Do Tariffs Apply To RPG Books? Maybe, Maybe Not!

When the recent tariffs were announced by the US, panic was the first reaction from tabletop roleplaying game publishers.

This was soon followed by a wave of hope as people shared an official exemption list which included "printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter in single sheets, whether or not folded" and "printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, other than in single sheets" (see codes 49011000 and 49019900). Seemingly, TTRPG rulebooks might escape the tariffs!

However, ICv2 is reporting that this may not be the case. According to a pair of rulings dating all the way back to 1989 and 1991, TTRPG rulebooks are instead classified as "arcade, table or parlor games… parts and accessories thereof". These rulings came from the US Custom and Border Protection agency, and were applied to Columbia Games and West End Games, respectively.

The first ruling was titled "Fantasy Role Play Expansion Modules".

In our opinion, heading 9504 provides the more specific description of the merchandise in issue. The modules enhance fantasy game play; they were not designed for passive reading.

- US Customs and Border Protection, November 1989​

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The second ruling, titled "Fantasy role play games books are expansion modules are designed to enhance fantasy game play, not for passive reading" reads as follows.

As a result of the foregoing, the instant merchandise is classified under subheading 9504.90.9080, HTSUSA, as articles for arcade, table or parlor games, including pinball machines, bagatelle, billiards and special tables for casino games; automatic bowling alley equipment; parts and accessories thereof; other, other, other, other. The applicable rate of duty is 4.64 percent ad valorem.

- US Customs and Border Protection, November 1991​

These rulings are both 35 years old, so there is no guarantee that the same ruling would be made today. This ruling, from last year, classifies a Shadowrun supplement as a book, noting that "This ruling only takes into consideration the books when imported separately." But it does cast doubt on the status of TTRPG rulebooks. Are they books or are they games, according to the US customs agencies? If the latter, TTRPG books coming from China would suffer the same 145% tariff that boxed sets, accessories, and boardgames do. That means that a $30K print run of a few thousand books would incur an additional $43,500 bill when arriving at port in the US--considerably more than it costs to manufacture them in the first place.

Products coming from countries other than China are currently subject to a lower 10% tariff. However, with the speed at which the situation changes, it is impossible for companies to plan shipments to the US. Whatever the tariffs, what is necessary for trade is stability. Most organisations need a lead time measured in weeks--or sometimes months--in order to budget and plan for manufacturing and international shipments, and the tariffs are currently changing on a daily basis. And without even knowing for sure whether TTRPG rulebooks incur the tariff, we may have to wait until the first shipment hits port to find out!

The Shipping Tariff Lottery #shorts

The gamble we face when deciding whether to ship product to the US right now. #Gaming #ShippingChallenges #Tariffs #Kickstarter #GameDesign

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[Thondor]

I have a friend who has several tons of RPG books currently on a ship from China. Despite extensive arguing, his customs broker insists they must be classified as games, and subject to the tariff. He is weighing his options.

He should look for other customs brokers . . . He shouldn't be stuck with only one option. I imagine he is already doing so.

 

[Morrus]

I have a friend who has several tons of RPG books currently on a ship from China. Despite extensive arguing, his customs broker insists they must be classified as games, and subject to the tariff. He is weighing his options.

The customs broker works for your friend, not the other way round.

 

[kronovan]

With the risk of sounding pessimistic and cynical... If this ever got discussed at an Excecutive Branch meeting, I can imagine it might go like this:

Executive Branch staff person: "What about these tabletop roleplaying game books? Are they books like standard books, or are they 'arcade, table or parlor games… parts and accessories thereof' ? I've read that many contain content that some people just buy for passive, leisure reading"
Executive Branch manager: "Hmm...where are most of these books printed?"
Executive Branch staff person: "Well actually, most are printed in China"
Executive Branch manager: "Oh, they're definintely table games."

Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised that if a further ruling to the existing 2 was ever discussed, that China as a common origin for printed TTRPG books would be a/the deciding factor.

Forgive me if I'm being too political here - I'm bracing for a warning.

 

[FoolishFrost]

There is little to be done about treading into political territory with this, as that’s what’s triggering these tariffs.

For that reason, I’m going to nod, offer a good day, and move away from this one. Too volatile.

 

[mach1.9pants]

Incorrect info, ignore

 

[MostlyHarmless42]

Yeah, kind of hard to comment on a situation that is blatantly political in a forum that has a rule about not discussing politics. The most I'll say is this: if you voted for this, I hope these tarriffs negatively impact your life. You know who you are. Zero sympathy. I'll save that for the people who actually deserve it, and rest assured, we will never forget or forgive. Not when people's literal lives are on the line.

For everyone else? My heart goes out to all of those affected by these insane and ill thought out plans and half baked schemes, be it personal or financial suffering. It is important that we support any and everyone we can through whatever means possible. Stock up on rice and beans folks.

The one silver lining, folks, is that the nice thing about TRPGs is that cannot be shut off, do not require the internet/electricity, and do not require a yearly subscription. If disgruntled grognards can still play the original red box to this day and even prisoners can find a way to play sessions without a single set of dice they only way I'll be quitting this hobby is if they pry it from my cold dead hands!

 

[Mistwell]

It's naked market manipulation. I can say this with certainty, the US economy entering another great depression will certainly effect the price of RPG books, if anyone at all is still interested in purchasing them at a time when they need to make a choice between food, shelter, and entertainment.

The problem is, we have no idea if we're going to enter a depression, or recession, or what.

 

[Henadic Theologian]

The US Marine Corps? I'm not convinced that's relevant in this situation.

(Yes, I know you meant USMCA).

The only thing I miss about NAFTA is it's acronym was easy to remember, the USMCA doesn't even have that much.

 

[Olaf the Stout]

I think the reality is we don’t know and, if we think we know, the US government may decide to change the rules within the next few hours anyway. That’s just the reality of the situation and how quickly and often it is currently shifting.

I have no horse in this race. I just pity those that have to try and keep up due to their business needs.

 

[UnknownDyson]

The problem is, we have no idea if we're going to enter a depression, or recession, or what.

The dollar is being devalued and is on pace to cease being the world's reserve currency.