Customs Agency Affirms Duty Evasion on Freight Rail Couplers from China and Mexico

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has affirmed that The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries violated antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders on freight rail couplers imported from China and Mexico.

CBP issued its initial determination of evasion on May 18, 2026, under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA). Greenbrier requested a review of this determination, but CBP again found substantial evidence that the company had evaded its payment obligations.

According to CBP, Greenbrier failed to formally declare the imported couplers and did not pay the required AD/CVD duties. The company had incorrectly claimed that the couplers, affixed to their railcars, were exempt from formal import procedures and duties.

As a result of CBP's decision, Greenbrier will now be required to undergo formal import procedures for all couplers subject to the applicable AD/CVD orders, including those attached to railcars. The ruling does not preclude further enforcement actions or penalties.

"CBP's decision is an important reaffirmation of EAPA's purpose to ensure compliance with U.S. trade laws and prevent evasion of lawfully owed duties," said Daniel B. Pickard, lead counsel for the Coalition of Freight Rail Coupler Producers.