International Shipping Information

International Shipping Summary
The Bacillus Genetic Stock Center (BGSC) at The Ohio State University ships strains to research institutions worldwide. BGSC ships internationally under DAP terms. The BGSC international shipping and handling fee covers prepartion and courier transportation only. International recipients are responsbile for all customs clearance requirements and non-shipping charges imposed by the desination country.

Th ensure transporacy, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery, international shipments are handled acocording to the terms and procedures as outlined below.

Shipping Terms (Incoterms®)

All international BGSC shipments are sent under the Incoterm® Delivered At Place (DAP).

 

BGSC is responsible for preparing the shipment and arranging transportation to the destination.

The recipient is responsible for all import requirements, including customs clearance and payment of any import duties, value‑added tax (VAT/GST), brokerage, clearance, or other government‑assessed fees imposed by the destination country.

 

Shipping Method

BGSC ships international orders using FedEx International Priority, which is selected to minimize transit time and reduce delays that could affect strain viability.

• FedEx International Priority service is available to the majority of international destinations.
• In rare cases where FedEx International Priority is not available to a specific or remote destination, BGSC will use a comparable expedited international courier service.

Shipping & Handling Fee

The BGSC international shipping and handling fee covers:

• Packaging and preparation of cultures for international transport
• Required documentation assembly
• Courier transportation costs for FedEx International Priority (or equivalent service, when necessary)

The BGSC shipping and handling fee does not include:

• Import duties
• VAT/GST
• Customs brokerage or clearance fees
• Import licenses, permits, or country‑specific regulatory charges

These non‑shipping charges are assessed by the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient.

Customs Classification

For international shipping purposes, BGSC strains are declared under the following Harmonized System (HS) code:

• HS Code: 3002.49
  (Biological products, research use; FedEx high‑level classification)

Final classification and assessment of duties and taxes are determined solely by the importing country’s customs authority.

Documentation Included with International Shipments

Each international BGSC shipment includes the following documents:

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
  • One copy is provided for each shipment.
  • The BGSC CoA reflects quality control and verification procedures appropriate for research‑use microbial strains and does not imply regulatory certification, whole‑genome sequencing, or suitability for diagnostic, clinical, or commercial manufacturing use.
• Commercial Invoice
  • Three (3) copies are provided with each shipment, as required for international customs clearance.

Import Responsibilities of the Recipient

International recipients are responsible for:

• Ensuring compliance with all import regulations in their country
• Obtaining any required import licenses or permits
• Responding promptly to communications from FedEx or local customs authorities
• Paying all applicable import duties, VAT/GST, brokerage, clearance, and other governmental fees

FedEx may contact the recipient directly to arrange payment of these charges prior to release and delivery of the shipment.

BGSC is unable to issue refunds or replacements for loss of viability resulting from shipping delays outside of BGSC’s control, including customs processing or recipient payment delays.