Misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are returned to the cytosol and destroyed by a process known as ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Hrd1 has been implicated as the channel that mediates the transport of ERAD substrates to the cytosol. A study demonstrates that Hrd1 is gated by autoubiquitination and a soluble ERAD substrate.