Hard Empty Capsules — China — C-570-185

“Hard Empty Capsules” refers to a product category that may be covered by an antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) measure. These are trade remedies: AD addresses imports sold at less than fair value, while CVD addresses benefits that a foreign government provides to producers or exporters. The measure’s legal scope—not the title alone—defines the covered capsules and transactions.

The measure typically affects US importers, foreign manufacturers and exporters, and sometimes related parties involved in selling or importing hard empty capsules. An importer may owe additional duties, called AD/CVD duties, on top of ordinary customs duties. These duties can also involve special entry requirements, deposit obligations, and later review or assessment, so the importer should verify coverage before entry rather than relying only on a product description or tariff number.

What to check

• Read the official scope language and compare it with the capsule’s material, design, dimensions, use, and packaging; product names alone are not conclusive.
• Confirm the exporting country, country of origin, manufacturer, and exporter, because AD/CVD coverage and rates can vary by country and company.
• Check the relevant HTSUS classification and any AD/CVD case or order instructions, but remember that an HTS number is an identification aid—not a substitute for the legal scope.
• Ask your customs broker or trade counsel to confirm entry filing, cash-deposit, importer-of-record, and bond requirements when coverage is uncertain.
• Keep product specifications, supplier declarations, manufacturing records, and origin documents so you can support a scope or classification determination.