Featuring Craig Barnell (Director of Customer Insights, Inventory Optimizer; COO, Fishers Finery) and Ryan Carbone (Director of Support & Product Implementation, Inventory Optimizer)

A major Supreme Court decision handed down on February 20 sent immediate ripples through the e‑commerce and importing community. For brands sourcing products globally, especially from Asia, the ruling created both short-term opportunity and renewed uncertainty.

In the latest episode of If You Don’t Have It, You Can’t Sell It, Ryan and Craig break down what the decision actually means (and what it doesn’t), and how Fishers Finery is responding in real time to protect margins, recover costs, and stay compliant as tariffs continue to evolve.

The Challenge

The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that the administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose certain tariffs was improper. As a result, several tariff classifications—particularly those applied to imports from China, Hong Kong, and countries with reciprocal trade agreements—were deemed invalid.

For importers, this immediately raised critical questions:

  • Which duties were applied incorrectly?
  • Are refunds available, and who is eligible to claim them?
  • How far back can brands go to recover overpaid tariffs?
  • What new tariffs are likely to replace the overturned ones?

While the ruling created optimism, Craig cautioned against assuming full relief.

“Slow down. If you read the opinion closely, it’s very clear they provided a roadmap for the administration to reapply tariffs—just under a different statute.” Barnell

Within days, a new layer of tariffs took effect under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, currently set at 10%, with the potential to rise.

The Strategy

Rather than reacting emotionally, Fishers Finery moved quickly to organize, validate, and quantify its exposure.

Step 1: Verify Import Records

  • The team immediately pulled historical entry summaries for shipments imported from China, Vietnam, and Pakistan. These documents list the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes used to assess duties at the time of import.
  • Because Fishers Finery is the importer of record—a critical distinction—the company is eligible to apply for refunds where duties were improperly collected.
  • “If you’re not the importer of record, you’re not getting that money back.” Barnell

Step 2: Identify Invalid HTS Codes

  • Shipment by shipment, the team reviewed HTS classifications that were ruled invalid under the decision, including China/Hong Kong executive order duties and reciprocal tariffs tied to overturned trade agreements.
  • Each qualifying line item was isolated and documented for refund submission through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s portal.

Step 3: Organize and Quantify Refunds

  • Fishers Finery built a working spreadsheet to track:
    • Vendors and purchase orders
    • Entry summary numbers
    • Invalid HTS codes
    • Refund amounts by shipment
  • By starting with the most recent entries—where the refund process is simpler—the team has already identified more than $314,000 in duties eligible for recovery, with additional analysis still underway.
  • “We needed to organize it first, understand it, quantify it, and then develop a plan.” Barnell

Navigating What Comes Next

While refunds offer meaningful near-term relief, the broader tariff environment remains volatile.

  • Reciprocal tariffs for countries like Pakistan were also overturned
  • New tariffs have already been introduced under alternative legal authority
  • Rates may continue to change over the coming months

Fishers Finery is working closely with its customs broker to track new clearances, validate applied rates, and ensure compliance as policies shift.

“There has been relief—but it has not been 100%.” Barnell

The Results (So Far)

By acting quickly and methodically, Fishers Finery has been able to:

  • Identify six-figure refund opportunities from improperly applied duties
  • Maintain documentation and compliance during a regulatory shakeup
  • Avoid assumptions that could lead to missed recovery or future exposure
  • Stay agile as new tariffs are layered back in

Takeaway

This Supreme Court decision is not a blanket rollback of tariffs—but it is a wake-up call for importing brands.

Now is the time to:

  • Review your entry summaries and HTS classifications
  • Confirm importer-of-record status
  • Quantify potential refunds before eligibility windows close
  • Prepare for continued tariff adjustments under new statutes

As Craig emphasized, clarity comes from organization and data—not headlines.

Inventory Optimizer works with brands navigating complex import, compliance, and inventory challenges. If you’re unsure how recent tariff changes affect your products, costs, or forecasting, our managed services team can help you evaluate next steps with confidence.

Watch the full episode or schedule a demo to learn how Inventory Optimizer helps brands stay informed, compliant, and resilient in a rapidly changing trade environment.