Tariffs: How to Apply for an Exclusion Request

September 9, 2019 | As The Toy Association continues its aggressive advocacy and media campaign about the harmful impacts of tariffs on toys, members are encouraged to participate in an upcoming webinar that will detail how companies can apply for product-specific exclusions from the tariffs. “Tariffs on Toys: How to Apply for an Exclusion Request” will take place Wednesday, September 25 from 12 to 1 p.m. (Eastern). Registration is now open.

“A 15 percent tariff on toys imported from China will go into effect December 15, but there are steps that companies can take to increase the industry’s likelihood of getting at least some products excluded from these regressive taxes,” said Rebecca Mond, vice president of federal government affairs at The Toy Association. “Although the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has granted only a few exclusion requests to date, all Toy Association members are urged to consider submitting petitions for exclusions from the soon-to-be-implemented tariffs.”

During the webinar, Laura Farhang, The Toy Association’s trade counsel, will walk participants through details about the exclusion process. Participants will learn exactly what information and data they need in order to submit a successful petition, as well as tips for maximizing their chances for success. The Toy Association’s Rebecca Mond will moderate the discussion.

All Toy Association members are encouraged to participate in this important session, especially company personnel that handle import logistics, operations, accounting, and legal matters.

The Toy Association continues to aggressively advocate against toy tariffs on Capitol Hill and to key members of the administration and is an active member and leader of the Americans for Free Trade coalition. The toy industry’s education campaign about the impacts of tariffs can be found at DontTaxToys.com.

Association executives have been representing industry concerns in the media. Steve Pasierb, president & CEO of The Toy Association, recently appeared on Fox Business to discuss the Trump administration’s decision to delay toy tariffs until December 15, and spoke to the unfeasibility of quickly moving toy manufacturing out of China in The New York Times.

“Our fight against tariffs is ongoing as we continue to advocate for sensible solutions to the trade, IP, and business challenges our nation has with China. Levying an unfair tax on American families and U.S. companies is simply not the answer,” added Mond.