Impacts of tariffs/trade policy changes on UND

• UND’s imports of goods (whether from Canada, Mexico, or oversees) are not exempt from Federal duties and other taxes/fees (tariffs):
  • While the precise details of each order/import shipment will be different, it is likely that sellers will be able to pass along any price increases directly related to tariff increases to UND
  • PPS can assist with reviewing contractual documents to determine the allowability of price increases and processing contract amendments as necessary
  • In case where the controlling contract is a state- or cooperative- contract, PPS will need to work with the office of management and budget or the cooperative contract entity to confirm whether price increases are allowable. This is the case for many commonly purchased items such as furniture, lab supplies, and computer equipment

• In cases where UND can no longer afford an ordered item due to supplier cost increases, purchasing departments should contact PPS to determine whether we may have contractual mechanisms to cancel purchase orders/contracts for goods.
• PPS asks that any department receiving a notification of price increases from a supplier please forward the information to us at und.pps@und.edu.

• In addition to tariff-related price increases, thresholds at which shipments require formal customs clearance processes are also changing. Low-dollar shipments (under $800) from China and Hong Kong are now subject to formal customs clearance. Beginning April 21st, shipments from all other countries will require formal customs clearance at $800, down from $2,500.
  • These changes are causing a dramatic increase in the number of formal customs entries being performed by shipping companies, causing additional delays in transit
  • Some shipping companies (DHL, Hong Kong Postal Service) are pausing acceptance of some or all shipments to the USA

• UND has a power of attorney on file with Livingston International as our customs broker to file import clearance and make duty/tax payments to the Federal government on UND’s behalf
  • Contact Livingston as soon as you have the shipping paperwork and commercial invoice from the seller
  • UND’s account number with Livingston is 621438
  • Customs broker contact information is usimports@livingstonintl.com
  • It is vital that invoices from Livingston Intl (or any other customs broker) are paid promptly, as any delays may lead to costly shipment holds

• If a supplier submits an invoice with a line-item amount for tariffs, it is recommended to record that amount as a separate line item on a requisition/payment request.

Any other questions or concerns related to tariff impacts on UND orders may be directed to und.pps@und.edu – please reference a specific contract or purchase order when applicable. Thank you.