EAPA Cons. Case 7950: Various Importers (Notice of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures, July 09, 2024)

EAPA Action: Notification of Initiation of Investigation and Interim Measures for EAPA Consolidated Case 7950 - Monosodium Glutamate 

WASHINGTON—On July 9, 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation of investigation and interim measures as to evasion by CPF Legacy, LLC, doing business as C. Pacific Foods (CPF); Handylee Enterprises (USA) Corp. (Handylee); Jefi Enterprise (USA) Inc. (Jefi); and Highland USA International Inc. (Highland USA). CBP is investigating whether the Importers evaded antidumping (AD) duty order A-570-992 on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from the People’s Republic of China (China) and/or AD duty order A-560-826 on MSG from the Republic of Indonesia (Indonesia). CBP found there was a reasonable suspicion that CPF, Handylee, Jefi and Higland USA had been entering MSG from China by transshipment. 

In light of CBP’s determination that CPF, Handylee, Jefi and Higland USA entered MSG into the customs territory of the United States through evasion, and pursuant to its authorities under EAPA, CBP will: 

• Extend liquidation of unliquidated entries that entered before the date of initiation April 1, 2024; 
• Suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries entered on or after the date of initiation April 1, 2024, and reject any entry summaries and require a re-file for those entries that are within the entry summary reject period; 
• Require “live” entry for all imports of MSG manufactured by Ajinoriki Msg (Malaysia) SDN BHD’s and/or Habita Food Industries SDN BHD, requiring the importers to submit proper documentation and all duties prior to release of the merchandise; 
• The AD rate is the “all others” rate for A-570-992-000 on MSG, if DOC has not determined a separate rate that would apply to that entry. 

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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