Senate passes miscellaneous tariff bill

Boulder, CO — The United States Senate today passed the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010, better known as the miscellaneous tariff bill, or MTB (H.R. 4380). Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) hailed the Senate’s action as a major legislative victory for OIA, the outdoor industry and outdoor customers across the country. The vote by unanimous consent meant that the more than $21 million in cost savings on specialty outdoor footwear and other outdoor products enacted by the 2006 MTB, would be extended for at least another year and a half.

 “OIA has been working to get congressional passage of this miscellaneous tariff bill for the last three years and today’s Senate vote marks the culmination of those efforts,” said OIA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “With today’s vote in the Senate, coupled with last week’s vote to pass the MTB in the House, and now after President Obama’s signature, outdoor companies will again see cost savings that will allow them to invest in the product innovations that drive our industry, support the millions of jobs they create and support across the country and lower retail prices on specialty outdoor products for the American people. I am grateful for the substantial effort of the OIA team and our member companies towards getting this bill passed.”

OIA and its members were instrumental in getting the MTB passed, contacting dozens of members of Congress to encourage votes in favor of this important legislation. The MTB contains several outdoor products, including extensions of several duty suspensions on waterproof breathable footwear that OIA guided to congressional passage in 2006, and also includes ski and snowboard equipment and footwear, and bicycle parts and accessories.

Because many of the bills included in the U.S. Manufacturing Enhancement Act are extensions of previously enacted, but since expired tariff suspensions, the MTB has a provision making it retroactive to January 1, 2010. Outdoor companies will have 180 days from enactment to file reimbursement for duties paid from the first of the year to the date of enactment.

The legislation now goes to President Obama for his signature and once enacted, OIA will assist members in evaluating whether their products are eligible for duty suspensions and with filing reimbursements from U.S Customs and Border Protection.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Founded in 1989, Outdoor Industry Association® is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. Over 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers of outdoor recreation equipment and services, as well as other related business entities, make up OIA membership. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, cutting-edge market research, member cost-saving benefits and outreach initiatives to grow participation in outdoor activities and promote healthier lifestyles. Educational events include the annual OIA Rendezvous®, Outdoor University®, and the Capitol Summit in Washington, D.C. Outdoor Industry Association is the exclusive endorser of the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow. For more information, go to www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

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