Cover Image

U.S. International Trade Commission Schedules Final Investigation of Hard Empty Capsules from Brazil, China, India, and Vietnam

Estimated reading time: 2–5 minutes

Background

The investigations are based on the Tariff Act of 1930. The ITC will review if American businesses are negatively affected by the import of hard empty capsules that have been sold in the U.S. at less-than-fair-value and if the imports were subsidized. The Department of Commerce found that capsule makers from Brazil, China, India, and Vietnam received subsidies and sold products below fair value.

These investigations began in response to petitions filed on October 24, 2024, by Lonza Greenwood LLC of Greenwood, South Carolina.

Product Scope

The investigation covers hard empty capsules, which are cylindrical shells made from two parts: a cap and a body. Both parts have a closed, rounded end and an open end.

The main ingredients must be at least 80% water-soluble polymer. Common materials are gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and pullulan. Capsules can also include water, colorants, opacifiers, and other substances.

The ITC covers all sizes, colors, and types of hard empty capsules, whether they are imported together or separately, attached or detached. The capsules must be able to dissolve in water within 2 hours as described in the United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary.

The capsules are classified under several Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes, including 9602.00.1040, 9602.00.5010, and others.

Investigation Process

The final phase of these investigations will follow sections 705(b) and 731(b) of the Tariff Act. The ITC invites people and companies that use or sell the capsules to participate by filing an entry of appearance no later than 21 days before the hearing date.

All documents must be filed electronically through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System (EDIS). No paper filings will be accepted.

If a party wants access to business confidential information, an application must be made 21 days before the hearing. Applications are only for authorized representatives.

Key Dates

  • The prehearing staff report will be in the nonpublic record on October 1, 2025. A public version will follow.
  • The hearing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on October 16, 2025. Requests to appear must be filed by October 9, 2025.
  • If a party wishes to appear via videoconference, a statement explaining the reason is required. Remote requests for illness or positive COVID-19 tests may be submitted a day before the hearing.
  • Written testimony and presentation slides must be filed by noon, October 15, 2025.
  • Prehearing briefs are due by October 8, 2025.
  • Posthearing briefs and written statements by persons not entered as parties are due by October 23, 2025.
  • The Commission will release new information to parties by November 5, 2025. Final comments on this information are due by November 7, 2025.

Participation and Submissions

Any interested party may file a prehearing brief, written testimony, and posthearing brief. Submissions must comply with the Commission’s rules about format and confidential information.

For more information about the investigation, including hearing procedures and the rules, check the ITC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, or visit the Commission’s website.

Contact

Questions can be directed to Julie Duffy at (202) 708-2579 or through the Commission’s website at https://www.usitc.gov.

Hearing-impaired persons can contact the TDD terminal at 202-205-1810. Assistance for mobility impairments is available by contacting the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000.

Authority

These actions are under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930. This notice is published under Section 207.21 of the Commission’s rules.

The notice was issued by Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission, on June 23, 2025.


Legal Disclaimer

This article includes content collected from the Federal Register (federalregister.gov). The content is not an official government publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific consultation, please contact us. Read our full Legal Disclaimer, which also includes information on translation accuracy.