These averages will be calculated based on a number of historical data points, including the average volume of polysilicon imported since 6 August, the average imported between 1 January and 6 August and the average imported in 2025.

For new IORs, which registered with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on or after 6 August, the import limits are set by the DoC, as these companies lack the historic data from which an ‘average’ import volume can be calculated. These companies will be restricted to importing no more than 12kg of polysilicon, no more than 7kg of doped polycrystalline and monocrystalline silicon wafers, no more than 2,000 solar PV cells not assembled into modules and no more than 55 cells assembled into modules.

When the new tariffs were announced in August, US President Donald Trump added that the secretary of commerce would be able to “take action in coordination with CBP” to restrict the imports of companies found to have stockpiled polysilicon. This week’s new rules thus provide more clarity on the measures that the secretary can take.

The new rules were applauded by US manufacturers, represented by the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition.

“The SEMA Coalition applauds Commerce and CBP’s efforts to deter the stockpiling of solar products ahead of the December effective date for its Section 232 action on polysilicon,” said the trade body in a statement. “There has been evidence of stockpiling since the proclamation was issued.

“Today’s action signals that Commerce intends to strictly police these practices by evaluating imports against historical levels over the past year and preventing ‘fly-by-night importers’ from establishing operations solely to stockpile products.”

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