Time is of the essence.
In the handbags case, it now seems rather unlikely that any Hong Kong companies will be considered by the Commission for individual treatment, as the initial stage of investigation is over and provisional duty has been imposed. Discussions with sources in Brussels and Member States indicate that it is unlikely that any representations from other Hong Kong handbag exporters will be considered at this stage, now that the provisional duties have been imposed. The Commission itself has not made any public announcements on the matter, however, and it could conceivably take a different line, although we believe this to be most unlikely. It does seem likely to be held that it is now too late for other exporters to make such a representation, and, as such enquirers did not make themselves known within the original time limit, it will prove impossible to re-open the proceeding either selectively or generally. It is also expected that a price undertaking is out of the question if the parties have not co-operated fully already.