Safeguard investigation initiation: duty concessions can trigger probes into imports causing serious injury to domestic industry. Safeguard investigations commence on application by a domestic producer alleging that increased imports due to preferential treatment cause or threaten serious injury; the application must provide evidence of increased imports, serious injury or threat, and that reduction or elimination of a customs duty under the trade agreement contributes significantly to the import increase, together with a statement of adjustment efforts. The Director-General must verify the accuracy and adequacy of evidence before initiating, but may also initiate suo motu if sufficient information from a customs commissioner or other source exists.