Use a Customs Broker
Customs brokers guide international deliveries through import/export requirements and the government agencies involved. VCU has contracted with Airschott to support departments placing international orders subject to import regulations.
Not sure if your purchase is subject to import controls? Contact the VCU Export Compliance Office at exportctrl@vcu.edu for guidance. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency also offers a video overview of the import process.
How it works
Engage Airschott early — customs delays can be significant. Follow these steps.
1 Contact VCU’s Airschott representative
Reach Melinda Ziv at 410-863-4777 or melinda@airschott.com. Complete the importing questionnaire — you’ll get a copy of your response automatically.
Forward your response to both melinda@airschott.com and sales@airschott.com, along with a specification or data sheet for the goods you want to import.
2 Place a RealSource requisition to Airschott for $500
$500 is an estimate of service. Airschott provides a final invoice once the item clears U.S. Customs (or other regulatory agencies). The PO is then amended via a change request to cover the actual cost.
3 Place a requisition to the vendor
Order the items from the vendor through RealSource as normal. If needed, see how to check a vendor is set up.
4 Send required documents to Airschott
Once the PO for the imported goods is approved and sent to the vendor, send Airschott a copy of the PO and the vendor’s quote for the goods.
5 Notify the vendor
Let the vendor providing the imported goods know that VCU is using Airschott as its customs broker.
Contact
Process questions
Need help? Submit a ticket through RamsCentral: VCU IT Self Service > Enter IT Portal > Submit a Request > Procurement Services. Open RamsCentral →