The efforts and advocacy of AHPA’s Government & Regulatory Affairs prevails!
As part of an Executive Order issued November 14, 2025, the White House has revised and expanded the set of commodities in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) that are exempt from reciprocal tariffs.
These changes, reflected in updates to “Annex II” and “Annex III,” partially target commodities that cannot be sourced within the United States.
Of particular note, many tea and spice commodities in Chapter 9 of the HTS that were previously in Annex III are now in Annex II and fully exempt from the reciprocal tariff regime. Also subject to relief were certain coffee and tea extracts under Chapter 21. These include major naturally unavailable commodities that have been at the core of American Herbal Products Association’s (AHPA) trade relief advocacy, including green and black tea (Camellia sinensis), cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
The revisions to the code were retroactively applied to goods “entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption” on or after November 13, 12:01 AM Eastern time. The order clarifies that refunds are available through standard methods for goods for which duties were already collected.“
It appears that our advocacy, specifically regarding cinnamon and turmeric, has resonated with policymakers,” said Robert Marriott, AHPA Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs. “We’re thankful for this relief from tariffs on unavailable natural resources, which benefits both American businesses and the health of Americans. Numerous other herbal goods that cannot be grown within our borders are also in need of tariff relief.”
Copies of the newly updated Annex II and Annex III are now available from the AHPA TARIFF TOOLKIT, as well as an updated document showing which major herbal tariff codes are impacted by the changes.
AHPA will continue its advocacy seeking tariff relief for herbal products that cannot be sourced from the United States in quantities necessary to meet demand.
“It appears that our advocacy, specifically regarding cinnamon and turmeric, has resonated with policymakers,” said Robert Marriott, AHPA Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs. “We’re thankful for this relief from tariffs on unavailable natural resources, which benefits both American businesses and the health of Americans. Numerous other herbal goods that cannot be grown within our borders are also in need of tariff relief.”
