Import and Export

Customs and Boarder Patrol: support your import needs and provide guidance on required import permits for various government agencies.

Importer Responsibility: (49 CFR part 171.22) each person importing a hazardous material (the receiver) into the United States must provide the shipper timely and complete written information as to the requirements of import.

Importing Biological Materials

Contact CBP @ aptlabtc@cbp.dhs.gov

Important Information for Our Users Shipping to the EU, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland!

Starting March 1, 2023, the European Union (EU) will be implementing the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), a large-scale information system aimed at improving safety and security at customs for its citizens. As a result, all goods being shipped into or transiting through the EU, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Norway and Switzerland by air will require additional information.

To comply with the new regulations, we kindly ask that you provide a minimum six-digit Harmonized System (HS) code, an accurate goods description, and the receiver’s Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for each item in your shipment. These rules apply to all goods (except documents), regardless of value.

• To obtain the EORI, reach out to the international recipient (consignee). A tax ID number may be used if an EORI number is unavailable.

• To obtain HS codes:

  • HS Code: 6-digit commodity classification code for each item in the shipment.
    • The HS Code is a standardized classification system used around the world for importing/exporting goods. The United States uses a more specific, 10-digit Schedule B number (see below), which includes the HS Code.
    • The Schedule B Look-up tool https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/ can be used to help you find the appropriate code. The first 6 digits of the Schedule B number is the HS Code.
      • For commercial items, the vendor/manufacturer will be able to provide this code (either published online or on request).
      • Additional Shipping Requirements for Certain Items and Destinations from Penn ORS

Customs Brokers/Freight forwarders

• Import of material into another country may require a customs broker. The University has two approved Customs Brokers/Freight forwarders. eShip, the University's shipping program also offers broker support.
  • Geodis: https://procurement.upenn.edu/pages/supplier-database/526536
  • Priority World Wide: https://procurement.upenn.edu/pages/supplier-database/526812  *
  • eShip: https://upenn.eshipglobal.com; support@eshipglobal.com

*Priority World Wide does not handle shipments containing animal specimen or involved in animal testing.

U.S. Dept. of Commerce

• materials requiring export control licenses

CDC Import Permit Program

• permits are required to import biological agents or vectors of human disease, bats, bat specimens, and other non-human specimen
• Import Permit Program Tool
• Frequently Asked Questions

USDA Import Permits

• permits are required for import of materials of animal origin, or materials that may contain pathogens causing disease in livestock or poultry, including STATE-to-STATE transport
• Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant
• Guidelines for Animal Products That Do Not Require An USDA Import Permit
• Animal Product Import and Export Team: APIE@USDA.GOV

U.S. Fish and Wildlife

• permits may be required to transport live animals, including bats and material from endangered species (VERO cells)
• Permit Search

Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)

• contract that governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two organizations, when the recipient intends to use it for research purposes. MTA MUST be in place before research materials are transferred from one lab to another.

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