Open Access Fee Policy for the International Journal of Tea Science (IJTS)

The International Journal of Tea Science (IJTS) is committed to making scholarly research freely accessible to all, while sustaining the high standards of publication and editorial excellence. To support the open-access model, IJTS charges Article Processing Charges (APCs) for accepted manuscripts. This policy outlines the fee structure, waiver options, and payment process. It will be as under,

Indian Manuscripts:  INR 4000

International Manuscripts: 100 USD

1. Article Processing Charge (APC)

• An Article Processing Charge (APC) is applied to manuscripts accepted for publication in IJTS. This fee supports the editorial processes, peer review, typesetting, online hosting, and digital archiving, ensuring that all articles are immediately available to readers worldwide without subscription barriers.
• The APC is due only upon the acceptance of a manuscript, and there is no submission fee.

2. APC Structure

• Standard APC: The standard APC for research articles, review articles, and case studies is set at [ Indian Manuscripts:  INR 4000, International Manuscripts: 100 USD].
• Short Communications and Letters: For shorter articles, such as short communications and letters to the editor, the APC is [insert amount, e.g., $500].
• Discounted Rates for Developing Countries: IJTS offers reduced APCs for authors from lower- and middle-income countries, based on the World Bank classification.

3. Waivers and Discounts

• Full and Partial Waivers: IJTS provides full or partial APC waivers for authors with demonstrated financial need, particularly those from low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
• Discounts for Early-Career Researchers: Discounts may be available for early-career researchers who lack institutional funding or external grant support.
• Requests for Waivers and Discounts: Authors can request a waiver or discount by completing the waiver application form at the time of manuscript submission. All requests are treated confidentially and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

4. Institutional and Funding Body Arrangements

• Institutional Agreements: IJTS works with universities, research institutions, and funding bodies to establish open-access agreements that may cover or subsidize APCs for authors affiliated with those institutions.
• Funding Compliance: IJTS APCs are structured to comply with the open-access policies of major funding agencies, and authors are encouraged to check with their funders for potential reimbursement options.

5. Payment Process

• Payment Upon Acceptance: Authors (or their affiliated institutions) will be invoiced for the APC upon the acceptance of their manuscript. Payment instructions and options, including credit card and bank transfer, will be provided.
• Timely Payment: The publication of an accepted article may proceed only after full payment of the APC. IJTS works with authors to ensure a smooth payment process and offers support for any questions related to fees.

This Open Access Fee Policy ensures the sustainability of the International Journal of Tea Science’s commitment to freely accessible, high-quality research in tea science, fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing across the global scientific community.