AD/CVD Hold On Imports: How to Avoid Antidumping and Countervailing Delays
Antidumping and countervailing duty orders do not stop at the border. They show up as holds, deposit demands, and sometimes sudden liquidation reviews that turn a routine entry into a compliance problem.
What an AD/CVD hold actually means
AD/CVD orders are issued by the Department of Commerce and the USITC, then enforced by CBP. When a shipment matches a covered product, CBP may hold release until the importer posts cash deposit or bond for estimated AD/CVD liability. The original duty rate still applies. The deposit is an additional requirement that often arrives with no advance warning.
What triggers it
The most common triggers are classification mistakes, inaccurate country-of-origin claims, and missed special program requirements. AD/CVD coverage also changes. A product can move in and out of scope as orders are reviewed, expanded, or revoked.
What to verify before you book
Check the current Federal Register entries and CBP prior disclosure list before booking freight. Verify HTS code accuracy. Confirm the manufacturer and country are aligned with any applicable order. Check if a product-specific AD/CVD case number appears on the CBP entry summary instructions.
What to do if you get a notice
Act fast. Post the deposit with your broker, document the exact product description and HTS code, and request a case status check from your surety or Customs broker. Delayed response usually means extended hold time and storage charges.
Use the ClearanceIQ Compliance Checklist
Run the supplier invoice checklist before your next shipment so documentation is complete the first time.