Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain camera systems originating in Japan and of the initiation of an interim review of the anti-dumping duty on imports of television camera systems originating in Japan
Date: 2006-05-18
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Japan, anti-dumping legislation, import, recording equipment

C 117/8

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

18.5.2006

Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain camera systems
originating in Japan and of the initiation of an interim review of the anti-dumping duty on
imports of television camera systems originating in Japan

(2006/C 117/03)

The Commission has received a complaint pursuant to Article
5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 on protection against
dumped imports from countries not members of the European
Community (‘the basic Regulation’) (1), as last amended by
Regulation (EC) No 2117/2005 (2), alleging that imports of
certain camera systems, originating in Japan (‘the country
concerned’), are being dumped and are thereby causing material
injury to the Community industry.

1. Complaint

The complaint was lodged on 4 April 2006 by Grass Valley
Nederland BV (‘the complainant’) on behalf of producers repre-
senting a major proportion, in this case more than 25 %, of the
total Community production of certain camera systems.

2. Product

(f) an Operational Control Panel (‘OCP’) or equivalent device
for camera control (i.e. for colour adjustment lens opening
or iris) of single cameras;

(g) a Master Control Panel (‘MCP’) or Master set-up unit (‘MSU’)
for the overview and for adjustment of several remote
cameras;

(h) a box lens adaptation unit such as a Large Lens Adapter or
SuperXpander that enables portable camera systems to be
used with box-type lenses.

imported either together or separately.

It is not always required that the camera systems consist of all
the above components.

The abovementioned different components (not camera head)
of a camera system cannot function separately and cannot be
used outside the camera system of a particular producer.

The product allegedly being dumped is certain camera systems
originating in Japan (‘the product concerned’), consisting of:

Lenses and recorders which are not in the same housing with a
camera head are not covered by the product.

(a) a camera head:

(i) with integrated viewfinder, viewfinder connection or

capability

(ii) with integrated optical block, front module or similar
device (see description below), connection or capability

The product concerned is susceptible for use in broadcast,
news gathering, digital cinematography or professional applica-
tions. Professional applications include (but are not limited to)
the use of these systems for creating educational, entertain-
ment, promotional and documentary video material, both for
internal and external distribution.

(iii) either in one piece with the camera head and the

camera adaptor in one housing, or separate;

(b) a camera adaptor. This may or may not be integrated in

the camera head;

(c) an optical block, front module or similar device with one
or more image sensors where the effective diagonal size of
the light sensitive scanning area is equal to or larger than
6 mm. This may or may not be integrated in the camera
head;

(d) a camera viewfinder. This may or may not be integrated in

the camera head;

(e) a Base station or Camera Control Unit (‘CCU’) connected to
the camera by a cable or other means such as a wireless
connection;

The product concerned is normally declared within CN codes
ex 8528 21 14,
ex 8525 40 91,
ex 8525 30 90,
ex 8528 22 00,
ex 8528 21 90,
ex 8528 21 16,
ex 8537 10 91,
ex 8529 90 95,
ex 8529 90 81,
ex 8537 10 99, ex 8543 89 97 and ex 9002 90 00. These CN
codes are only given for information.

3. Allegation of dumping

The allegation of dumping is based on a comparison of normal
value established on the basis of domestic prices, with the
export prices of the product concerned when sold for export to
the Community.

(1) OJ L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1.
(2) OJ L 340, 23.12.2005, p. 17.

On this basis, the dumping margin calculated is significant.

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Official Journal of the European Union

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4. Allegation of injury

The complainant has provided evidence that imports of the
product concerned from Japan have increased overall in abso-
lute terms and in terms of market share.

It is alleged that the volumes and the prices of the imported
product concerned have, among other consequences, had a
negative impact on the market share held, the quantities sold
and the level of prices charged by the Community industry,
resulting in substantial adverse effects on the overall perfor-
mance and the financial situation of the Community industry.

5. Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Advisory Committee,
that the complaint has been lodged by or on behalf of the
Community industry and that there is sufficient evidence to
justify the initiation of a proceeding, the Commission hereby
initiates an investigation pursuant to Article 5 of the basic
Regulation.

5.1. Procedure for the determination of dumping and injury

investigation will

The
the product
concerned originating in Japan is being dumped and whether
this dumping has caused injury.

determine whether

(a) Sampling

In view of the apparent large number of parties involved in
this proceeding,
the Commission may decide to apply
sampling in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regu-
lation.

(i) Sa mp li ng for e x p or te r s/ p r odu c e r s i n J a p a n

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether
sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all
exporters/producers, or representatives acting on their
behalf, are hereby requested to make themselves
known by contacting the Commission and providing
the following information on their company or compa-
nies within the time limit set in point 6(b)(i) and in the
format indicated in point 7:

— name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax

numbers and contact person,

— the turnover in local currency and the volume in
units of the product concerned sold for export to
the Community during the period 1 April 2005 to
31 March 2006,

— the turnover in local currency and the sales volume
in units for the product concerned on the domestic
market during the period 1 April 2005 to 31
March 2006,

— whether the company intends to claim an indivi-
(individual margins can only be

dual margin (1)
claimed by producers),

— the precise activities of the company with regard to

the production of the product concerned,

— the names and the precise activities of all related
involved in the production and/or
the product

companies (2)
selling (export and/or domestic) of
concerned,

— any other relevant information that would assist
the Commission in the selection of the sample,

imply

replying

— by providing the above information, the company
agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the
company is chosen to be part of the sample, this
and
will
accepting
its
response. If the company indicates that it does not
agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will
be deemed to not have co-operated in the investi-
gation. The consequences of non-cooperation are
set out in point 8 below.

to a questionnaire

investigation of

an on-the-spot

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary
for the selection of the sample of exporters/producers,
the Commission will, in addition, contact the authori-
ties of the exporting country, and any known associa-
tions of exporters/producers.

(ii) S a mp li ng for i mp or te r s

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether
sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all
importers, or representatives acting on their behalf, are
hereby requested to make themselves known to the
Commission and to provide the following information
on their company or companies within the time limit
set in point 6(b)(i) and in the formats indicated in
point 7:

— name, address, e-mail address, telephone, and fax

numbers and contact person,

— the total turnover in euro of the company during

the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006,

— the total number of employees,

— the precise activities of the company with regard to

the product concerned,

(1) Individual margins may be claimed pursuant to Article 17(3) of the

basic Regulation for companies not included in the sample.

(2) For guidance on the meaning of related companies, please refer to
Article 143 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying
down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L
253, 11.10.1993, p. 1).

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Official Journal of the European Union

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— the volume in units and value in euro of imports
into and resales made in the Community market
during the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006
of the imported product concerned originating in
Japan,

— the names and the precise activities of all related
involved in the production and/or

companies (1)
selling of the product concerned,

— any other relevant information that would assist
the Commission in the selection of the sample,

imply

replying

— by providing the above information, the company
agrees to its possible inclusion in the sample. If the
company is chosen to be part of the sample, this
and
will
accepting
its
response. If the company indicates that it does not
agree to its possible inclusion in the sample, it will
be deemed to not have co-operated in the investi-
gation. The consequences of non-cooperation are
set out in point 8 below.

to a questionnaire

investigation of

an on-the-spot

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary
for the selection of
the
Commission will, in addition, contact any known asso-
ciations of importers.

the sample of

importers,

(iii) F i na l se le c ti on of th e sa mp le s

All interested parties wishing to submit any relevant
information regarding the selection of the sample must
do so within the time limit set in point 6(b)(ii).

samples

The Commission intends to make the final selection of
consulted the parties
the
concerned that have expressed their willingness to be
included in the sample.

after having

Companies included in the samples must reply to a
questionnaire within the time limit set in point 6(b)(iii)
and must cooperate within the framework of the inves-
tigation.

forthcoming,

sufficient co-operation is not

If
the
Commission may base its findings, in accordance with
Articles 17(4) and 18 of the basic Regulation, on the
facts available. A finding based on facts available may
be less advantageous
to the party concerned, as
explained in point 8.

(1) For guidance on the meaning of related companies, please refer to
Article 143 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2454/93 laying
down provisions for the implementation of Council Regulation
(EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Community Customs Code (OJ L
253, 11.10.1993, p. 1).

(b) Questionnaires

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for
its investigation, the Commission will send questionnaires
to the Community industry and to any association of
producers in the Community, to the sampled exporters/
producers in Japan, to any association of exporters/produ-
cers, to the sampled importers, to any association of impor-
ters named in the complaint, and to the authorities of the
exporting country concerned.

in Japan claiming

Exporters/producers
an individual
margin, with a view to the application of Articles 17(3) and
9(6) of the basic Regulation, must submit a completed
questionnaire within the time limit set in point 6(a)(ii) of
this notice. They therefore have to request a questionnaire
within the time limit set in point 6(a)(i). However, such
parties should be aware that
if sampling is applied to
exporters/producers,
the Commission may nonetheless
decide not to calculate an individual margin for them, if the
number of exporters/producers is so large that individual
examination would be unduly burdensome and would
prevent the timely completion of the investigation.

(c) Collection of information and holding of hearings

submit

All interested parties are hereby invited to make their views
known,
than questionnaire
replies and to provide supporting evidence. This informa-
tion and supporting evidence has to reach the Commission
within the time limit set in point 6(a)(ii).

information other

Furthermore, the Commission may hear interested parties,
provided that they make a request showing that there are
particular reasons why they should be heard. This request
must be made within the time limit set in point 6(a)(iii).

5.2. Procedure for assessment of Community interest

and

representative

In accordance with Article 21 of the basic Regulation and in
the event that the allegations of dumping and injury caused
thereby are substantiated, a decision will be reached as to
whether the adoption of anti-dumping measures would not be
against the Community interest. For this reason the Community
industry, importers, their representative associations, represen-
tative users
consumer organisations,
provided that they prove that there is an objective link between
their activity and the product concerned, may, within the
general time limits set in point 6(a)(ii), make themselves known
and provide the Commission with information. The parties
which have acted in conformity with the precedent sentence
may request a hearing setting the particular reasons why they
should be heard within the time limit set in point 6(a)(iii). It
should be noted that any information submitted pursuant to
Article 21 will only be taken into account if supported by
factual evidence at the time of submission.

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6. Time limits

(a) General time limits

(i) F or p a r ti e s t o r e q u e st a q u e st i onna i r e

All interested parties should request a questionnaire as
soon as possible, but not later than 15 days after the
publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the
European Union.

(ii) F or p a r ti e s

t o ma ke th e mse lve s know n,

t o
submi t q u e sti onn a i r e r e p li e s and a ny oth e r
i nf or ma ti on

All interested parties, if their representations are to be
taken into account during the investigation, must make
themselves known by contacting the Commission,
present their views and submit questionnaire replies or
any other information within 40 days of the date of
publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the
European Union, unless otherwise specified. Attention is
drawn to the fact that the exercise of most procedural
rights set out in the basic Regulation depends on the
party's making itself known within the aforementioned
period.

Companies selected in a sample must submit question-
naire replies within the time limits specified in point
6(b)(iii).

(iii) H e a r i ng s

All interested parties may also apply to be heard by
the Commission within the same 40 day time limit.

7. Written submissions, questionnaire replies and cor-

respondence

All submissions and requests made by interested parties must
be made in writing (not in electronic format, unless otherwise
specified) and must indicate the name, address, e-mail address,
telephone and fax numbers of the interested party. All written
submissions, including the information requested in this notice,
questionnaire replies and correspondence provided by inter-
ested parties on a confidential basis shall be labelled as
‘Limited (1)’ and, in accordance with Article 19(2) of the basic
Regulation,
accompanied by a non-confidential
version, which will be labelled ‘For inspection by interested
parties’.

shall be

Commission address for correspondence:

European Commission
Directorate General for Trade
Directorate B
Office: J-79 5/16
B-1049 Brussels
Fax (32-2) 295 65 05.

8. Non-cooperation

In cases in which any interested party refuses access to or does
not provide the necessary information within the time limits,
or significantly impedes the investigation, provisional or final
findings, affirmative or negative, may be made in accordance
with Article 18 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. If an interested
party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and find-
ings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with
Article 18 of the basic Regulation,
the result may be less
favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

(b) Specific time limit in respect of sampling

9. Review of existing measures

(i) The

information specified in point 5.1(a)(i)
and
5.1(a)(ii) should reach the Commission within 15 days
of the date of publication of this notice in the Official
Journal of the European Union, given that the Commis-
sion intends to consult parties concerned that have
expressed their willingness
to be included in the
sample on its final selection within a period of 21 days
of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of
the European Union.

(ii) All other information relevant for the selection of the
sample as referred to in 5.1(a)(iii) must reach the
Commission within a period of 21 days of the publica-
tion of this notice in the Official Journal of the European
Union.

(iii) The questionnaire replies from sampled parties must
reach the Commission within 37 days from the date of
the notification of their inclusion in the sample.

in Japan,
ex 8537 10 91,

By Council Regulation (EC) No 2042/2000 (2) definitive anti-
dumping duties were imposed on imports of television camera
falling within CN codes
systems originating
ex 8525 30 90,
ex 8537 10 99,
ex 8529 90 95 (formerly ex 8529 90 88),
ex 8529 90 81,
ex 8528 21 14,
ex 8543 89 97 (formerly ex 8543 89 95),
ex 8528 21 16 and ex 8528 21 90. The product covered by
this regulation entirely falls within the definition stated in point
2 above.

(1) This means that

the document

is for internal use only.

is
protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001
of the European Parliament and of the Council regarding public
access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents
(OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43). It is a confidential document pursuant
to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994
(Anti-dumping Agreement).

It

(2) OJ L 244, 29.9.2000, p. 38. Regulation as last amended by Regu-

lation (EC) No 1454/2005 (OJ L 231, 8.9.2005, p. 1)

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Should it be determined that measures are to be imposed on
certain camera systems originating in Japan in the proceeding
initiated by the present notice, and thus cover the television
camera systems subject to measures under Regulation (EC) No
2042/2000, the continued imposition of the measures imposed
by Regulation (EC) No 2042/2000 will be no longer appro-
priate, and this regulation would have to be amended or
repealed accordingly. Therefore, an interim review should be
opened as regards Regulation (EC) No 2042/2000 in order to
allow any amendment or repeal necessary in the light of the
investigation initiated by the present notice.

Therefore, the Commission hereby initiates, pursuant to Article
11(3) of the basic Regulation, an interim review of Regulation

(EC) No 2042/2000. The provisions set out in points 5, 6, 7
and 8 of the notice, apply mutatis mutandis to this interim
review.

10. Schedule of the investigation

The investigation will be concluded, according to Articles 6(9)
and 11(5) of the basic Regulation within 15 months of the date
of the publication of this notice in the Official Journal of the
European Union. According to Article 7(1) of the basic Regu-
lation, provisional measures may be imposed no later than 9
months from the publication of
this notice in the Official
Journal of the European Union.