Toy Association Requests to Testify at Hearing on Proposed Tariffs on Toys
Toy Companies: Add Your Name to Letter Opposing Tariffs
June 11, 2019 | President Trump canceled plans to impose a 5 percent tax on all Mexican imports after reaching an agreement on immigration policy with Mexican officials on Friday; however, the threat of 25 percent tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports, including all finished toys, is looming. The Toy Association is actively fighting back against these tariffs and urging toy companies to get involved.
- DUE JUNE 12: Sign onto the multi-industry company/association letter opposing the proposed List 4 tariffs. No actual signatures are required; companies will be listed by name, city, and state. Signatures are due tomorrow.
- DUE ASAP: Companies are encouraged to send in grassroots letters as soon as possible. Ask colleagues, family, and friends to send in letters as well. It takes no more than a couple of minutes to fill out the online form, add in a line or two, and hit “send.” To date, 775 advocates have sent in 2,800 letters.
The Toy Association has officially requested to testify before the Section 301 Committee hearings on June 17 to discuss the proposed Chinese products subject to tariffs. The testimony will outline the significant harm and devastating impact that tariffs would have on the U.S. toy industry, their workers, and consumers, and would formally request the removal of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 9503.00.000 (the tariff line under which all toys, as defined by customs, are classified) from the proposed list, as well as the removal of other toy related items such as: 4903.00.00 (children’s coloring books), 7117.90.90 (toy jewelry), 9504 (video game consoles) and 9504.90.40 (game machines).
The Toy Association is still seeking input from members regarding the tariff lines on the proposed list that would impact their company.
Members with information, questions, or comments about The Toy Association’s fight against tariffs are encouraged to contact Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs. As this issue unfolds, members and the larger toy community will be kept apprised of developments.