OIA welcomes US Outdoor Act
The US-based Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) welcomed the introduction of the US Outdoor Act on July 10, describing it as “groundbreaking legislation”. The act follows two years of consultation between OIA, outdoor industry apparel manufacturers, the
According to OIA, there are three aspects to the new law: it creates classifications specific to recreational performance wear for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule; it eliminates disproportionately high tariffs on these products while preserving the competitiveness of US-based manufacturing; and it supports US jobs and technologies focused on sustainable, eco-friendly apparel supply chains.
“Today’s introduction of the US Outdoor Act represents a commitment from Representatives Blumenauer and Walden, their colleagues in the House, and Senators Wyden and Crapo and their colleagues in the Senate, to the 6.5 million jobs in the active outdoor recreation industry, the economic viability of the thousands of outdoor businesses across the country and the millions of Americans seeking healthy and active lifestyles through outdoor recreation,” said OIA president and CEO, Frank Hugelmeyer. “But this bill is also an investment in the
Congressman Earl Blumenauer said: “This is a win for consumers and a win for strong American companies like Columbia, REI, North Face and others looking to reduce costs, improve the quality of their goods and implement sustainable processes.”
