Investigation into Container Chassis from China

Summary#

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) opened investigations under the Special Import Measures Act on June 10, 2021 into the alleged dumping and subsidizing of certain container chassis imported from China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will hold a preliminary inquiry to decide within 60 days whether there is a reasonable indication of injury to Canadian industry; interested parties can send information to the CBSA by October 15, 2021.

What it does#

• Starts formal anti-dumping and countervailing investigations into certain container chassis and related parts imported from China under the Special Import Measures Act.
• Identifies the main tariff classification for the goods as 8716.39.30.90, and, to a lesser extent, the following classifications: 8706.00.90.90, 8716.39.90.90, 8716.40.00.00, 8716.80.20.90, 8716.90.30.00, 8716.90.99.10, 8716.90.99.90.
• Notes that the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) will run a preliminary injury inquiry and must decide whether the evidence shows a reasonable indication of injury within 60 days of the investigation start.
• Invites written submissions from interested persons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, submissions must be sent electronically. To be considered, the CBSA asks to receive them by October 15, 2021.
• Says the CBSA will issue a Statement of Reasons within 15 days after the CITT decision and that confidential information must be accompanied by a non-confidential summary.

Who's affected#

• Companies and people who import container chassis or related subassemblies from China, including freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Canadian businesses that make, sell or repair container chassis or large parts for them.
• Transport operators, ports and other businesses that rely on imported container chassis could notice price or supply changes if measures follow.
• If unclear: the exact list of affected models and parts is set out in the CBSA product definition on its website.

Why it matters#

• If the investigations and the tribunal later find dumping or subsidizing and injury, Canada could impose duties. That could raise costs or change sourcing for importers and companies that use these chassis.
• If the tribunal finds no reasonable indication of injury, the investigations stop and no duties would follow.
• The process gives affected businesses a chance to present evidence before any final action is taken. For details and the full product definition, the CBSA and CITT websites and the CBSA’s SIMA registry are the official sources.