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THE NEW REALITY | The global cleaning industry faces unprecedented challenges as tariffs reshape the business landscape. With duties on critical imports sometimes exceeding 100%, companies must adapt to a new operating environment where costs are rising, margins are shrinking, and supply chains face constant disruption.

WHY THIS MATTERS | The impact reaches across the entire industry, affecting manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers alike. Multiple tariff layers now apply to essential components - from aluminum and steel to machinery and packaging materials. This creates a complex web of compliance requirements and financial pressures that demand immediate attention.

YOUR PATH FORWARD | This checklist offers practical solutions for both immediate relief and long-term resilience. Whether you're dealing with current tariff challenges or preparing for future changes, you'll find actionable strategies to protect your business and maintain competitiveness in this evolving landscape.

Short-Term: 5 Tactics to Manage Tariff Impact

  • 1.Avoid Overpaying: Check Your Tariff Classifications

    • Review Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for accuracy
    • Request a ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to determine the correct HTS code for your imports
    • Small changes can mean big savings!
  • 2. Review Your Supply Chain Contracts

    • Check price adjustment terms due to material cost escalation
    • Look for tariff spike clauses to renegotiate pricing
    • Understand your contract’s terms and conditions to protect your margins 
  • 3. Utilize Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

    • Delay tariff payments by routing goods through FTZs
    • Store, assemble and re-export goods in FTZs
    • Pay duties only when entering U.S.
  • 4. Check Origin Rules

    • Review multi-country sourcing
    • Look for low-tariff countries and opportunities
    • Document all processes – manufacturing through assembly
  • 5. Work With Your Broker

    • Stay updated on tariff changes and codes
    • Monitor compliance risks
    • Get duty cost estimates through import simulations


Long-Term: 5 Tactics to Stay Ahead

  • 1. Diversify Suppliers

    • Explore multiple regions to avoid trade crossfire
    • Consider nearshoring for lower tariff risk and improved logistics
  • 2. Redesign Products

    • Use alternative packaging that fall under lower HTS categories
    • Consider lower-tariff components and materials
    • Seize innovation opportunities
  • 3. Plan Different Scenerios

    • Model various cost increases – what happens if costs rise by 10%, 20% or 50%?
    • Prepare response strategies across your departments
    • Keep teams informed
  • 4. Engage in Plicy

    • Join trade associations, such as ISSA or NAW, for a strong voice in Washington
    • Participate in advocacy efforts and surveys
    • Share your impact stories
  • 5. Create a Tariff Team

    • Include key departments
    • Monitor and respond to policy changes
    • Update risk assessments regularly

In today's market, successful companies recognize tariffs as a strategic business factor rather than an obstacle to ignore. The cleaning industry may not control tariff policies, but by taking proactive steps—from reviewing classifications to rethinking product components—companies can build resilience against both current and future economic uncertainties. Success lies not in fighting the new normal, but in leveraging it to create lasting advantages.

This checklist was created in collaboration with ISSA, the global industry association for manufacturers, manufacturer reps, wholesalers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house cleaning and facility professionals, and residential cleaners. You can read the full article here.



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