New Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Petitions on CBS from China

At a Glance

• Lanxess Corporation filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions on N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide (CBS) from China.
• An investigation related to this petition could result in increased prices and/or decreased supply of CBS.
• The US Department of Commerce is expected to begin investigation on May 27, 2026.

On May 7, 2026, antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) petitions were filed on N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2-sulfenamide (CBS) imported from China. CBS is a chemical accelerator used for rubber vulcanization. The petitions were filed by Lanxess Corporation.

The US AD law imposes special tariffs to counteract imports that are sold in the United States at less than “normal value.” The US CVD law imposes special tariffs to counteract imports that are sold in the United States with the benefit of foreign government subsidies. For AD/CVD duties to be imposed, the US government must determine not only that dumping and/or subsidization is occurring, but also that there is “material injury” (or threat thereof) by reason of the dumped and/or subsidized imports. Importers are liable for any potential AD/CVD duties imposed. In addition, these investigations could impact purchasers by increasing prices and/or decreasing supply of CBS.

Scope

Please note that this section was not written by our authors but is taken verbatim from the petition.

The product subject to this investigation is N-Cyclohexylbenzothiazole-2 sulfenamide (“CBS”), also known as N-cyclohexyl-2 benzothiazolesulfenamide, N-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-ylsulfanyl) cyclohexanamine and N-cyclohexylbenzothiazol-2-sulphenamide. It may additionally be termed Accelerator CZ, CBTS, Thiohexam, HIP4, Curax, DURAX, Conaca, Conach, Conacs, or Celacs.

CBS is an organic compound used in the rubber industry as a delayed action accelerator for rubber vulcanization. CBS is primarily used in the production of tires, but also used in the production of hoses, belts, and other rubber products. CBS accelerates the cross-linking of rubber molecules. Its use in rubber formulations reduces curing times during manufacturing, and it improves the elasticity and durability of the finished rubber products.

CBS is typically sold in an off-white or light gray powder, oiled powder, or granule with a melting point of 90 to 110°C and a molecular weight of 264.4 g/mol. CBS is soluble in benzene, but insoluble in water. It has the chemical formula C13H16N2S2 and is assigned the Chemical Abstract Service (“CAS”) registry No. 95-33-0. CBS is generally sold at an assay of 94 to 99 percent, minimum CBS content. CBS powder, oiled powder, and granules are classified under subheading 2934.20.8000, HTSUS. CBS may also be classified as a mixture or blend with other accelerators, antioxidants, plasticizers, and fillers under subheadings 3812.10.1000 and 3812.10.5000, HTSUS. References to the HTSUS classification in this petition are provided for convenience and customs purposes, and the written description of the merchandise under investigation is dispositive regarding the scope of the investigation.

Estimated Dumping Margins

The petitioner alleges a dumping margin of 1,231.15%.

The petitioner also alleges subsidies with respect to subject imports, although the CVD petitions do not quantify the alleged net subsidy margins.

Estimated Schedule of Investigations

The following is an estimated schedule of investigations by the US Department of Commerce (DOC) and the US International Trade Commission (ITC):