Rule 4 - Initiation of investigation

Safeguard investigation initiation: criteria and evidence required to link tariff concessions to domestic industry injury.

The Director General may initiate safeguard investigations on application by domestic producers or suo motu to determine whether increased imports due to tariff concessions under the Trade Agreement have caused serious injury or threat of serious injury; applications must provide evidence of increased imports, injury or threat, a causal link, the significant contribution of customs duty reduction or elimination to import increases, and a statement of adjustment efforts, and the Director General must first verify the accuracy and adequacy of such evidence.