Grinding Media and Upholstered Seating Investigations

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency has started two investigations under the Special Import Measures Act into (1) certain grinding media from India and (2) certain upholstered domestic seating from China and Vietnam. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will carry out preliminary inquiries to decide whether those imports are harming Canadian industry; interested parties can send information by April 26, 2021 and April 30, 2021 respectively.

What it does#

• Launches investigations to see whether these imports are being dumped (sold below fair value) or unfairly subsidized, and whether that has caused injury to Canadian producers.
• For certain grinding media (investigation begun December 17, 2020):
  • Covers chrome cast iron grinding media in spherical or ovoid shapes with diameter 12.7 mm (½ inch) to 76.2 mm (3 inches), within 5% tolerances, and with ≥ 10% chromium content, produced by casting and originating in India.
  • Usual tariff numbers cited: 7325.91.00.10 and 7325.91.00.90.
  • The Tribunal will decide whether there is a reasonable indication of injury within 60 days.
  • The CBSA will publish a Statement of Reasons within 15 days after its decisions.
  • Written submissions must be received by April 26, 2021 (electronic submissions required during COVID‑19). Confidential information must be accompanied by a non‑confidential edited version.
• For certain upholstered domestic seating (investigation begun December 21, 2020):
  • Covers a range of upholstered domestic seating originating in China and Vietnam.
  • Usual tariff numbers cited: 9401.40.00.00, 9401.61.10.10, 9401.61.10.90, 9401.71.10.10, 9401.71.10.90.
  • The Tribunal will decide within 60 days whether the evidence shows a reasonable indication of injury.
  • Written submissions must be received by April 30, 2021 (electronic submissions required during COVID‑19). Confidential submissions must include a non‑confidential edited version.

Who's affected#

• Canadian producers of grinding media (used in milling and heavy industry) and of upholstered domestic seating (furniture manufacturers).
• Importers, exporters and traders dealing in these products, including companies in India, China, and Vietnam that export to Canada.
• Distributors, retailers, customs brokers and large buyers (for example, mining, milling, or furniture sectors) who rely on these imports.
• Consumers could be affected indirectly if duties or restrictions change prices or availability.
• If unclear who else may be affected, the notice invites any interested person or company to submit information.

Why it matters#

• If the investigations find dumping or unfair subsidies and the Tribunal finds injury, Canada can impose duties or other measures. That can raise import costs and affect supply chains.
• The actions seek to protect Canadian industry from unfair competition, which could preserve jobs or production in affected sectors.
• For importers and exporters, this is an early warning: decisions could change how these products enter the Canadian market.
• These are investigations, not final decisions; outcomes (including possible duties) depend on the evidence gathered during the inquiry.