How to Arrange for Customs Broker/Freight Forwarding Servicesfor Imports and Exports

When ordering products from foreign suppliers, or preparing to ship items toforeign destinations, there may be an occasion when the product being orderedwill either be imported to the United States by the supplier, or would need tobe exported/routed by the University with a University-approved FreightForwarder/Customs Broker (FF/CB).

When the product is shipped to the University from overseas, it must passthrough U.S. Customs for inspection and to ensure compliance with various lawsand regulations. When the product is being shipped to a foreign destination,Customs and Duties inspections take place. To complete these types of processes,the services of a FF/CB may be required. The University has two designatedFF/CBs to handle all U.S. Customs services required by Universitydepartments.

The University’s designated FF/CB service providers listed below will handleall requirements for shipments that must pass through customs, import or export.There is a fee for this service. The University’s MasterCard PurchasingCard can be used for FF/CB service fees up to $1,000. Any FF/CB service feesover $1,000 requires use of a UPENN Purchase Order.