Cards Against Humanity Avoids Tariffs by Redefining Its Product
In a move that has sparked both amusement and controversy, Cards Against Humanity, the popular adult party game, has released a limited edition of its product without instructions, instead providing detailed explanations for each joke. This strategic rebranding allows the company to circumvent tariffs imposed on imported games.
According to an FAQ on the company's website, the new edition, "Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke," is classified as "information material" rather than a game, thereby exempting it from tariffs under U.S. law. The company claims to have obtained a binding ruling from Customs and Border Patrol confirming this classification.
"We're not trying to be clever or avoid taxes; we're just using the law to our advantage," said Max Temkin, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity. "We've always been transparent about our production process, and now we're taking it to the next level by providing context for each joke."
The decision to rebrand the product is a response to the Trump administration's tariffs on imported games, which have been in place since 2018. The tariffs were imposed as part of a broader trade dispute with China.
Cards Against Humanity has long been known for its irreverent humor and willingness to push boundaries. However, this move has raised questions about the company's motivations and the implications of redefining a product to avoid taxes.
"By classifying their product as 'information material,' Cards Against Humanity is exploiting a loophole in the law," said Sarah Jones, a trade expert at the Center for American Progress. "This could set a precedent for other companies to follow suit, potentially undermining the intent of tariffs."
The company's FAQ also addresses potential criticism from government officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has been criticized in the past for her handling of trade issues.
"If Secretary Noem gets mad and decides that Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke is not informational material, she can fuck right off," the company's FAQ states. "We got a binding ruling from Trump's own government that confirms this product is informational and 100% exempt from his stupid tariffs."
As of now, the limited edition of "Cards Against Humanity Explains the Joke" is available for purchase on the company's website. The move has sparked both praise and criticism from customers and experts alike, highlighting the complexities of trade policy and the creative ways companies are finding to navigate them.
In a statement, Cards Against Humanity emphasized its commitment to transparency and its willingness to challenge the status quo. "We're not afraid to think outside the box and push boundaries," said Temkin. "If that means redefining what a game is, then so be it."
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
