EU Move Could Help Enable Retroactive AD/CVD Collection

The European Commission will begin registering all imports of goods under antidumping or countervailing duty investigations, allowing for retroactive collection of AD/CVD if certain conditions are met, it announced Sept. 24. Prior to the move, imports were typically registered only after a "justified" request from the EU industry.

The commission said the change, which also will cover ongoing investigations where a provisional determination hasn't yet been made, will "simplify procedures and alleviate the burden placed on industry." It will also give the commission "precise and accurate information about the source and quantities of imports of a product under investigation, as well as broader market developments," and bar "sharp increases in imports of" goods under investigation before the imposition of the duties.

Although the EU can retroactively collect duties on the registered imports, that registration isn't automatic and is subject to certain conditions, the commission said. Registration will be carried out by member states' customs authorities.