As part of an executive order issued on Nov. 14, President Donald Trump revised and expanded the set of commodities in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) that are exempt from reciprocal tariffs.

These changes, which are reflected in updates to Annex II and Annex III partially target commodities that cannot be sourced within the United States.

According to the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), many tea and spice commodities listed in Chapter 9 of the HTS that were previously in Annex III are now in Annex II and are exempt from reciprocal tariffs. Also subject to relief were certain coffee and tea extracts under Chapter 21. These include major natural ingredients including green and black tea (Camellia sinensis), cinnamon, ginger and turmeric.

The revisions were retroactively applied to goods “entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption” on or after Nov. 13 at 12:01 a.m. EST. The order also clarifies that refunds are available through standard methods for goods for which duties were already collected.

“It appears that our advocacy, specifically regarding cinnamon and turmeric, has resonated with policymakers. We’re thankful for this relief from tariffs on unavailable natural resources, which benefits both American businesses and the health of Americans. Numerous other herbal goods that cannot be grown within our borders are also in need of tariff relief,” said Robert Marriott, vice president of government & regulatory affairs at AHPA. 

For more information, visit www.ahpa.org.