Note – PSA now open – PSA & CGC working as normal
What’s Happened and Why It Matters
On 2nd April 2025, the United States government introduced new import laws that have triggered immediate changes across the international card grading industry. In direct response to these new regulations, US-based grading companies, including PSA, Beckett, and SGC have implemented stricter submission rules for all non-US partners. This includes trusted UK-based middleman services like Black Label Grading, so you may be questioning how 10% import tax impacts UK card grading submissions.
In order to comply with these updated requirements, we are now required to obtain an export licence, specifically a Trade In Bond (TIB). This certification is necessary to legally continue shipping cards from the UK to the US for grading. Until this licence is granted and fully active, PSA, Beckett, and SGC have suspended all international access to their submission systems. This includes our ability to input new orders.
Crucially, this update to US submissions was made without any advance notice, and the change was enforced immediately. This means that as of now, we are unable to process or send any new submissions to PSA, Beckett, or SGC.
Please note: Any cards already in our possession that were waiting to be submitted to one of these grading companies will remain safely stored and secure until we receive clearance to proceed.
We understand that this development may be frustrating, particularly for collectors who were preparing to send valuable cards or are awaiting returns. We want to assure all of our customers that we are working closely with the relevant UK authorities to expedite our TIB application. While we anticipate this may take only a few days, there is currently no confirmed timeline.
How 10% import tax impacts UK Card Grading Submissions
If you’ve already submitted cards to us intended for PSA, Beckett, or SGC, your cards are safe and secure in our care. However, we cannot currently forward them to the US until our export licensing is in place and our dealer accounts are reactivated.
For customers planning to submit, please note: This pause does not affect CGC submissions, which are still fully operational. We are still accepting submissions, however shipping will not go forward until the TIB has been issued.
This is a perfect opportunity to consider CGC as an alternative grading route if you’re looking to avoid delays. You can view our CGC pricing and submission options here.
We appreciate how disruptive this update to US submissions may feel for customers, especially for collectors with valuable or time-sensitive items. Please know that this situation is entirely beyond our control, and we are complying fully with all relevant legislation to ensure a swift resolution.
Our Commitment to Communication and Support
At Black Label Grading, we pride ourselves on transparency, reliability, and clear communication. During this unexpected disruption, we are committed to keeping all submitters informed at every stage.
Once our Trade In Bond is approved and PSA, Beckett, and SGC open their dealer portals to international partners again, we will:
- Immediately resume all pending submissions
- Notify all affected customers directly via email
- Post regular updates via our website, blog, and social channels
In the meantime, our team is available to answer any questions you may have, whether it’s about your current order, options for grading with CGC, or preparing submissions once normal service resumes. We will also be responding to all comments and direct messages received through Instagram and will be posting any updates through there.
This update to US submissions reflects the growing complexity of international logistics and the scrutiny placed on collectible shipments. As frustrating as it may be, it’s a reality that many UK-based services are now navigating.
Looking Ahead
While we await the approval of our export licence, we encourage collectors to consider alternative options where possible. Our CGC services remain unaffected and are a reliable choice for those who do not wish to delay grading. This might also be a good time to review your collection and prepare cards in advance for PSA, Beckett, or SGC, so they are ready to go as soon as the system is restored.
Above all, we want to express our sincere appreciation to our community. Whether you are a long-time collector, investor, or a parent helping your child grade their first card, thank you for your continued patience and trust. Rest assured, your cards are in safe hands and we are doing everything we can to resume full services as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can’t you currently send cards to PSA, Beckett, or SGC?
Due to new US import regulations, grading companies in the US have restricted international submissions until their partners obtain a new export licence. We are currently applying for a Trade In Bond (TIB) to meet these new requirements.
Does this update to US submissions affect CGC?
No. CGC submissions are unaffected by the new regulations. We continue to accept and process CGC grading orders as normal.
Are my cards safe if they were already submitted?
Yes, all cards currently in our care are safely stored and fully insured. They will be submitted for grading as soon as we are authorised to do so.
How long will this disruption last?
We hope only a few days, but the exact timeline depends on government approval of our TIB application. We will update customers as soon as we know more.
Will my March submission be delayed?
Unfortunately, all March submissions will be delayed until we receive the license to ship over to the US again without impact on costs.
Will grading fees be increasing?
No, we may be forced to increase shipping fees in the future, however this event will not cause our grading fees to increase unless graders increase fees from their end.
What does this mean for personal submissions?
Anyone submitting cards directly to a grading provider will be charged 10% on top of the total declared value of the goods they ship. This could be particularly pricey for those lucky enough to have rare, high-graded cards.
Can I still make new submissions through Black Label Grading?
Yes, our portal will not be closing, so new submissions are welcome. However, due to these changes, we will not be shipping submissions for the April deadline until the TIB is in place.
Conclusion: How 10% import tax impacts UK card grading submissions
We hope this blog is useful in understanding how 10% import tax impacts UK card grading submissions. and we can assure you that we are taking every necessary measure to continue submitting your cards as soon as possible.
