Hard Empty Capsules — Brazil — A-351-864

“Hard empty capsules” are two-piece, rigid shells used to hold medicines, supplements, or other products. A US trade measure labeled AD/CVD may apply to these products when they are imported from particular countries or producers identified in the official measure. The product’s physical characteristics and intended use matter; a tariff classification code alone does not decide whether it is covered.

AD means antidumping: the government may determine that imported goods were sold in the US at less than normal value. CVD means countervailing duty: the government may determine that foreign-government subsidies benefited the exported goods. These are additional trade remedies, separate from ordinary customs duties, and can create importer payment, reporting, and recordkeeping obligations. The importer of record is generally responsible for declaring covered merchandise correctly, even when a supplier or customs broker prepares the entry.

What to check

• Read the official scope language and compare the capsule’s materials, design, dimensions, coating, use, and packaging—not just its product name.
• Check the listed countries, producers, exporters, and any exclusions or special product descriptions against your transaction and supply chain.
• Review the proposed or assigned HTS classification, but use it as a screening tool; confirm scope coverage under the written measure and seek customs-broker or trade-counsel advice when unclear.
• Ask the supplier for the actual manufacturer and exporter, and retain invoices, product specifications, origin records, and documents supporting any exclusion or noncoverage claim.
• Confirm with your broker or the relevant US agency how the measure affects entry documentation, cash deposits, liquidation, and later assessment for your specific shipment.