The Purchasing team handles the export and imports of goods for the Department. If you wish to import or export something, please contact us by e-mail at purchase-enquiries@eng.cam.ac.uk.
Exporting goods outside of the UK has become more complex. Please allow more time to complete the required export declarations. The Department uses a freight forwarding company to undertake the cross-border movements and deal directly with the authorities. There are several additional requirements and regulations to comply with including:
- US/UK/EU regulations require further details about the item and DHL will not be able to accept the consignment without this information. This is a mandatory requirement for items being exported.
- Several countries are subject to Sanctions put in place by the UK government. Sanctions can include trade restrictions and therefore it will not be possible to consign deliveries to these countries. Additionally, the University must comply with US sanctions as many of the areas of university, funders and partners are covered by these.
- Most destination countries will charge duties on items entering their country and this will be based on the declared value. This is usually paid by the recipient unless other arrangements have been put in place.
- Some items may be prohibited from export or require a licence to do so.
Temporary Exports
Taking Items in your Luggage/Car overseas
We advise staff and colleagues that they MUST NOT carry items in their luggage or car. Customs declarations are still required, and you may have to pay duty and VAT on the value of the item. This option can create delays, personal and reputational risks and require non-standard payment options. To avoid this, we recommend that wherever possible goods are sent as freight.
More detailed information is available on the University’s Import and Export Hub
Examples of an import
- Purchase orders from overseas suppliers
- Credit card purchases from overseas suppliers or websites
- Receiving samples from overseas, whether free of charge or paid for, Import tax will be applied based on the value of the items being sent, unless claiming medical exemption
- Loaned equipment
- Temporary movements of goods
Please see guidance on the import Export hub https://www.importexport.admin.cam.ac.uk/
Example of export
- Sending goods overseas
- Shipping samples, including free samples
- Sale of goods
- Loaning our equipment
- Returning loaned equipment
- Temporary export of equipment for use on an overseas trip
Repairs
Please contact us before sending any equipment overseas for repair, and see the repairs overview on the University’s Import and Export Hub.