If you’re a serious Pokémon card collector, you know the value of PSA grading . Having your cards graded can significantly increase their value. But since the Trump administration’s import tariff , it’s become nearly impossible for private individuals to ship directly to PSA or other grading companies.
So what exactly has changed? And what does this mean for collectors looking to have their cards graded? Let’s take it step by step.
What does the Import Duty entail?
The Trump tariff is an additional tax imposed on goods shipped to the United States. This measure was originally intended to discourage foreign imports and protect American industry.
But the effect on the TCG market was huge. Grading companies such as PSA, BGS and CGC are based in the US. This means that any shipment to these grading companies is subject to the new levy.
Previously, collectors could send theircards directly to PSA without too much hassle. That is no longer the case.
What are the implications for collectors?
The import duty has huge implications for collectors who want to have their cards graded:
- Private Individuals Can No Longer Send
- Previously, as a private individual, you could easily send a shipment to PSA or BGS . Now that is no longer possible. Only companies with a contract with PSA can still send directly.
- This means that you are dependent on intermediaries or grading services that have an ongoing contract with PSA.
- Higher Costs
- The additional charge has caused shipping costs to rise significantly. For a single shipment, this can amount to hundreds of euros .
- And that's without even mentioning the shipping costs and the grading fees themselves.
- Longer Waiting Periods
- Because you now have to work through an intermediary, the lead time is considerably longer. Your shipment must first go to the intermediary, who then sends it to PSA.
- This could mean that your cards will take weeks or months longer to arrive.
- Risks of Intermediaries
- Your cards are your most valuable possession. By involving multiple parties, you increase the risk of loss, damage or delays.
- Therefore, always choose a reliable grading service that has an official contract with PSA.
Who Can Still Send?
As mentioned earlier, only companies that have a contract with PSA can still send cards for grading. These companies act as official intermediaries and take care of the entire process for you.
Why Did PSA Introduce This Rule?
You might be wondering: Why would PSA do this?
- Overload: The huge increase in grading requests caused extreme delays at PSA. By introducing contracts, they were able to better control the number of shipments.
- Safety: By working with selected companies, they have more control over the quality of the shipments.
- Cost control: The new import duty creates additional costs that PSA did not want to pass on to private individuals. That is why they opted for fixed contracts with intermediaries.
What Are the Alternatives?
As an individual, you are now dependent on intermediaries to send your cards to PSA. But there are other options:
- Grading Companies Outside the US
- Consider grading companies outside the US, such as MNT Grading in Canada or CGC who also work outside the US.
- Local Grading Services
- There are now smaller grading companies in Europe that also offer grading services. Although they are less well known than PSA or BGS, they can be a cheaper option .
- Selling Without Grading
- If your cards are not extremely rare, it can sometimes be more profitable to sell them ungraded . The extra cost and wait time for grading is not always justified.
My Experience with Grading after Import Duty
I have sent cards to PSA several times myself. Before the import duty was introduced, it was quite simple. But after the new rules, it became a lot more complicated.
I finally chose an intermediary that has direct contracts with PSA. The cost was higher, but the service was excellent. And honestly? The wait time was still long.
My advice?
If your cards are truly valuable and you expect them to come in PSA 10 condition , it is still worth sending them through an intermediary. But for lower value cards, you may be better off looking at alternative grading companies or simply selling them without grading.
Conclusion: What is the smartest choice?
The Trump administration’s import tariff has shaken up the Pokémon TCG market. What was once a simple PSA shipment has now become a costly, time-consuming chore.
My advice?
- Only go for grading if your cards have really high value .
- Choose a reliable intermediary who has an official contract with PSA.
- Consider alternatives such as CGC or MNT Grading , especially for less valuable cards.
- Be patient. Grading is a process that takes time, but the payoff can be worth it.
