The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has issued a ruling that permanently prohibits the collection of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a decision expected to affect various sectors, including the vision care industry. The Vision Council (TVC) released a statement to keep eyecare professionals up to date on the evolving tariff landscape.

In its May 28 decision, the CIT directed the federal government to establish a process within 10 days to halt the collection of IEEPA-related duties. These duties previously included:

• A 25% tariff on certain goods from Mexico and Canada;
• A 20% tariff on certain goods from China;
• And “reciprocal” tariffs currently set at 10%, with increases to country-specific rates scheduled for July.

While the ruling bars further collection of these tariffs unless a stay is granted, it does not require refunds of previously collected duties, TVC shares. Further guidance on potential refunds may emerge once additional legal decisions are finalized.

A notice of appeal has been filed by the former Trump administration with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Officials are expected to seek a stay of the CIT ruling, which could temporarily reinstate the tariffs while the appeal is under review. The case could eventually be brought before the U.S. Supreme Court.

As of now, the tariffs remain in effect pending the government's 10-day compliance window and the anticipated motion for a stay. The decision does not affect tariffs imposed under other trade authorities, including Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods, or Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, and automotive products, which remain in place.

“Fluctuating trade policies create real uncertainty for businesses across the vision industry, and we understand how challenging that can be,” says TVC CEO Ashley Mills. “Our team is actively monitoring the ongoing legal developments, and we will continue to provide timely updates and resources.”

TVC offers several resources to assist members in navigating the changing tariff landscape, including a Tariff Dashboard, policy updates, and legal guidance.