U.S. Launches AD/CVD Investigations on Czech Republic and India Freight Couplers
Trade Update • Aug. 20
Key Points
- The U.S. government began antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigations on August 12, 2025, into freight rail couplers imported from the Czech Republic and India.
- The investigation covers finished and unfinished freight rail couplers and their parts.
- The alleged dumping margins are very high for the Czech Republic (about 120%) and range from 7.86% to 71.01% for India.
- Imports made after August 12 may face extra duties applied retroactively.
On August 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into certain freight couplers and parts imported from the Czech Republic and India. These freight rail coupler import investigations aim to determine whether these products are being sold at unfairly low prices or benefiting from unfair government subsidies.
The scope covers product entries from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, for the antidumping investigation, and for the calendar year 2024 for the countervailing duty investigation.
Which Products Are Covered?
- Freight rail couplers and parts like knuckles, coupler bodies (types E, F, E/F), and related items such as coupler locks, lock lift assemblies, knuckle pins, knuckle throwers, and rotors
- Both finished and unfinished parts are included
- Products meeting U.S. railroad standards (AAR M-211 and M-215) or comparable international standards
- Applies whether the parts are imported alone, assembled, further processed, or attached to railcars
Key Investigation Details
- The alleged dumping margin from the Czech Republic is about 119.96%, and for India ranges from 7.86% up to 71.01%.
- The DOC will send quantity and value questionnaires to Indian exporters; responses are due by August 26, 2025.
- For the Czech Republic, one company (CKD Kutná Hora a.s. Kutná Hora) is identified as the likely sole respondent.
- The U.S International Trade Commission (ITC) and DOC freight rail coupler import investigations run concurrently; if the ITC finds no injury, the cases will end quickly. If injury is found, duties become possible after preliminary and final determinations.
- Preliminary injury findings by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will be issued by September 8, 2025.
Import Rules
Freight rail couplers and related parts fall under specific U.S. tariff codes, mainly 8607.30.1010, 8607.30.1050, 8607.30.1090, and other related railcar codes.
Imports of these products after August 12, 2025, may be subject to additional antidumping and countervailing duties.
Duties could be applied retroactively to shipments entered after the investigation start date.
Important Actions for Importers & Exporters
- Review your import and export records related to freight rail couplers from the Czech Republic and India.
- Ensure compliance with new tariff classifications and be ready for possible duties on shipments after August 12, 2025.
- Submit any relevant comments or scope requests before deadlines in the Federal Register notices.
- Stay informed on ITC injury determinations expected by September 8, 2025.
Official notices can be found using case numbers:
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
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