is issued. The broker will act as an intermediary between Columbia, the international vendor, and customs authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and a smooth transition into the United States. DB Schenker also provides quotes for transporting goods.
For imminent imports, due to almost daily changes in tariff regimes, we suggest that you contact either DB Schenker or Michael Reich ([email protected]) in Procurement Services to assist in navigating the import process. Current import tariffs from the EU are 10%.
DB Schenker Contact Information for Customs
- For information regarding clearance of incoming shipments as needed contact [email protected].
- For additional support or questions, contact Antonio Rivera, Manager, Customs Services [email protected]
Please see the current guidance under the News section on this page, which will be dynamically changing with the global trade environment.
If You Don't Use DB Schenker
Working with DB Schenker ensures the following:
- Compliance with U.S. Customs regulations
- Accurate classification and valuation of goods
- Timely and efficient customs clearance
If you don't work directly with DB Schenker, the shipper may require cash-on-delivery (COD) payment for the duty. If you are paying with a P-Card and the payment amount is more than your P-Card limit, contact the Columbia P-Card Team to request a rush tariff payment. The shipper won't release the goods until payment is made.
You can apply for a duty exemption on scientific instruments or equipment if there is no similar product made in the United States.
Before buying foreign-made scientific equipment, review the form before you place your order. While you don't need to apply for an exemption when placing an order, you might find it helpful to do so. The process can be complicated and time-consuming.
Application: Form ITA-338P, Request for Duty-Free Entry of Scientific Instruments or Apparatus
Mail your completed application to the address for U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the form.
While the U.S. does not typically impose tariffs on exports, many destination countries do charge import taxes, VAT, or customs fees—even on donated or research-use materials.
To avoid surprises, do the following:
- Confirm local import requirements with your recipient before shipping.
- Review potential tax exemption or reduction strategies, e.g., ATA Carnet, Research and Education exemptions or treaty agreements, available waivers, or importing through a partner institution.
- Use clear documentation to describe item value and purpose (e.g., temporary loan, research use).
- Clarify financial responsibility for any international duties or fees in advance.
- Use appropriate incoterms to define who pays for customs clearance and taxes.
If supplier seeks to impose an additional charge due to a tariff, they will need to document the specific tariff and rationale for the charge, as well as present it as a separate line item on the quote. The tariff charge then needs to be included as a separate line on the purchase requisition so that we can report on all tariffs.
Therefore, a new Category Code has been established specifically for tariffs: 93141500 Customs Charges (VAT and Tariffs). The associated Natural Account is 66156.
Please ensure you choose this Category Code when creating requisitions with tariff lines. When making non-PO voucher payments that include tariffs, use this Natural Account for the specific tariff expense.
- Reed Smith: Trade Compliance Resource Hub
- Supply Chain Drive: Trump’s tariffs: Tracking the status of international trade actions