Executive Order on Preventing the Stacking of Certain U.S. Import Tariffs
- Le
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
The Executive Order issued by the White House aims to prevent overlapping tariffs from being applied cumulatively to the same imported goods under certain trade actions. This policy change addresses concerns that stacked duties — such as auto part + steel + fentanyl-related tariffs — could result in unnecessarily high costs for importers. While multiple tariffs have been imposed for national security, border enforcement, and trade policy reasons, this order ensures that only one applicable tariff will apply per article from among the listed measures.
🔹 Key Highlights:
Establishes a hierarchy of which tariff applies when multiple actions target the same product.
Prevents stacking of tariffs imposed under specific proclamations and executive orders, including those on automobiles, steel, aluminum, and drug-related border enforcement.
Allows cumulative tariffs only when they come from unrelated legal authorities, such as Section 301, antidumping duties, or synthetic opioid-related tariffs.
Requires CBP and relevant agencies to update enforcement systems, issue refunds for overpaid duties, and apply the new policy retroactively to entries made on or after March 4, 2025.
Sets a deadline of May 16, 2025, for changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) to be finalized.
This order preserves the authority of all listed trade actions while eliminating duplicative tariff burdens that could harm legitimate U.S. businesses.
💡 Why This Is Good News for Importers:
Especially for U.S.-based automakers and parts distributors, the Executive Order provides meaningful relief and predictability.
✅ Avoids Stacked Tariffs:The biggest benefit is the elimination of duplicate duties. Importers won’t have to pay multiple tariffs on a single item, reducing both financial strain and administrative confusion.
✅ Clearer Rules for Planning:The order calls for a formal process for exemption and adjustment requests, allowing importers — particularly those sourcing from Canada and Mexico — to plan confidently under established trade agreements.
✅ Refund Opportunity:Because the order is retroactive, importers who overpaid tariffs since March 4, 2025, may be eligible for refunds.
✅ CBP Guidance Coming:U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue guidance for importers and brokers, helping ensure smooth implementation and fewer entry errors or penalties.
This Executive Order reflects a more strategic and fair approach to enforcing U.S. trade laws. It reduces unnecessary financial burdens while preserving the government’s authority to regulate imports in the interest of national security.
We will monitor and keep you updated on the list of items that may qualify for refunds under this new policy, so you can take advantage of any applicable duty relief as soon as it becomes available
Comentarios