Tariff Update: Eyewear and Eyecare Products Not Included in Recent European Good Duties

Dear Valued Member,

On Oct. 2, 2019, the World Trade Organization (WTO) authorized President Trump to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European goods as part of a dispute involving illegal subsidies provided to Airbus. After a review of the list of European goods subject to these new tariffs, it has been determined that, as of now, the only optical products that will be subject to retaliatory duties are lenses for cameras, projectors and photographic enlargers or reducers of German origin, classifiable under subheading 9002.11.90 of the tariff. The Vision Council will continue to monitor this issue and will provide any updates as the situation evolves.

Questions regarding this issue can be directed to Rick Van Arnam, The Vision Council regulatory affairs counsel, at rvanarnam@barnesrichardson.com.