On 02 September 2026, Madagascar notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on 31 August 2026, a safeguard investigation into imports of hulled rice, semi-whitened or whitened rice, polished or glazed rice and broken rice, classifiable under tariff subheadings 1006.20, 1006.30, 1006.3010, 1006.3090, 1006.4000, on which comment is due by 02 October 2027.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.