EAPA Case 7890: Various Importers (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, May 31, 2024)

Notification of Initiation and Interim Measures in EAPA Case 7890 – Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods from China

WASHINGTON—On May 31, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation and interim measures as to evasion by Amek Aluminum & Stainless, Inc.; Centric Pipe LLC; Copley International Group Co Ltd; Energy Pipe & Equipment Rentals LLC; Kana Energy Services Inc.; LE Commodities, LLC; Lixin Energy Group (HK) Co., Limited; Longfellow Energy, LP; Trek Metals Inc.; and TSPGA LLC (collectively, the Importers) in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigation 7890, examining the evasion of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders A-570-943 and C-570-944 on certain oil country tubular goods from the People’s Republic of China (China). CBP found there was a reasonable suspicion that the Importers had been entering covered merchandise from China that was transshipped through Thailand.

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 QSP, 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 the EAPA Homepage. 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.