Trade talk of Anti-dumping and Countervailing duty

If you’ve done any kind of importing to the U.S., chances are that you’ve come across these two prominent industry terms: anti-dumping duty and countervailing duty. They’re two common terms that pop up everywhere if you’ve done any kind of work doing importing/exporting documentation. Let us see two tweets from U.S Customs about this issue lately

If you click the link embedded on the tweets, you will see U.S Customs CSMS message regarding the product scope subject to AD/ CVD investigation. It has very specific description of the product details and relevant HTS Code under AD/ CVD investigation . Even though there is no final decision of relevant product AD/C VD Duties, you as importers shall be very careful of importing these products.

Let us come back to the basis of AD/CVD ( Anti-dumping/ Countervailing) , what exactly is the AD/CVD and why do we need to care about AD/ CVD ? The video clip from IATA well explain it .

Not long ago, i have a new client who wants bringing in solar panel modules stating this is manufactured in Vietnam. According to my research, Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China and Taiwan is subject to anti-dumping up to 165.04% ! Even though Vietnam is excluded from this list, however the CBP determine the solar panel modules products are not 100% made in Vietnam. The importer unfortunately have to re-export back its product to Vietnam manufacture at their own expense plus customs exam fees.

Although many relevant AD/ CVD cases are from China's export but it happens to other countries as well, such as softwood lumber from Canada, rubber from Brazil, glycerin from Thailand etc. When you as importer starts brainstorms the product selection ideas, don't just think oh, this product can be made at very cheap price to export to other couturiers, you have to be extra careful of those " price attractive " goods. It might be in the AD/ CVD list that you have to pay a very costly price

AD/ CVD cases search database

You may check AD/ CVD database here at https://aceservices.cbp.dhs.gov/adcvdweb

click "FIN" ( final determination) to check all the applicable AD/ CVD case number and its rulings. Usually ITA ( International Trade Administration) calculates the AD/CVD rates and establishes the scope of AD/CVD orders after the case is being finalized.  CBP enforces these decisions and collects the AD/CVD assessed on the imported goods. 

if you find out your intended imported goods are subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duties scope, i would definitely suggest you not to import them. The AD/ CVD Duties is so high that you would have no profit on these business transactions.

This may seem all very “doom-and-gloom” as there are a lot of rules and regulations to be mindful of during the importation process. However, working with a customs broker whose job is to stay apprised of the regulatory framework removes most of the burden off of the importer’s hands. Partnering with the right customs broker for you will save you time and money, allowing you to focus on the other important parts of your business. 

Have any questions? Let us chat!