New Section 232 Tariff Investigation Includes Focus On Robotics and Industrial Machinery

The Department of Commerce has announced the launch of a Section 232 national security investigation into imports of robotic and industrial machinery, along with other categories including personal protective equipment, medical consumables, medical equipment, and medical devices. Public comments are requested for a series of questions detailed in each notice and the estimated deadline is Friday, October 17.

While the medical categories are unlikely to impact RV companies, the Robotics and Industrial Machinery category could. This category includes, among other items, robots and programmable, computer-controlled mechanical systems, spanning CNC machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines. It also includes automatic tool changers, jigs and fixtures, and machine tools for cutting, welding, and handling work pieces. Application-specific specialty metalworking equipment used to treat, form, or cut metal, such as autoclaves and industrial ovens, metal finishing and treatment equipment, Electrical Discharge Machinery, and laser and water-cutting tools and machinery is also included. The scope of this investigation does not include unmanned aircraft systems, which are covered by a different section 232 investigation (see 90 FR 31958).

Please contact RV Industry Association Director of Federal Affairs Samantha Rocci at srocci@rvia.org with any questions.