In a move to shield its international customers from hefty tariff expenses, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has announced that it will no longer accept direct card grading submissions from outside the United States. The decision comes in response to the Trump administration's new far-reaching tariffs, which PSA claims would result in significant additional costs for its customers.

The tariffs, imposed by the Trump administration, are levied against the value of the items being submitted, rather than the PSA service fee. This means that customers sending high-value items, such as rare Pokémon or sports cards, would be hit with substantial fees. For instance, a 10% tariff on a $5,000 card would result in a $500 fee. PSA has taken this step to protect its international customers from these unexpected expenses.

Although PSA is pausing international submissions, cards currently at or in transit to its facilities may still be affected by the tariffs. The company notes that orders entering the US after 12:01 AM on April 5th may incur additional charges, and may also face "not-yet-announced" retaliatory tariffs upon return. PSA has assured customers that it will "leverage available means to limit tariff exposure" for those outside the US.

This is not the first time PSA has had to adapt to the changing tariff landscape. Earlier this year, the company stopped accepting direct submissions from Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Mexico due to the initial round of tariffs. However, customers in Canada and Japan can still get their cards graded by sending or bringing them to PSA's physical locations in those countries.

The implications of this move are significant, not just for PSA and its customers, but also for the broader collectibles industry. With tariffs adding substantial costs to the already expensive process of card grading, collectors and enthusiasts may be forced to rethink their strategies. This could lead to a shift in the market, with collectors seeking alternative grading services or exploring new ways to authenticate their items.

The Trump administration's tariffs have been a point of contention for many industries, including tech and consumer electronics. The move has been criticized for its potential to stifle innovation and drive up costs for consumers. PSA's decision to pause international submissions is just the latest example of how these tariffs are affecting businesses and individuals alike.

As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how PSA and its customers will adapt to the new tariff landscape. One thing is certain, however: the collectibles industry will be closely watching PSA's next moves, and the implications of this decision will be felt far beyond the world of card grading.