Tariff Refunds for Toys & Games Importers Importers

Toy and game importers were among the hardest hit by IEEPA tariffs on Chinese goods. Learn CAPE eligibility and refund ranges.

Toys and Games Importers: IEEPA Tariff Refunds

The toy industry was among the most publicly discussed casualties of the 2025 IEEPA tariff program. At the time of the tariffs, China manufactured approximately 80% of toys sold in the United States. IEEPA tariff rates on Chinese goods escalated throughout 2025, and by mid-year some toy categories faced combined tariff rates — IEEPA plus existing MFN duties — that effectively doubled or tripled landed costs.

The Supreme Court case that ultimately struck down the IEEPA tariffs was in fact led by Learning Resources, Inc., a Northbrook, Illinois educational toy and school supply company. That the lead plaintiff was a toy maker makes this one of the more fitting outcomes for the industry.

Toy Categories Most Affected

Plastic toys and action figures (HTS 9503.00) — the broadest and most common toy category
Video games, game consoles, and electronic toys (HTS Chapter 95 and 85 subcategories)
Board games, card games, and puzzles (HTS 9504.xx)
Sporting and recreational equipment (HTS Chapter 95)
Craft kits and educational toys (HTS 9503.xx)
Stuffed animals and plush toys (HTS 9503.00)
Outdoor play equipment (HTS 9506.xx)

Why the Toy Industry Faces a Large Aggregate Refund

The toy industry is heavily seasonal — the majority of annual import volume is shipped in Q2 and Q3 ahead of the holiday season. This means that a large portion of 2025’s toy imports occurred after IEEPA tariffs were in place and during periods when rates were at their highest. Toy companies that placed their usual holiday inventory orders paid substantial IEEPA surcharges on what were, in many cases, their largest import shipments of the year.

Eligibility Check for Toy Importers

Chinese-origin toys (most common scenario): IEEPA codes on Form 7501 in the 9903.01.xx range
Must be Importer of Record: check Box 26 of Form 7501
Entries must be unliquidated or liquidated within past 80 days

Rick Woldenberg’s Public Advocacy

Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, Inc., was among the most vocal public critics of the IEEPA tariff program, testifying before Congress and speaking extensively with journalists about the tariff impact on toy businesses. His company becoming the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court case was a direct result of that advocacy. NPR, CBS News, and other outlets documented his and other toy executives’ experiences during 2025.

These public accounts may be cited as third-party journalism but should not be taken as implicit endorsement of any recovery service.

The Supreme Court Ruling, Explained — Learning Resources v. Trump was the lead case
IEEPA Tariff Codes Reference — Identify 9503.xx and related codes on your entries
IEEPA Tariffs by Country — China-specific tariff timeline
Check Eligibility