Dear colleagues,
The University has introduced new tools to help researchers manage import tariffs on research equipment. With tariffs of 10-35% now affecting purchases from the EU, China, and other countries, researchers face scenarios that vary by product, country of origin, and federal policy. As tariff applicability is specific to individual purchases, and potential retroactive refund opportunities are pending a Supreme Court decision, researchers are best positioned to track their own purchases and potential refunds.
Request vendor justification
Ask your vendor for detailed justification (product codes, tariff filings, country-of-origin information, and quotes). Vendors typically have the best insight into how their products are classified and billed. See the tariff guidance portal for self-service information, including what to request from vendors and when to escalate questions.
Service Desk Support
If vendor information doesn’t resolve your question, email priceincrease@urmc.rochester.edu. Your inquiry will be routed to Procurement or the Office of Counsel based on the issue.
Electronic Form 338 Application
For tariff exception requests, use the online Form 338 tool. When you complete the form and include the required justification (e.g., receipts, quotes, and technical requirements), the system will automatically generate a PDF in the required federal format needed for submission to authorities. You will receive a copy of the completed form, and the Office of Counsel will also be notified through the Service Desk dashboard. It is highly recommended that you wait to take any further action until Counsel reviews your request; they aim to review and respond to all exception submissions within one week. Counsel will determine whether the request should move forward or help identify submissions that are unlikely to be approved or are too small to justify the effort – an important step given that federal approval can take up to a year.
Please note that these tools are intended to assist—rather than replace—researcher-led tracking and documentation. Tariff scenarios are highly specific, and departments remain best positioned to monitor their own purchases.
Kindly,
Anthony Beckman
Associate Vice President for Research & Project Administration