#United States #Washington #Greenbrier #freight rail couplers #EAPA

Buchanan Secures Significant Win for U.S. Industry

In a major development for the U.S. freight rail coupler (FRC) sector, Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney has celebrated a legal victory after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed findings of duty evasion by The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. This decision, announced on October 2, 2026, marks another step in the enforcement of U.S. trade laws designed to protect domestic industries from unfair competition.

The findings, rooted in an earlier determination made on May 18, 2026, reveal that Greenbrier, alongside its subsidiaries, unlawfully evaded duties on FRCs imported from China and Mexico. According to CBP's review, substantial evidence pointed to Greenbrier's failure to comply with existing antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders, demonstrating a clear breach of trade regulations.

Upon reevaluation, CBP rejected Greenbrier's assertions that their FRCs were exempt from entry documentation and applicable duties. Despite importing goods that fell under the AD/CVD orders, the company neglected to file the necessary entry documentation and to tender the required cash deposits for duties related to the mounted FRCs. CBP characterized this as a significant omission, further emphasizing that Greenbrier's claims of exemption were unfounded and misleading.

Daniel B. Pickard, lead counsel for the Coalition of Freight Rail Coupler Producers, stated, “CBP's decision is crucial in reiterating the intent of the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) to uphold compliance with U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws and deter evasion.” He further highlighted that this ruling is not only a win for legal compliance but also a reinforcement of fair trade practices. It sends a robust message that the U.S. is committed to enforcing its trade laws.

As a result of this reaffirmation, the CBP will necessitate that Greenbrier file formal entries for the FRCs associated with the existing AD/CVD orders. They will also need to comply with regulations governing the admission of railcars that transport these FRCs during the investigatory period.

The ruling from CBP does not preclude the possibility of further enforcement actions or penalties against Greenbrier, indicating that additional scrutiny and corrective measures may be forthcoming.

Buchanan’s team, experienced in international trade and national security matters, has been pivotal in supporting clients like the Coalition of Freight Rail Coupler Producers to ensure that fair conditions prevail in the U.S. market. Through various legal remedies under trade law, Buchanan aims to create an equitable environment for domestic manufacturers facing unfair practices.

About Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney

Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney stands as a prominent national law firm recognized for delivering cutting-edge legal, business, regulatory, and government relations counsel to a diverse clientele, including renowned companies across finance, energy, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. With a robust team of 475 attorneys operating from 17 offices, the firm prides itself on representing a substantial portion of the Fortune 500, leveraging deep industry insights to safeguard and advance clients’ interests in a complex regulatory landscape.

As the freight rail coupler industry navigates ongoing challenges regarding imports and compliance, this legal triumph not only highlights the significance of diligent trade enforcement but also reinforces the broader implications for the U.S. economy and domestic production capabilities. The outcome from CBP serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the effectiveness of U.S. trade policies in sustaining industry integrity.