CGSC Distribution Fees

In addition to continuous support from the National Science Foundation for over 30 years, it has been necessary since 1988 to make charges to users. We were at first able to meet this requirement by charging for-profit users and waiving charges to users from academic and non-profit institutions. Since that time, there have been policy changes at the NSF that require us to charge fees to academic users as well. Lower levels of Federal funding and a requirement to increase our cost recovery from users compels us again to change our fee structure for academic and industry users. Please give us feedback on the new policies described below. We hope that the user fees described at the links below will prove to be equitable and successful in providing us with the necessary operating funds. We do not wish to turn away any researchers or teachers who need strains from us and we will waive or negotiate charges as necessary (as cited in specific charge statements below).

Terms:
Most strain orders may be shipped with an invoice and payment is due upon receipt. We also accept purchase orders from academic institutions and industry customers. For large orders we may request payment before shipping. Payment may be made by credit card through our online invoice payment system, or via check or wire transfer. Specific instructions for each payment method are included on our invoice.

Permits and Import Fees:
It is the responsibility of the recipient to obtain all appropriate import permits. The CGSC requires permits be produced prior to shipping materials. International shipments can be significantly delayed if permits are not correct. You may wish to retain an Import Broker, at your destination to simplify customs and health clearance.

International Shipping Fees:
Due to changes in how the International Air Transport Association (IATA) classifies genetically modified microorganisms, most of the strains in our collection must now be shipped as category UN 3245 Dangerous Goods, and must therefore be shipped via FedEx or DHL. This unfortunately increases the shipping charges for strains distributed internationally. In some cases we will have to require that payment be made prior to shipping.

Refunds:
There is always the possibility that a strain will not survive during shipping. It is our policy to replace strains that cannot be revived at no cost, but in some cases shipping charges may apply. In the event we are unable to deliver a strain that has already been paid for, we will refund the distribution fee.

Conditions:
Recipients of materials from the CGSC must agree to the following:

Use of materials received from the CGSC, or derived from materials received from the CGSC constitutes acceptance of these terms.

Disclaimer:
The CGSC makes every effort to assure the validity of each stock, however because of the nature of biological material, no warranty is made as to the availability, validity, or usefulness of any materials. All materials in the CGSC collection are considered to be held in trust for the public .


We welcome any opinions, comments, or criticism of this policy from users of and contributors to the Stock Center. (cgsc@yale.edu)