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ALEXANDRIA, Va.—On Friday, Oct. 11, President Trump announced that the planned increase from 25 percent to 30 percent on the China 301 duties scheduled for Oct. 15, 2019 has been delayed indefinitely. This increase covered tariff numbers identified on China 301 lists 1, 2 and 3, The Vision Council informed its members last week. Notably, this delay affects eyeglass cases, eyeglass cleaning solutions, hand and stand magnifiers, optical production equipment, ophthalmic instruments and electro-diagnostic equipment. These items remain subject to the 25 percent additional China 301 tariff, The Vision Council said.

This delay, however, does nothing to lessen the existing China 301 duties that members of The Vision Council now pay on optical goods from China, the organization said last Friday. Rates remain at 25 percent for Lists 1, 2, and 3 goods, and 15 percent for List 4 items. Frames, lenses, sunglasses, reading glasses and many low vision devices were on List 4 and are currently assessed an additional 15 percent tariff on Chinese origin products.

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