novaPDF not affected by new US Tariffs thanks to a technicality

Everyone is in shock due to the newly started tariff wars, and we have received a lot of questions asking how our US clients will be affected, due to the fact that novaPDF is built by an EU-based company (Softland).

We are happy to announce that in an unexpected twist of international trade policy, the PDFs created by our conversion software (novaPDF) are not subject to the newly imposed U.S. tariffs on exports – thanks to a very specific wording loophole. So even if you are selling your PDFs (or buying them from another country), you can rest assured that you won’t be affected by tariffs (US-imposed or reciprocal).

While recent tariff regulations state that software tools featuring “Export to PDF” capabilities may be subject to additional fees under the new “Digital Export Enhancement Act”, novaPDF users can breathe easy.

Why?
Because novaPDF doesn’t export to PDF.
It converts to PDF.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Our lawyers (a very over-caffeinated team of 2) have pored over the 873-page tariff document and can confirm: “Convert to PDF” is legally distinct from “Export to PDF.”

This subtle yet crucial distinction means novaPDF is officially classified under “document transformation software” instead of “export-capable digital platforms.” Which, as of April 1st, is the difference between doing business as usual… and doing business with a 20% tariff (when doing business with EU companies, or vice-versa).

We’d like to thank the international standards body for continuing to not define the word “convert” – and also ourselves, for sticking to the word “convert” in all our menus for the past 21 years. You’re welcome.

So rest easy and continue to use novaPDF for your PDF needs. Your workflows remain uninterrupted, your budgets intact, and your PDF documents perfectly converted (not exported).

Happy April 1st,
– The novaPDF Team

P.S. If you see any software that does “Export to PDF,” please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time. And tell us about those, as we’d like to rat them out to the export/import authorities.