ALEXANDRIA, Va..—The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has published a third list of tariff numbers that might be subjected to an additional 10 percent customs duty on Chinese origin merchandise, according to an announcement The Vision Council sent to its members yesterday. As with the first two lists (list 1 went live on July 6; implementation of list 2 is still pending) eyeglasses, optical frames, lenses, plano sunglasses, reading glasses, safety eyewear, telescopes and parts of these medical devices remain off the list.

However, certain products imported by The Vision Council’s members are on the third list. Specifically, the list includes the tariff number under which hand-held and stand magnifiers are classified. In addition, there are tariff numbers covering eyeglass cases, some paper products that might include paper displays, and eyeglass cleaning solutions.

The USTR is seeking comments on the proposed list, which could result in the removal of tariff numbers, or the addition of more tariff numbers. The comment period ends on Aug.17, 2018. If list 3 is implemented, The Vision Council expects that to occur at a later date, but certainly no sooner than the end of August.

The complete list of potentially affected tariff numbers, as well as instructions for filing comments either for or against the proposed action, can be found here.

The examples included in The Vision Council’s communication of optical products possibly affected by the proposed expanded tariff list are for illustration purposes only, The Vision Council said. Please contact your logistics provider or customs broker for more detailed information regarding the impact of the proposed tariffs on your specific product categories. If your company will be impacted as a result of the list 3 duties going into effect, then contact The Vision Council as soon as possible so they can monitor the potential impact on the industry and determine a path forward.

Any questions about this issue can be directed to Rick Van Arnam, The Vision Council regulatory counsel, at rvanarnam@barnesrichardson.com.