March 21, 2020

USTR Expedites Tariff Exclusions for Healthcare Products

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced an expedited process to apply for tariff exclusions on healthcare products.

In an announcement placed in the federal registrar, the USTR states: “In order to reflect developments in the efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, USTR is requesting public comments on possible further modifications to remove duties from additional medical-care products.”

USTR is accepting submissions for additional healthcare product exclusions via comments submitted on www.regulations.gov under docket number USTR-2020-0014. The portal will be open through at least June 25, 2020, with an option for the government to extend the deadline as needed. Submissions will be approved on a rolling basis every few days. Additionally, USTR is asking those submitting new requests to provide an explanation of how the product(s) play a role in helping healthcare providers respond to COVID-19 patients and the larger surge in medical care that is accompanying the pandemic, and how elimination of the tariffs would help reduce financial strain on very-stretched healthcare institutions.

Submit comments requesting product exclusions►

If you have any questions, please reach out to HIDA Government Affairs at HIDAGovAffairs@HIDA.org or 703-549-4432.