RPG Publishers Breathe a Sigh of Relief (For Now): Are Books Exempt From Trump’s Tariffs?

The recent wave of tariffs announced by the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through the tabletop gaming industry, leaving publishers scrambling to assess the potential impact on their businesses. With tariffs reaching as high as 54% on goods from China and 46% from Vietnam, many feared the worst.

However, a glimmer of hope has emerged for RPG publishers: books, including rulebooks and related printed materials, appear to be exempt from these tariffs.

The Harmonized Tariff Code (HTC) Holds the Key

Experienced publishers like Maz Hamilton of Rowan, Rook, and Decard point to Harmonized Tariff Codes 49011000 and 49019900, which categorize printed books. According to the U.S. HTC Annex II, goods shipped under these codes are exempt from the new tariffs.

Samantha Webb, head of brand at Modiphius, reinforces this, stating that U.S. Customs classifies RPG rulebooks as books, regardless of their intended use as part of a game. “Customs cares about what the item is, not what its intended use is,” she explained.

The Grey Areas and Uncertainties

While core rulebooks seem safe, the waters get murkier when dealing with RPG products that push the boundaries of traditional book formats. Pamphlets, zines, deluxe boxed sets containing dice and miniatures, and GM screens raise questions about how they will be classified.

Matt Sanders, also from Rowan, Rook, and Decard, highlights GM screens as a prime example of a grey area. While they resemble thick cardboard children’s books, some publishers might categorize them as game accessories.

Soulmuppet Publishing, creators of Orbital Blues and Mad as Hell, uses an “essential character” approach, classifying products based on the majority of their content. For example, a boxed set of pamphlets might be classified as books rather than a board game.

Ultimately, the final decision rests with the U.S. Customs agent, adding a layer of uncertainty for publishers operating on razor-thin margins.

A Fragile Sense of Relief

While the exemption for books offers a temporary reprieve, the broader impact of the tariffs on the tabletop industry remains a significant concern. The potential for increased costs in related areas, like miniatures and board games, could indirectly affect RPG publishers and consumers.

Moreover, the current administration’s unpredictable trade policies leave many publishers hesitant to celebrate too soon. As Hamilton aptly put it, “We are in a universe where what the US government has said is true no longer appears to bear any relation to reality.”

The Waiting Game

Many publishers and freight shippers are adopting a wait-and-see approach, unwilling to make definitive statements until the first shipments arrive and are processed under the new tariffs.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these tariffs on the RPG industry. While the exemption for books offers a sliver of hope, the overall picture remains uncertain. Publishers are bracing for potential disruptions and adapting their strategies to navigate this challenging landscape.