Importing files with explicit normals (in this case from CAD data) discards (or recomputes) normals

[instinct-vfx]

Describe the bug When importing geometry originating from CAD the included normals seem to be discarded and that creates very visual shading artifacts. If i import or load the same file in other DCCs this does not happen. It also does not happen when loading the file as a stage. But even if i duplicate the correct stage prim to a maya node the normals are discarded.

Expected behavior Import normals properly, just like loading as a stage or other applications do.

Attachments Find attached a comparison. The right side shows the exact same file loaded via the USD Layer editor as a stage. The left side shows the file imported via USD Import

Specs (if applicable):

• Windows
• Maya version 2023.3
• tested with Maya USD 0.26.0/0.27.0