Notice of initiation of an accelerated review of Commission Decision No 284/2000/ECSC imposing a definitive countervailing duty on imports of certain flat rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel originating in India

(2000/C 201/02)

The Commission has received two applications for an accelerated review pursuant to Article 20 of Commission Decision No 1889/98/ECSC (hereinafter referred to as "the Basic Decision"), with regard to imports of certain flat rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel originating in India, subject to definitive countervailing duties imposed by Decision No 284/2000.

1. Request for review

The applications were lodged by Ispat Industries Ltd. and Jindal Vijayanagar Steel Ltd. under Decision No 284/2000. Exports of the product concerned originating in India, produced by these two companies, are subject to a definitive countervailing duty of 13,1 %. Neither company was individually investigated during the original investigation which led to the imposition of these duties.

2. Product

The product concerned is certain flat rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, of a width of 600 mm or more, not clad, plated or coated, in coils, not further worked than hot-rolled. This product is currently classifiable within CN codes 7208 10 00, 7208 25 00, 7208 26 00, 7208 27 00, 7208 36 00, 7208 37 10, 7208 37 90, 7208 38 10, 7208 38 90, 7208 39 10 and 7208 39 90. These codes are given for information purposes.

3. Grounds for review

These companies allege that they were not investigated during the original investigation (1 January 1998 to 31 December 1998) for reasons other than a refusal to cooperate with the Commission. Since these companies now intend to or started exporting to the Community, they have requested that an individual rate of duty be established for them.

Community producers known to be concerned have been informed of the above applications and have been given an opportunity to comment.

4. Initiation of accelerated review

In the light of the above, and on the basis of the evidence provided, the Commission concludes that these exporters were not individually investigated in the original countervailing duty investigation for reasons other than a refusal to cooperate with the Commission.

Having determined, after consultation of the Advisory Committee, that there is sufficient evidence to justify the initiation of an accelerated review for both exporters, the Commission hereby initiates an investigation in accordance with Article 20 of the Basic Decision.

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 Directorate-General Trade 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 Decision, 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.