FAQ related to ordering from the DSMZ

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions related to our ordering processes (registration, order, payment).
In addition, a guideline on how to order from DSMZ can be download here (German version).

Please select the topic of interest

  • What kind of products does the DSMZ offer?

    The DSMZ offers different kinds of bioresources (microorganisms, human and animal cell lines, plant virus, DNA), plant virus diagnostics as well as a portfolio of scientific analyses and services.
    In addition, the DSMZ offers a deposit of bioresources in its collection (public collection, safe deposit and patent deposit).
    The DSMZ does not offer cultivation media. For the composition of the cultivation media of your microorganism please check MediaDive, for human and animal cell lines please use DSMZCellDive.

  • Are there any legal restrictions for purchasing bioresources from the DSMZ?

    Only institutions and companies are eligible to order from the DSMZ.
    Depending on the bioresource requested, you may have to submit different documents, e. g. working permits or a Material Transfer Agreement. You will be informed by the sales team which documents you need to provide. Please note that the ordering process will only continue once you have submitted all necessary documents.
    Legal restrictions to the distribution of a bioresource are marked in its catalogue entry.

  • Are there any restrictions for the use of bioresources purchased from the DSMZ?

    Bioresources purchased from the DSMZ may not be used for commercial purposes. Exceptions to this are regulated in our Terms and Conditions (§10 para. 4).
    All biological material from DSMZ GmbH is intended solely for research purposes (with the exception of patent and safe deposit material) and is not for use in humans (including food or cosmetics) or for veterinary or clinical purposes. All products may only be used in premises used for research purposes, such as laboratories or greenhouses, under the supervision of a technically qualified person.

  • Can I order your products from a distributor in my country?

    The DSMZ does not have distributors. All products have to be ordered directly from DSMZ. For available destinations and corresponding freight charges please see our price list.

  • Do I need to register with DSMZ in order to browse the online catalogue?

    No, you can browse the online catalogue (in the DSMZ online shop as well as on the DSMZ website) without prior registration.

  • Are there different delivery forms of bioresources?

    Some bioresources are available in different delivery forms. Available delivery forms are stated in the online catalogue. Please note that prices vary for the different delivery forms. In addition, the chosen delivery form may affect the mode of dispatch.

  • Is it your initial order with the DSMZ?

    If you are ordering bioresources from the DSMZ for the first time, a validation of your institution is required. Our sales team will contact you after receiving your order and advise you of the documents required for validation. The delivery of your first order is only accepted against prepayment.
    No validation is required to order analyses and other scientific services.

    In the download section of the DSMZ website you will find the forms required for ordering (such as the order form or the Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)).

  • Do I need to register with the DSMZ in order to purchase products?

    You do not need to register for browsing our online catalogues!
    You only need to register when placing an order via the DSMZ online shop. Please note that it may take up to one working day to activate your account when registering for the online shop.

  • Where can I get a quote?

    It is recommended that you generate a quote using the DSMZ online shop. Please make sure that you only generate a quote and do not place an order.

  • How do I place an order for bioresources?

    Please note that ordering, shipment and use of the bioresources are subject to the General Terms and Conditions.

    Simply order via the DSMZ online shop or by e-mail to the relevant sales team.
    Please note that it may take up to one working day to activate your account when registering for the webshop.
    When ordering by e-mail, please note that it must be clearly recognisable that it is not a spam e-mail.

    Please always state your company's internal order number (PO number) when placing your order. This is the only way your accounting department can allocate the DSMZ invoice to your order.

    After completing your order, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a DSMZ order number. Please always quote this number if you have any further questions.
    Once we have received your order, we will carry out a legal check to determine whether the products ordered may be delivered to the address (company, country) provided. This check may take a few working days.

    Please check whether you require e. g. an import licence for the purchased bioresources. The delivery is uninsured according to CPT (Incoterms® 2020). This means that you are responsible for the import in your country and customs clearance of the goods.

    Download our short guide on how to order.

  • How do I place an order for analyses and other services?

    Orders for analyses and scientific services are currently only possible by e-mail. Please get in touch with the relevant contact person.
    If your institute’s purchase order number is required on the invoice, please provide this number on the form.

  • Where can I find the prices for bioresources and services?

    The prices of all bioresources are listed in the online catalogue as well as in the price list.
    As analyses and services are offered customised, costs will be calculated upon request.
    Handling fees and shipping costs are also provided in our price list.

  • Can I place an order via platforms like SAP or Chorus Pro?

    Yes, you can place orders using these platforms. The generated orders should be sent to sales(at)dsmz.de.

  • Why are there different contacts in the sales department?

    Dependent on the bioresource or analyses you would like to order, you have to address different sales teams. The following list provides a short overview on whom to address:

    microorganisms
    • all bioresources with a DSM number
      sales(at)dsmz.de
    • all analyses and services for microorganisms
    • all quantified bioresources with DSM number, e.g. production of biomass,
      mock communities
      microbialservices(at)dsmz.de

    human and animal cell lines
    • all bioresources with ACC number
    • all analyses and services for human and animal cell lines
      mutz(at)dsmz.de

    plant viruses and plant virus diagnostics
    • all bioresources with PV number
    • all products with RT, PC or NC number
    • all analyses and services for plant viruses
      plantvirus(at)dsmz.de

  • Where do you deliver to?

    The export of bioresources is subject to various legally binding regulations. An overview of the countries to which DSMZ delivers as well as the corresponding shipping costs can be found in our price list.
    The shipment is uninsured according to CPT (Incoterms® 2020). This means that you are responsible for the import in your country and customs clearance of the goods.

  • How long is the delivery time?

    The delivery time depends e. g. on the bioresource ordered and the country of destination.
    Please note that dispatch will only take place once you have provided all necessary information (e. g. contact details, documents). To ensure a smooth delivery, please make sure to have all necessary documents for import and customs clearance at hand.
    The estimated delivery time of your order can be found in the order confirmation.
    You will receive a shipping confirmation to the e-mail address that you provided as contact in the delivery address section.

  • How much are the shipping costs?

    The shipping costs depend on various factors like the ordered product, the kind of shipment, or the destination. An overview of freight costs is given in our price list.

  • Do I receive a confirmation of shipment?

    You will receive a shipping confirmation to the e-mail address that you provided as contact in the delivery address section. Please check this e-mail address regularly for updates.

  • Are packages X-rayed during the air transportation chain?

    It is not possible for the DSMZ to prevent packages from being security-checked. This should not affect the bioresources.

  • What are the payment terms?

    All invoices are payable immediately and without deduction. Detailed information on payment terms and set-off are provided in our terms and conditions.

  • Are invoices only issued in Euro?

    Yes, invoices are only issued in Euro. We also accept only payments in Euro.

  • Is a prepayment invoice the final invoice?

    The prepayment invoice you have received is a legally valid document for all commercial, accounting and tax purposes. In some countries, the validity requires that the delivery note is attached to the invoice. Although the title only indicates the payment term, it is still a commercial invoice.

  • How do I send payments?

    The DSMZ is currently offering payment submission via bank transfer, PayPal or credit card. Please make sure to include the invoice number or DSMZ order number.
    When placing your order by sending your formal purchase order to us by email, we kindly ask you to mention your preferred payment method directly on your purchase order form.
    If you choose payment via credit card, you will receive our invoice together with a payment link. The payment link will be formatted as the following example: secure.lyra.com/t/0tpyxgz4.

  • How can I send a notice of payment?

    In case you send us a notice of payment, please address it to accounting(at)dsmz.de.

  • How do I complain about an order?

    Please note that the characteristics of the biological material are such that it is provided solely for immediate use. A reclamation must therefore be made within five working days. For more details on the product quality see our Terms and Conditions (§8).
    If your order has arrived damaged, please contact our sales department.
    If the ordered bioresource does not grow or you assume a contamination, please contact our customer support to address the relevant contact person.