On 17 July 2026, the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards advised that the United States of America (US), on 13 July 2026, had initiated a safeguard investigation on fresh, chilled, or frozen lamb meat, classifiable in tariff subheadings 0204.10.00, 0204.21.00, 0204.22.20, 0204.22.40, 0204.23.20, 0204.23.40, 0204.30.00, 0204.41.00, 0204.42.20, 0204.42.40, 0204.43.20, and 0204.43.40.
The US safeguard notification is available on the WTO website under reference G/SG/N/6/USA/16. The US’s Handbook on E-Filing, available at:
https://www.usitc.gov/secretary/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf elaborates on the US’ rules regarding electronic filing.
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.