imports

Use of a Customs Broker

The University’s contracts with DHL, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service (UPS) grant these companies limited power of attorney to clear routine shipments through customs upon arrival at various ports of call within the United States and likewise to clear exported shipments at most locations throughout the world.

In certain cases it is recommended that the services of a “Customs Broker” be utilized. Customs Brokers provide customer service dedicated specifically to individual shipments, which helps to ensure that these shipments clear customs and reach their destination in a safe and timely manner. Examples of when to use a Customs Broker include shipments that contain hazardous materials that need to be verified as transportable through safety check lists, shipments that require “dry ice” packaging or shipments that are bound for, or coming from, countries on a restricted trade list. The University has empowered W.N. Epstein & Company, to represent the University as its Customs Broker. W.N. Epstein & Company has offices at most U.S. ports of entry and contacts at ports of call around the globe.

The St. Louis office is located at 4433 Woodson Road St. Louis, MO 63134

Key Contact Information:

Mr. Jerry Epstein (314) 429-0673 jepstein@wnepstein.com
fax: 423-3553

Gary Maus, Purchasing Services, 935-7052 gary_maus@wustl.edu
fax: 935-4395

Additionally, any shipment that involves the move of a lab, or donated lab equipment to be used for research purposes only, needs the services of a Customs Broker as it may fall under the category of “duty free” entry. This circumstance requires the filing of specific paperwork that should be prepared by Purchasing Services and/or W.N. Epstein & Company.

If your shipping requirements involve any of the above criteria please contact Mr. Gary Maus at 935-7052 for assistance.

Imports using a purchase order:
The following information should be included in the body of the Purchase Order.

Shipping Instructions:
Please ship to the Port of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, with notification to the University’s Import Broker,
W.N. Epstein
Attn: Jerry Epstein
4433 Woodson Road
St. Louis MO 63134

Tel: 1-314-429-0673
Fax: 1-314-423-3553
E-Mail jepstein@wnepstein.com

Purchase order number must be referenced on all documentation and a copy of invoice should be attached to all shipping papers. Import Broker must be provided with the air bill number at time of shipment.

Imports without a Purchase Order:
University staff/faculty traveling to a foreign country should be provided the Import Broker information. It is not unusual for an individual to ship back to the University, via commercial freight, items collected while abroad. All such shipments will need the assistance of our Import Broker and the Import Broker should be notified immediately of any shipment destined for the United States.

When a purchase order is not used due to an exchange of goods, return of loaned equipment or like circumstances, notification to our Import Broker will provide for a speedy clearance process.

Fees charged by the Import Broker:
Purchasing Services receives an invoice for services after the Import Broker has cleared a shipment through Customs and has seen to it that the shipment is delivered to its final destination. A copy of the invoice will be sent to the Department/School of record and a copy will be sent to Accounts Payable with correct purchase order number or a free balance account number.

Read about Duty Free Imports here:
Duty Free Imports

Import/Export Permit Information

Etiologic Agent Import Permit Program

Veterinary Services - Import/Export

Export Controls:
Information and Resources for Researchers