EAPA Case 8132: Wholesale Equipment Co. (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, April 17, 2025)

Notification of Initiation and Interim Measures in EAPA Case 8132 – Certain Metal Lockers and Parts Thereof

WASHINGTON — On April 17, 2025, CBP issued the notice of investigation and interim measures as to evasion for EAPA case 8132 based on an allegation filed by List Industries, Inc. against U.S. importer Wholesale Equipment Co., doing business as WEC Manufacturing (WEC) for evasion of AD order A-570-133 and CVD order C-570-134 on certain metal lockers and parts thereof (metal lockers) from China. Specifically, record evidence shows that WEC entered Chinese-origin metal lockers into the United States. CBP has determined there is reasonable suspicion of evasion of AD/CVD duties by WEC and, therefore, CBP issued a formal notice of investigation as to evasion and has taken enforcement actions. In light of CBP’s findings, CBP will:

• Require “live” entry for all imports of metal lockers, meaning WEC must submit proper import documentation and duties prior to the release of its merchandise;
• Suspend or extend liquidation of WEC’s entries of metal lockers without final computation or determination of duties (liquidation), as appropriate; and
• Review continuous bonds of WEC and application of single transaction bonds for its entries, as appropriate.

These actions do not preclude CBP from taking additional enforcement measures as it determines appropriate under its EAPA or other legal authorities, which include pursuing civil penalties or investigations into criminal violations.

For additional information on CBP and EAPA, please visit the EAPA Homepage. If you suspect an importer of duty evasion, CBP encourages you to submit an allegation through our online portal.

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