Opportunity For RV Industry Association Member Savings: 2019 Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) is now accepting petitions from companies requesting temporary duty suspensions and reductions for products not made in the United States under the 2019 Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB). The process, established by the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016, allows companies to obtain three-year duty suspensions or reductions on imported components and finished goods, provided that U.S. producers of identical or directly competitive products do not object.

Engaging with the MTB process could potentially lead to significant savings for RV Industry Association members who import products. Navigating the process, however, is time-consuming and difficult. The RV Industry Association, therefore, wants to assist any members interested in this process.

The 60-day window for submitting MTB requests began on October 11 and will close on December 10, 2019. Companies wishing to renew or request new petitions must file during this time, or the opportunity for duty relief after 2020 will be gone.

Currently, there are 1,655 active MTBs, including components for sleeping bags, small household appliances and devices, and outdoor products such as fishing rods and reels and ski bindings. Anyone who can demonstrate that they are likely beneficiaries of a suspension or reduction of duties can submit a petition. The ITC then submits reports to the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance, who will develop the comprehensive MTB. Finally, Congress will vote to approve the legislation, which will then need to be signed by the President.

If your company is interested in learning more about filing MTB requests or engaging with this process, please contact Samantha Rocci, Manager of Government and Political Affairs, at srocci@rvia.org.