CBP initiates evasion case against importers of Chinese cast iron pipe
On April 23, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice of initiation of investigation in EAPA consolidated case 8250 against three importers (California Plumbing Supplies LLC, The Long Mile, Inc., and Seamist Pomona Group, LLC) for allegedly evading antidumping and countervailing duty orders on cast iron soil pipe (CISP) and cast iron soil pipe fittings (CISPF) from China by transshipping merchandise through Cambodia. CBP determined there was reasonable suspicion the importers failed to pay adequate cash deposits on covered merchandise. Effective immediately, CBP has imposed interim enforcement measures requiring live entry documentation, suspension of liquidation, and single-transaction bonding for these importers' CISP and CISPF shipments. CBP retains authority to pursue additional civil penalties and criminal investigations.
Photo: Wolfgang Weiser / PexelsCBP opens evasion investigation into cast iron pipe imports from China
On April 23, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice of initiation of investigation and interim measures in EAPA consolidated case 8250, targeting three importers accused of evading antidumping and countervailing duty orders on cast iron soil pipe and fittings sourced from China.
The investigation stems from allegations filed by the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute against California Plumbing Supplies LLC, The Long Mile, Inc., and Seamist Pomona Group, LLC. CBP alleges the three importers entered Chinese-origin cast iron soil pipe (CISP) and cast iron soil pipe fittings (CISPF) into the United States after transshipping the merchandise through Cambodia, thereby circumventing cash deposit requirements tied to existing AD/CVD orders.
Specifically, CBP found reasonable suspicion that the importers evaded the following orders:
- Antidumping order A-570-079 and countervailing duty order C-570-080 on cast iron soil pipe from China
- Antidumping order A-570-062 and countervailing duty order A-570-063 on cast iron soil pipe fittings from China
"CBP found there was reasonable suspicion that the Importers entered Chinese-origin CISP and CISPF into the United States that was transshipped through Cambodia — thereby failing to pay adequate cash deposits associated with the aforementioned AD/CVD orders."
Interim enforcement measures now in effect
Effective immediately, CBP has imposed binding interim measures on the three importers under its Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) authority:
- Live entry requirement: All future CISP and CISPF entries must be accompanied by proper import documentation and duties paid prior to merchandise release.
- Liquidation suspension: CBP will suspend or extend entries without final computation or duty determination as appropriate.
- Bond review: CBP will review the importers' continuous bonds and impose single-transaction bonds on future entries.
These measures remain in force pending the outcome of the formal investigation. CBP has explicitly reserved the right to pursue additional enforcement actions, including civil penalties and criminal investigations under EAPA and other applicable legal authorities.
What this means for shippers
Importers of cast iron pipe and fittings must verify their supply chains do not rely on transshipment through countries like Cambodia to avoid unlisted cash deposits. If your merchandise originates in China, source it directly or through jurisdictions without evasion red flags. Non-compliance can trigger live-entry requirements, bond escalation, and civil/criminal liability. Review your continuous bonds and transshipment routes immediately if you import these products. Check our anti-dumping and valuation tools to ensure your duty calculations reflect all applicable orders.
