On September 14, 2016, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) launched a new web page to engage American manufacturers who may benefit from the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB). The MTB supports manufacturers by eliminating or reducing import duties on hundreds of materials and products that are not produced domestically, cutting production costs and enhancing global competitiveness.

The American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 (PL 114–159) established a new process for submitting MTB petitions, which traditionally required Members of Congress to introduce bills. Under the new system, likely beneficiaries will submit petitions directly to the USITC within a 60-day period, beginning October 14, 2016. Anticipated revenue loss for each product must be less than $500,000 per year.

In anticipation of the MTB start date, the new MTB Information Page provides a centralized compilation of fact sheets, federal notices, and timelines for interested parties to amply prepare for the new submission process. Archived documents and filing tips will be added regularly as updates are released.

The USITC is in the process of building its web-based MTB filing portal, through which parties will submit their petitions and written comments. The portal will become publicly available after the official start of the petition process, marked by a USITC Federal Register notice formally requesting petitions.

Parties will have 60 days from October 14 to submit petitions through the USITC portal. Husch Blackwell’s International Trade & Supply Chain team has vast experience with USITC processes and procedures, as well as duty reduction and suspension legislation. Our team assists U.S. companies with preparing MTB petitions and navigating the related administrative and legislative process. We also assist companies in evaluating whether a potential duty reduction or suspension is available on particular products. Please contact Jeffrey Neeley, Robert Stang, Cortney Morgan, Michael Holton, or your HB attorney with any particular client needs or questions.

For additional information on the new MTB process, petition requirements, and the legislative timeline, please see our Industry Alert.