On September 4, 2020, the Philippines notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on September 4, 2020 a “preliminary safeguard investigation” on High-Density Polyethylene and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene pellets and granules.
In a document submitted together with the notification (see footnote of the notification) the Philippines indicated, among other things, as follows:
“[I]interested parties are invited to submit their views on the matter […]. Submission may be made to the Bureau of Import Services (BIS), Department of Trade and Industry, 3rd Floor, Tara Building, #389 Senator Gil Avenue, Makati City, or through electronic submission to bis_irmd@dti.gov.ph within five (5) days from the date of publication of this notice.”
The notification is available in G/SG/N/6/PHL/19.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is 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.