Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR)
The University of Vermont follows the Florence Agreement, which permits duty-free entry of qualifying educational, scientific or cultural instruments when no U.S.-made equivalent exists (15 CFR Part 301).

Tariffs and Duty-Free Imports Information

Tariffs and Duty-Free Imports

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The University of Vermont follows the Florence Agreement, which permits duty-free entry of qualifying educational, scientific or cultural instruments when no U.S.-made equivalent exists (15 CFR Part 301). Duty-free status covers federal import duty only; state and local taxes and other fees may still apply, and federal authorities determine final eligibility.

Requesting duty-free entry (Form ITA-338P)

  1. Download Form ITA-338P (PDF).
  2. Confirm fit — verify institutional use and that no U.S.-made equivalent meets the required scientific performance.
  3. Identify the HTS code with your supplier.
  4. Prepare details — manufacturer, model, accessories and a technical description sufficient for comparison.
  5. Complete Form ITA-338P — explain why U.S. alternatives are not equivalent in scientific value.
  6. Mail five copies (one must have an original signature) to:
  7. Track and follow-up — typical federal processing is about six to eight weeks from receipt. If denied, ask the U.S. Customs and Border Protection about appeal options under 15 CFR §301.6.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Attention: Entry Process and Duty Refunds Branch
90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20229

Requesting duty-free entry (Form ITA-338P)

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  1. Download Form ITA-338P (PDF).
  2. Confirm fit — verify institutional use and that no U.S.-made equivalent meets the required scientific performance.
  3. Identify the HTS code with your supplier.
  4. Prepare details — manufacturer, model, accessories and a technical description sufficient for comparison.
  5. Complete Form ITA-338P — explain why U.S. alternatives are not equivalent in scientific value.
  6. Mail five copies (one must have an original signature) to:
  7. Track and follow-up — typical federal processing is about six to eight weeks from receipt. If denied, ask the U.S. Customs and Border Protection about appeal options under 15 CFR §301.6.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Attention: Entry Process and Duty Refunds Branch
90 K Street, NE, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20229

Costs and Timing

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  • Tariffs/duty apply unless duty-free is approved.
  • Other charges may include state and local taxes, customs brokerage and carrier/terminal fees.
  • Freight and lead time are separate from duty decisions; build scheduling and budget contingencies.

For assistance with this process, please contact UVM Tariff staff.