Safeguard investigation: domestic producers can seek probe; Director General must verify evidence before initiating measures. The Director General may initiate safeguard investigations on a domestic producer's application or suo motu to determine whether increased imports following reduction or elimination of customs duty under the Trade Agreement have caused or threaten serious injury. An application must be supported by evidence of increased imports, serious injury or threat, a causal link between imports and injury, and that the tariff reduction contributes significantly to import increases, together with a statement of adjustment efforts. The Director General must verify the accuracy and adequacy of evidence before initiating an investigation; the tariff reduction need not be the predominant cause.