Sandler Travis Lobbying for Range of Businesses on Tariff Issues

The maker of Bowflex exercise equipment, an eyewear company, an electronics manufacturer and a chemical producer have turned to an international trade and customs law firm for lobbying help in Washington, according to registration filings submitted to Congress this week.

Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg is advocating for fitness company Nautilus Inc., eyewear maker Oakley Inc., electronics manufacturer Belkin International Inc. and chemical producer Special Materials Co. on temporary tariff reductions or suspensions for some of the businesses' products or the components of their goods.

In its filings for Nautilus and Special Materials, the law firm only says it’s lobbying on temporary tariff reductions or suspensions related to “certain chemicals” for the chemical producer and “exercise equipment” for the fitness company. But the reports Sandler submitted for Oakley and Belkin provide more details, noting the law firm’s focus on “certain polarized lens materials” for the eyewear maker and “certain electronic covers” for the electronics manufacturer.

Sandler trade negotiations and legislative affairs president J. Nicole Bivens Collinson, trade and legislative affairs senior director Edward Steiner, trade and legislative affairs director David Olave and senior trade and government relations adviser Andy Olson are handling the accounts.

Steiner didn’t have an immediate comment.

Nautilus, Belkin and Special Materials haven’t had lobbyists in Washington before, according to congressional records that date to 1999. But Thompson Hine is currently registered to lobby for Luxottica Retail North America Inc., a subsidiary of Oakley’s parent company, Luxottica Group SpA.