On 8 September 2021, Ukraine notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that on 01 September 2021 it had initiated a safeguard investigation on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) profile is classifiable in tariff subheadings 3916.20.00.90 and 3925.90.80.00.
The reasons for the investigation were stated as:
(i) It was initiated pursuant to the petition of the domestic industry in particular by LLC “VIKNALAND”, LLC “MAYADO”, LLC “OPEN TECK” and with the support of the LLC “MIROPLAST”.
(ii) The statement sets out sufficiently substantiated evidence based on which it can be considered as having been submitted by the appropriate national producer.
(iii) The statement provides sufficient substantiated evidence based on which, during 2018 to 2020, import to Ukraine of PVC profile regardless of country of origin and export increased.
(iv) The statement provides sufficient substantiated evidence based on which, during 2018 - 2020, imports in Ukraine PVC profile regardless of country of origin and export were carried out to such an extent and on such conditions that it could cause significant injury to the national producer.
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.
