Targeted Tariff Relief

SFIA saves members millions of dollars annually through programs that reduce or eliminate tariffs on imports. Our goal is to lower the cost of getting your products to market through tariff relief.

MISCELLANEOUS TARIFF BILL (MTB)

Years ago, tariffs were placed on the imports of products that were made in the United States to level the playing field between overseas and domestic manufacturers. Over time, manufacturing has shifted overseas and U.S. production has declined, making many of these tariffs outdated and unnecessary.

The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) provides manufacturers with an opportunity to reduce or eliminate outdated tariffs through a petition process. In 2020, SFIA filed 84 petitions on behalf of our members, with each MTB petition capped at $500,000 dollars in tariff relief, for a potential $42 million dollars in tariff relief on industry products. Congress has pending legislation to renew the MTB through 2023. SFIA offers members the opportunity to file petitions when the next MTB process is announced.

MTB Petitions Filed For:

  • Golf Club Components
  • Golf Bags
  • Golf Shoes
  • Basketballs
  • Volleyballs
  • Tennis Racquets
  • Pickleball Racquets
  • Squash Racquets
  • Racquetball Racquets
  • Batting Gloves
  • Pickleballs
  • Racquetballs
  • Boxing & Mixed Martial Arts Gloves
  • Mouth Guards
  • Boxing & MMA Protective Headwear
  • Martial Arts Uniforms
  • Speed Bags and Related Training Equipment
  • Swim Goggles
  • Exercise Cycles
  • Stand-Up Bicycles
  • Elliptical Cycles

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

To create jobs in countries with developing economies, the United States offers duty-free entry to products made in more than 100 countries. Countries must meet environmental, labor, and human rights requirements to be eligible for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) treatment. GSP offers manufacturers an opportunity to avoid tariffs of up to 17 percent on eligible products.

GSP Eligible Sports Products:

  • Sports Bags
  • Backpacks
  • Gym Bags
  • Sports Gloves
  • Skis
  • Bindings
  • Golf Equipment
  • Table Tennis paddles
  • Racquets
  • Volleyballs
  • Basketballs
  • Ice Skates
  • Sleds &  Toboggans
  • Swimming/Wading Pools
  • Gymnastics Equipment
  • Fitness Consoles

Section 301 Tariffs (China Exclusions)

The Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese-made consumer goods included on List 3 and List 4A have led to significant cost increases. An exclusion process was set up for companies to get products removed from the tariff list, but only five percent of consumer goods petitions were granted exclusions. A General Accountability Office review of the exclusion process under former President Trump found numerous irregularities and inconsistencies in the process, and, a lack of justification for many exclusion denials.

Manufacturers are pressing for a new, more transparent exclusion process to remove products from the tariff list, and legislation is pending in Congress to re-open the exclusion process. The USTR is accepting comments on Section 301 Tariffs until January 17, 2023.  Please see the Federal Register notice on submission of Section 301 Tariff comments for additional information. SFIA offers members the opportunity to file exclusion petitions when a new process is announced.

For more information or questions regarding SFIA’s targeted tariff relief efforts, please contact Bill Sells.