Sport-Hunted Trophies Exempt from New Section 301 U.S. Import Tariffs
Effective July 24, 2026, certain goods from about 60 countries came under additional tariffs listed in Section 301 of the U.S. tariff schedule, but personal sport-hunted trophies remain exempt, according to the 2026 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Revision 15).
Safari Club International first reported to members about this exemption in April 2025, when the 2025 Harmonized Tariff Schedule (Revision 6) of the United States (HTSUS) was released by the U.S. International Trade Commission.
At that time, SCI was informed that trophy importations for U.S. citizens and residents are classified in the tariff schedule as 9804.00.55 in Section XXII Chapter 98, which states that all game animals (including birds and fish) killed abroad by a returning U.S. citizen/resident after traveling abroad and imported by him/her for noncommercial purposes do not incur any duty fees. Chapter 99 also notes that most of the exempted goods listed in Chapter 98, including hunting trophies, are exempt from any additional tariffs.
Those exemptions still apply per the U.S. Customs Border Protection website answering Section 301 Trade Remedies Frequently Asked Questions. It states, “The additional duties imposed by headings 9903.88.01, 9903.88.02, 9903.88.03, 9903.88.04, 9903.88.09 and 9903.88.15 do not apply to goods for which entry is properly claimed under a provision of Chapter 98 of the HTSUS, except for goods entered under headings 9802.00.40, 9802.00.50, 9802.00.60, and 9802.00.80.”
Trophies should be cleared under 9804.00.55 in Chapter 98 and thus should be exempt from tariffs.
Members of SCI, including members living in the U.S. and hunting operators, taxidermists and shipping agents from abroad, have inquired how the new tariffs implemented by the U.S. would affect the shipment of hunting trophies. Michael Coppersmith, national coordinator for Coppersmith Global Logistics and SCI sponsor, previously explained that the language in the tariff schedule relieves these concerns.
Be aware, however, that other items hunters might include in a shipment with their trophies are not exempt from tariffs. That includes curios, art, furniture, or other purchased goods, as well as trophies they purchased but did not hunt themselves. Also, any items made from animals that hunters did not hunt themselves may be subject to tariffs.
Please note that this is not legal advice, and the tariff schedule is subject to change.
