Priority Archery Industry Legislation Introduced in the U.S. Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2025 

NEW ULM, MN—Last week, Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced Senate Bill 1649, the Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act, a key piece of legislation for the archery industry. This bill aims to ensure excise taxes are properly collected on imported archery equipment sold directly to American consumers through online marketplaces. This bill serves as a companion to H.R. 1494, which was introduced earlier this year in the House by Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Blake Moore (R-UT).  

The Archery Trade Association is leading the charge on this critical legislative effort. This bill is a top priority for the archery industry because it would generate additional funding for fish and wildlife conservation, while leveling the playing field for U.S.-based companies. 

Excise tax revenue, typically 11% on most archery equipment, contributes to the Wildlife Restoration Fund. This fund supports wildlife habitat improvements, public access projects, shooting range development and wildlife research by distributing grants to state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies.   

“The archery industry applauds Senators Crapo and Tuberville for their exceptionally strong leadership and introduction of this high priority legislation,” said Dan Forster, ATA vice president and chief conservation officer. “Holding foreign companies accountable for paying the federal excise tax is not only about protecting American businesses but it will help ensure that our conservation funding and outdoor heritage are protected for future generations.” 

Many foreign sellers of archery equipment avoid paying the excise tax when selling directly to U.S. consumers online. The responsibility for payment technically falls on consumers, which the Government Accountability Office concluded is an “inefficient process.” This bill would address this challenge by requiring online marketplaces to collect and remit the tax on international sales to U.S. buyers. 

Since its inception in 1937 following passage of the Pittman-Robertson Act, the WFR has served as a model of conservation partnership between industry, states and the federal government— investing more than $13 billion in wildlife restoration efforts to date.   

In addition to archery equipment, the proposed legislation also applies to fishing equipment under the Dingell-Johnson Act. Together, the Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson programs contributed more than $1.3 billion in conservation grants in Fiscal Year 2025.  

For more information, contact Dan Forster, ATA’s vice president and chief conservation officer, at (507) 233-8143 or danforster@archerytrade.org.