WASHINGTON — On January 24, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued its notification of initiation and interim measures as to evasion by Fortress Iron, LP, also referred to or doing business under the names Fortress Fence Products and Fortress Building Products (“Fortress”) in Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) investigation 7734, examining the evasion of antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty orders, A-570-967 and C-570-968, respectively, on aluminum extrusions from the People’s Republic of China (China). CBP found there was reasonable suspicion that Fortress had been entering covered merchandise from China but not declaring them as subject to those AD/CVD orders.
In light of CBP’s determination and pursuant to its authorities under EAPA, CBP will begin to:
- Require “live” entry for all imports of steel grating, meaning the Importers must submit proper import documentation and duties prior to the release of their merchandise;
- Suspend liquidation of entries made after initiation of the investigation and extend liquidation of entries made before the initiation.
- Review the Importers’ continuous bonds and application of single transaction bonds for their entries, as appropriate.
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.
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