Cornell University and the University of Minnesota have applied for duty-free entry of various scientific instruments not manufactured in the United States. The instruments include a six-axes sample manipulator and a multi-gas lamp from China, intended for studying electronic properties in materials science. Additionally, the University of Minnesota seeks to import a spark plasma sintering system from Japan for researching structural ceramics and metals. The applications have been accepted, and public comments are invited on whether similar instruments exist domestically.
Simple Explanation
Cornell and the University of Minnesota want to bring in special machines from other countries to help them with science experiments, and they need permission to do it without paying extra taxes. People can talk about whether the same machines are made in the US before the government decides.