On 16 June Turkey notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had, on 11 June, initiated a safeguard investigation into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chips, classifiable in tariff subheading 3907.69, on which comment is due by 28 June.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or 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.
Story by: Riaan de Lange