(2013/707/EU): Commission Implementing Decision of 4 December 2013 confirming the acceptance of an undertaking offered in connection with the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings concerning imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China for the period of application of definitive measures
Date: 2013-12-04
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: China, anti-dumping legislation, anti-subsidy proceeding, import (EU), originating product, semi-metal, solar collector








L_2013325EN.01021401.xml










5.12.2013   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


L 325/214








            COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
         
of 4 December 2013
         
confirming the acceptance of an undertaking offered in connection with the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings concerning imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China for the period of application of definitive measures
(2013/707/EU)


THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘the Treaty’),


Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009 of 30 November 2009 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (1) (‘the basic anti-dumping Regulation’), and in particular Articles 8 and 9 thereof,


Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 597/2009 of 11 June 2009 on protection against subsidized imports from countries not members of the European Community (2) (‘the basic anti-subsidy Regulation’), and in particular Articles 13 and 15 thereof


After consulting the Advisory Committee,

Whereas:
A.   PROCEDURE
1.   Provisional measures






(1)


By Regulation (EU) No 513/2013 (3), the European Commission (‘the Commission’) imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports into the Union of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells and wafers) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China (‘PRC’).










(2)


The Commission, by Decision 2013/423/EU (4) accepted a price undertaking (‘the undertaking’) from a group of exporting producers together with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (‘CCCME’) with regards to the provisional duties. By Regulation (EU) No 748/2013 (5) the Commission amended Regulation (EU) No 513/2013 to introduce the technical changes necessary due to the acceptance of the undertaking.










(3)


On 8 November 2012, the Commission initiated an anti-subsidy proceeding with regard to imports into the Union of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells and wafers) originating in the People's Republic of China (6).




2.   Subsequent procedure






(4)


Following the adoption of the provisional anti-dumping measures, the Commission continued the investigation of dumping, injury and Union interest, as well as the parallel anti-subsidy proceeding. Wafers have been excluded from the scope of both investigations, hence from the scope of the definitive measures.










(5)


The anti-dumping investigation confirmed the provisional findings of injurious dumping. The definitive findings of the investigation are set out in Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/13 (7) imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports into the Union of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the PRC.










(6)


By Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/13 (8), the Council also imposed a definitive countervailing duty on crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the PRC.




B.   UNDERTAKING AS AMENDED
1.   Amended undertaking offer






(7)


Subsequent to the definitive disclosure of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy findings, the exporting producers together with the CCCME submitted a notification to amend their initial undertaking offer.










(8)


The exporting producers, together with the CCCME, within the deadline specified in Article 13(2) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, requested that the terms of the undertaking be accepted by the Commission to eliminate any injurious effects also of the subsidised imports.










(9)


In addition, a number of additional exporting producers, within the deadline stipulated in Article 8(2) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 13(2) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, requested to participate in the undertaking.










(10)


Furthermore, the CCCME and the exporting producers requested to revise the undertaking to take account of the exclusion of wafers from the scope of the investigation.




2.   Comments of interested parties






(11)


The undertaking offer as amended has been made available to interested parties. In the following the Commission addresses the main comments submitted by interested parties following the receipt of the undertaking offer.




2.1.   Access to confidential information






(12)


Numerous parties requested access to information on minimum import prices (‘MIP’), the annual level or in general different terms of the undertaking. One party complained that it was not timely informed about the initial undertaking offer. The Commission notes that the non-confidential version of the initial undertaking offer was included in the file open for inspection by interested parties directly upon its receipt as foreseen in Article 8(4) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation.










(13)


MIPs and annual level are subject to professional secrecy pursuant to Article 339 of the Treaty and confidential according to Articles 19 of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 29 of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation. Therefore, in line with the Commission's practice, they are not disclosed to third parties. In the current case, upon parties' requests, the Commission requested CCCME whether some more information related to MIP and annual level could be disclosed. CCCME agreed to disclose an approximation of the MIP (defined as ‘below’ a specific value). Interested parties could consult that information on the non-confidential file. The Commission considers that such information, in this specific case, strikes an appropriate balance between the requirements of confidentiality and right of defence.










(14)


The Commission has also considered the requests relating to different terms of the undertaking. It has come to the conclusion that by revealing the information requested, it would increase the risk of price manipulation and gaming on the market for solar panels. In order not to unduly distort the functioning of the market for solar panels, the Commission considers that the information requested should not be available to buyers and competitors of the companies that have offered the undertaking. Those considerations apply as well to MIP and annual level, which should not be disclosed at a greater level of detail.




2.2.   Transition period






(15)


One interested party requested the Commission to allow for a transition period (and exemption from anti-dumping duties) when goods were ordered prior to the entry into force of the undertaking but presented for customs clearance after that date without an undertaking invoice. In order to be exempted from anti-dumping duties, goods presented for customs clearance have to fulfil the conditions set out in the Regulation (EU) No 748/2013. The argument therefore has to be rejected.




3.   Evaluation of the undertaking offer as amended






(16)


The Commission evaluated the undertaking offer as amended. First, it noted that the technical revision of the undertaking is necessary to reflect the definitive findings of the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations (i.e. the exclusion of wafers from the scope of the investigation).










(17)


Second, the Commission concluded that, based on the investigation period data, the trade volume of the additional companies in total Chinese exports to the EU is very limited and thus does not change the Commission's provisional assessment that the undertaking removes the injurious effect of dumping, with the MIP and within the annual level as initially offered.










(18)


The Commission also assessed whether the inclusion of the additional exporting producers would be likely to jeopardize the effective monitoring of the undertaking or to increase the risk of circumvention. In this context, the Commission noted that the CCCME demonstrated its active role in the practical implementation of the undertaking. In addition, the inclusion of the additional exporting producers will not change the terms of the undertaking. Therefore, the Commission concluded that the inclusion of the additional producers does not alter its initial findings on the effective monitoring of the undertaking and on the limited risk of circumvention.










(19)


Third, anti-subsidy and anti-dumping investigations were carried out in parallel in the current case. As per the lesser duty a rule, a definitive countervailing duty rate was set at the level of the subsidy margin and a definitive anti-dumping duty at the injury elimination level. Hence, the combined anti-dumping and countervailing duty rate will be equal to the injury elimination level (countervailing duty topped-up with anti-dumping duty up to injury elimination level). Therefore, the Commission concluded that the undertaking still removes the injurious effects of both dumping and subsidization, thereby no change to the MIP is needed.










(20)


Fourth, one party contested the fact that the Commission had relied in Decision 2013/423/EU on post-IP data in order to assess whether the undertaking removed the injurious effect of dumping, relying on Article 6(1) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 11(1) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation. Article 6(1) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation stipulates that ‘information relating to a period subsequent to the investigation period shall, normally [emphasis added], not be taken into account.’ Similar wording can be found in Article 11(1) last sentence of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation. Recital 3 of Decision 2013/423/EU sets out the circumstances which led the Commission to rely on post-IP data in the present case. The party has not contested the factual accurateness of those circumstances. The argument is therefore rejected.










(21)


Fifth, the undertaking ensures stability of supply for the Union at a sustainable price level. Therefore, there are no reasons of general policy for not accepting the undertaking.










(22)


One party has considered that the MIP is set too high, one party has considered that it is set too low. As set out in recital 7 of Decision 2013/423/EU, in order to assess whether that price undertaking removes the injurious effect of dumping, the Commission has analysed, inter alia, the current export prices and the level of provisional duty. After having analysed the additional information provided by parties, the information available on the current and expected evolution of production costs, and price developments since the adoption of Decision 2013/423/EU, the Commission confirms the finding in recital 7 of Decision 2013/423/EU.










(23)


In the absence of other comments, the findings in recitals 3 to 9 of Decision 2013/423/EU, as complemented by the findings set out above in recitals 16 to 22 are confirmed.




4.   Changes in companies' names and changes to the list of related companies in the EU






(24)


The inclusion of new companies in the undertaking triggers changes to the list of related companies in the EU as submitted in the initial undertaking offer. In addition, one exporting producer requested inclusion of a new related company in the EU to replace another company.










(25)


Finally, one company changed its name.




C.   ACCEPTANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING AS AMENDED






(26)


In the view of the above, the undertaking as amended is acceptable. Interested parties have been informed of the essential facts, considerations and obligations upon which the acceptance is based. The Commission did not receive any comments.




HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:



Article 1
The undertaking offered by the exporting producers listed in the Annex of this Decision together with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME), in connection with the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings concerning imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China, is hereby accepted.


Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on 6 December 2013.




Done at Brussels, 4 December 2013.


For the Commission


The President

José Manuel BARROSO
            





(1)  
            OJ L 343, 22.12.2009, p. 51.

(2)  
            OJ L 188, 18.7.2009, p. 93.

(3)  
            OJ L 152, 5.6.2013, p. 5.

(4)  
            OJ L 209, 3.8.2013, p. 26.

(5)  
            OJ L 209, 3.8.2013, p. 1.

(6)  
            OJ C 340, 8.11.2012, p. 13.

(7)  See page 1 of this Official Journal.

(8)  See page 66 of this Official Journal.




ANNEX
List of companies:






Name of the company


TARIC additional code




Jiangsu Aide Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd


B798 




Alternative Energy (AE) Solar Co. Ltd


B799 




Anhui Chaoqun Power Co. Ltd


B800 




Anji DaSol Solar Energy Science & Technology Co. Ltd


B802 




Anhui Schutten Solar Energy Co. Ltd
Quanjiao Jingkun Trade Co. Ltd


B801 




Anhui Titan PV Co. Ltd


B803 




Xi'an SunOasis (Prime) Company Limited
TBEA SOLAR CO. LTD
XINJIANG SANG'O SOLAR EQUIPMENT


B804 




CSI Solar Power (China) Inc.
Canadian Solar Manufacturing (Changshu) Inc.
Canadian Solar Manufacturing (Luoyang) Inc.
CSI Cells Co. Ltd


B805 




Changzhou NESL Solartech Co. Ltd


B806 




Changzhou Shangyou Lianyi Electronic Co. Ltd


B807 




Changzhou Trina Solar Energy Co. Ltd
Trina Solar (Changzhou) Science & Technology Co. Ltd
Changzhou Youze Technology Co. Ltd
Trina Solar Energy (Shanghai) Co. Ltd
Yancheng Trina Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd


B791 




CHINALAND SOLAR ENERGY CO. LTD


B808 




ChangZhou EGing Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B811 




CIXI CITY RIXING ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.
ANHUI RINENG ZHONGTIAN SEMICONDUCTOR DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
HUOSHAN KEBO ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.


B812 




CNPV Dongying Solar Power Co. Ltd


B813 




CSG PVtech Co. Ltd


B814 




China Sunergy (Nanjing) Co. Ltd
CEEG Nanjing Renewable Energy Co. Ltd
CEEG (Shanghai) Solar Science Technology Co. Ltd
China Sunergy (Yangzhou) Co. Ltd
China Sunergy (Shanghai) Co. Ltd


B809 




Chint Solar (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd


B810 




Delsolar (Wujiang) Ltd


B792 




Dongfang Electric (Yixing) MAGI Solar Power Technology Co. Ltd


B816 




EOPLLY New Energy Technology Co. Ltd
SHANGHAI EBEST SOLAR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD
JIANGSU EOPLLY IMPORT & EXPORT CO. LTD


B817 




Era Solar Co. Ltd


B818 




ET Solar Industry Limited
ET Energy Co. Ltd


B819 




GD Solar Co. Ltd


B820 




Greenway Solar-Tech (Shanghai) Co. Ltd
Greenway Solar-Tech (Huaian) Co. Ltd


B821 




Konca Solar Cell Co. Ltd
Suzhou GCL Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
Jiangsu GCL Silicon Material Technology Development Co. Ltd
Jiangsu Zhongneng Polysilicon Technology Development Co. Ltd
GCL-Poly (Suzhou) Energy Limited
GCL-Poly Solar Power System Integration (Taicang) Co. Ltd
GCL SOLAR POWER (SUZHOU) LIMITED
GCL Solar System (Suzhou) Limited


B850 




Guodian Jintech Solar Energy Co. Ltd


B822 




Hangzhou Bluesun New Material Technology Co. Ltd


B824 




Hangzhou Zhejiang University Sunny Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd
Zhejiang Jinbest Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd


B825 




Hanwha SolarOne (Qidong) Co. Ltd


B826 




Hengdian Group DMEGC Magnetics Co. Ltd


B827 




HENGJI PV-TECH ENERGY CO. LTD


B828 




Himin Clean Energy Holdings Co. Ltd


B829 




Jetion Solar (China) Co. Ltd
Junfeng Solar (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd
Jetion Solar (Jiangyin) Co. Ltd


B830 




Jiangsu Green Power PV Co. Ltd


B831 




Jiangsu Hosun Solar Power Co. Ltd


B832 




Jiangsu Jiasheng Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B833 




Jiangsu Runda PV Co. Ltd


B834 




Jiangsu Sainty Photovoltaic Systems Co. Ltd
Jiangsu Sainty Machinery Imp. And Exp. Corp. Ltd


B835 




Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd


B836 




Jiangsu Shunfeng Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
Changzhou Shunfeng Photovoltaic Materials Co. Ltd
Jiangsu Shunfeng Photovoltaic Electronic Power Co. Ltd


B837 




Jiangsu Sinski PV Co. Ltd


B838 




Jiangsu Sunlink PV Technology Co. Ltd


B839 




Jiangsu Zhongchao Solar Technology Co. Ltd


B840 




Jiangxi Risun Solar Energy Co. Ltd


B841 




Jiangxi LDK Solar Hi-Tech Co. Ltd
LDK Solar Hi-Tech (Nanchang) Co. Ltd
LDK Solar Hi-Tech (Suzhou) Co. Ltd


B793 




Jiangyin Hareon Power Co. Ltd
Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd
Taicang Hareon Solar Co. Ltd
Hefei Hareon Solar Technology Co. Ltd
Jiangyin Xinhui Solar Energy Co. Ltd
Altusvia Energy (Taicang) Co. Ltd


B842 




Jiangyin Shine Science and Technology Co. Ltd


B843 




JingAo Solar Co.Ltd
Shanghai JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd
JA Solar Technology Yangzhou Co. Ltd
Hefei JA Solar Technology Co. Ltd
Shanghai JA Solar PV Technology Co. Ltd


B794 




Jinko Solar Co. Ltd
Jinko Solar Import and Export Co. Ltd
ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR CO. LTD
ZHEJIANG JINKO SOLAR TRADING CO. LTD


B845 




Jinzhou Yangguang Energy Co. Ltd
Jinzhou Huachang Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
Jinzhou Jinmao Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
Jinzhou Rixin Silicon Materials Co. Ltd
Jinzhou Youhua Silicon Materials Co. Ltd


B795 




Juli New Energy Co. Ltd


B846 




Jumao Photonic (Xiamen) Co. Ltd


B847 




King-PV Technology Co. Ltd


B848 




Kinve Solar Power Co. Ltd (Maanshan)


B849 




Lightway Green New Energy Co. Ltd
Lightway Green New Energy (Zhuozhou) Co. Ltd


B851 




MOTECH (SUZHOU) RENEWABLE ENERGY CO. LTD


B852 




Nanjing Daqo New Energy Co. Ltd


B853 




NICE SUN PV CO. LTD
LEVO SOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD


B854 




Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd


B856 




Ningbo Jinshi Solar Electrical Science & Technology Co. Ltd


B857 




Ningbo Komaes Solar Technology Co. Ltd


B858 




Ningbo Osda Solar Co. Ltd


B859 




Ningbo Qixin Solar Electrical Appliance Co. Ltd


B860 




Ningbo South New Energy Technology Co. Ltd


B861 




Ningbo Sunbe Electric Ind Co. Ltd


B862 




Ningbo Ulica Solar Science & Technology Co. Ltd


B863 




Perfectenergy (Shanghai) Co. Ltd


B864 




Perlight Solar Co. Ltd


B865 




Phono Solar Technology Co. Ltd
Sumec Hardware & Tools Co. Ltd


B866 




RISEN ENERGY CO. LTD


B868 




SHANDONG LINUO PHOTOVOLTAIC HI-TECH CO. LTD


B869 




SHANGHAI ALEX SOLAR ENERGY SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD
SHANGHAI ALEX NEW ENERGY CO. LTD


B870 




Shanghai BYD Co. Ltd
BYD(Shangluo)Industrial Co.Ltd


B871 




Shanghai Chaori Solar Energy Science & Technology Co. Ltd
Shanghai Chaori International Trading Co. Ltd


B872 




Propsolar (Zhejiang) New Energy Technology Co. Ltd
Shanghai Propsolar New Energy Co. Ltd


B873 




SHANGHAI SHANGHONG ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD


B874 




SHANGHAI SOLAR ENERGY S&T CO. LTD
Shanghai Shenzhou New Energy Development Co. Ltd
Lianyungang Shenzhou New Energy Co. Ltd


B875 




Shanghai ST-Solar Co. Ltd
Jiangsu ST-Solar Co. Ltd


B876 




Shenzhen Sacred Industry Co. Ltd


B878 




Shenzhen Topray Solar Co. Ltd
Shanxi Topray Solar Co. Ltd
Leshan Topray Cell Co. Ltd


B880 




Sopray Energy Co. Ltd
Shanghai Sopray New Energy Co. Ltd


B881 




SUN EARTH SOLAR POWER CO. LTD
NINGBO SUN EARTH SOLAR POWER CO. LTD
Ningbo Sun Earth Solar Energy Co. Ltd


B882 




SUZHOU SHENGLONG PV-TECH CO. LTD


B883 




TDG Holding Co. Ltd


B884 




Tianwei New Energy Holdings Co. Ltd
Tianwei New Energy(Chengdu) PV Module Co. Ltd
Tianwei New Energy (Yangzhou) Co. Ltd


B885 




Wenzhou Jingri Electrical and Mechanical Co. Ltd


B886 




Shanghai Topsolar Green Energy Co. Ltd


B877 




Shenzhen Sungold Solar Co. Ltd


B879 




Wuhu Zhongfu PV Co. Ltd


B889 




Wuxi Saijing Solar Co. Ltd


B890 




Wuxi Shangpin Solar Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd


B891 




Wuxi Solar Innova PV Co. Ltd


B892 




Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd
Suntech Power Co. Ltd
Wuxi Sunshine Power Co. Ltd
Luoyang Suntech Power Co. Ltd
Zhenjiang Rietech New Energy Science Technology Co. Ltd
Zhenjiang Ren De New Energy Science Technology Co. Ltd


B796 




Wuxi Taichang Electronic Co. Ltd
Wuxi Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Co. Ltd
Wuxi Taichen Machinery & Equipment Co. Ltd


B893 




Xi'an Huanghe Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
State-run Huanghe Machine-Building Factory Import and Export Corporation
Shanghai Huanghe Fengjia Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B896 




Xi'an LONGi Silicon Materials Corp.
Wuxi LONGi Silicon Materials Co. Ltd


B897 




Years Solar Co. Ltd


B898 




Yingli Energy (China) Co. Ltd
Baoding Tianwei Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Hainan Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Hengshui Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Tianjin Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Lixian Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Baoding Jiasheng Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd
Beijing Tianneng Yingli New Energy Resources Co. Ltd
Yingli Energy (Beijing) Co. Ltd


B797 




Yuhuan BLD Solar Technology Co. Ltd
Zhejiang BLD Solar Technology Co. Ltd


B899 




Yuhuan Sinosola Science & Technology Co. Ltd


B900 




Zhangjiagang City SEG PV Co. Ltd


B902 




Zhejiang Fengsheng Electrical Co. Ltd


B903 




Zhejiang Global Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B904 




Zhejiang Heda Solar Technology Co. Ltd


B905 




Zhejiang Jiutai New Energy Co. Ltd
Zhejiang Topoint Photovoltaic Co. Ltd


B906 




Zhejiang Kingdom Solar Energy Technic Co. Ltd


B907 




Zhejiang Koly Energy Co. Ltd


B908 




Zhejiang Mega Solar Energy Co. Ltd
Zhejiang Fortune Photovoltaic Co. Ltd


B910 




Zhejiang Shuqimeng Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B911 




Zhejiang Shinew Photoelectronic Technology Co. Ltd


B912 




Zhejiang Sunflower Light Energy Science & Technology Limited Liability Company
Zhejiang Yauchong Light Energy Science & Technology Co. Ltd


B914 




Zhejiang Sunrupu New Energy Co. Ltd


B915 




Zhejiang Tianming Solar Technology Co. Ltd


B916 




Zhejiang Trunsun Solar Co. Ltd
Zhejiang Beyondsun PV Co. Ltd


B917 




Zhejiang Wanxiang Solar Co. Ltd
WANXIANG IMPORT & EXPORT CO LTD


B918 




Zhejiang Xiongtai Photovoltaic Technology Co. Ltd


B919 




ZHEJIANG YUANZHONG SOLAR CO. LTD


B920 




RENESOLA ZHEJIANG LTD
RENESOLA JIANGSU LTD


B921 




Zhongli Talesun Solar Co. Ltd


B922 




ZNSHINE PV-TECH CO. LTD


B923