WASHINGTON—On November 8, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation and interim measures as to evasion by Texas United Chemical Company, LLC (Importer) in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigation 7814, examining the evasion of antidumping duty (AD) A-570-985 on Xanthan Gum from the People’s Republic of China (China). CBP found there was a reasonable suspicion that the Importer had been entering covered merchandise from China that had been transshipped through Turkey.
In light of CBP’s determination that the Importers entered covered merchandise into the customs territory of the United States through evasion, and pursuant to its authorities under EAPA, CBP will:
- Require “live” entry for all imports of Xanthan Gum, meaning the Importers must submit proper import documentation and duties prior to the release of their merchandise;
- Suspend or extend entries of the Importers without final computation or determination of duties (liquidation), as appropriate; and
- Review the Importers’ continuous bonds and application of single transaction bonds for their 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 CBP.gov. If you suspect an importer of duty evasion, CBP encourages you to submit an allegation through our online portal.
Follow CBP Office of Trade on Twitter @CBPTradeGov.