Copper Pipe Fittings Order Expiry

Summary#

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has given notice that existing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy orders on certain copper pipe fittings are scheduled to expire on November 27, 2021 unless the Tribunal starts an expiry review. The notice sets out who can ask for a review and the deadlines for filing participation and written submissions.

What it does#

• The Canadian International Trade Tribunal, under the Special Import Measures Act, says its orders from November 28, 2016 (continuing findings from February 19, 2007) covering certain solder-joint copper pipe fittings are due to expire on November 27, 2021 unless an expiry review is started (Expiry No. LE-2021-003; original matter in Expiry Review No. RR-2015-003 and Inquiry No. NQ-2006-002).
• The orders cover fittings made of cast or wrought copper alloys used in heating, plumbing, air conditioning and refrigeration that originate in or are exported from the United States of America, the Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China. The Gazette notice says the full product list is in an appendix (not reproduced in the notice).
• The orders explicitly exclude copper-iron high-pressure alloy fittings made with UNS C19400 grade copper alloy with safe working pressure up to 1,740 psi.
• To request an expiry review, interested parties must file a Form I — Notice of Participation by October 4, 2021. Counsel must file Form II — Notice of Representation and Form III — Declaration and Undertaking by the same date.
• Written submissions schedule:
  • File initial submissions by October 12, 2021, at noon, ET.
  • If there are opposing views, responses are due by October 21, 2021, at noon, ET.
  • The Tribunal aims to decide by November 8, 2021 whether an expiry review will be launched. If not, the orders will expire on November 27, 2021 as scheduled.
• Filing and confidentiality:
  • Parties must file electronically through the Tribunal’s E‑registry Service (one electronic copy).
  • Confidential information can be submitted but a non-confidential summary or explanation is required.
  • The Canadian International Trade Tribunal Secretariat is listed as the contact (email and phone 613‑993‑3595).

Who's affected#

• Domestic producers of copper solder-joint pressure and drainage/waste/vent pipe fittings.
• Importers and exporters of these copper fittings from the United States of America, Republic of Korea and People's Republic of China.
• Trade lawyers, industry associations, and any firms that compete with the domestic industry or import the covered goods.
• The notice does not list downstream users (like plumbers or builders) explicitly, so it is unclear which parts of the supply chain beyond manufacturers and traders will be directly involved.

Why it matters#

• These orders currently limit or counteract dumped or subsidized imports of certain copper pipe fittings. If the orders expire, those protections would lapse unless the Tribunal begins and then sustains a review leading to continuing measures.
• A change in the orders could affect prices, import volumes and competition in the Canadian market for plumbing, heating and cooling fittings. That can matter for domestic manufacturers, importers, and possibly for construction and maintenance costs.
• Deadlines are short. Businesses and groups that want the Tribunal to review the expiry must file participation forms and evidence by the dates above to be part of the process.