Notice of initiation of an interim review of Council Regulation (EC) No 2450/98 imposing a definitive countervailing duty on imports of stainless steel bars originating in India

(2000/C 22/04)

The Commission received an application for an interim review pursuant to Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 2026/97(1) (hereinafter referred to as "the Basic Regulation"), with regard to imports of stainless steel bars originating in India, subject to definitive countervailing duties imposed by Regulation (EC) No 2450/98(2).

1. Request for review

The application was lodged by Chandan Steel Ltd. Under Regulation (EC) No 2450/98, exports of stainless steel bars originating in India, produced by this company, are subject to a definitive countervailing duty of 19 %. This company was individually investigated during the original investigation which led to the imposition of these duties.

2. Product

The product concerned is stainless steel bars, and falls within CN codes 7222 20 11, 7222 20 21, 7222 20 31 and 7222 20 81. These codes are given for information purposes.

3. Grounds for review

The applicant alleged that the measure at its present level is no longer necessary to offset the countervailable subsidies. The applicant has supplied sufficient evidence in accordance with Article 19(2) of the Basic Regulation that the subsidy amount has decreased to 7,5 %, which is substantially less than the countervailing duty rate of 19 % which is currently applicable for Chandan Steel Ltd.

4. Initiation of an interim review

In the light of the above, and on the basis of the evidence provided, the Commission concludes that the application contains sufficient evidence substantiating the initiation of an interim review.

Having determined, after consultation of the Advisory Committee, that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an interim review for this exporter, the Commission hereby initiates an investigation in accordance with Article 19 of the Basic Regulation.

5. Time limit

Interested parties, provided they can show that they are likely to be affected by the results of the investigation, must make their views known in writing and submit supporting evidence within 40 days of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Interested parties may also apply to be heard by the Commission within the same time limit, provided that they can show that there are particular reasons why they should be heard.

The address for correspondence is: European Commission

Trade Directorate-General

Attn. Mr A. J. Stewart DM 5/77 Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200 B - 1049 Brussels Fax (32-2) 295 65 05 Telex: COMEU B 21877

6. Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to, or otherwise does not provide, necessary information within the relevant time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance with Article 28 of the Basic Regulation, on the basis of the facts available.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information shall be disregarded and use may be made of the facts available.

(1) OJ L 288, 21.10.1997, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 304, 14.11.1998, p. 1.