On 17 August the International Trade Administration of South Africa (Itac) initiated an investigation into alleged dumping of clear float glass with a thickness of 3mm to 6mm, classifiable under tariff subheadings 7005.29.17, 7005.29.23, 7005.29.25 and 7005.29.35, originating in or imported from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), on which comment is due by 17 September.
Itac can provide an extension until 01 October, but only in an instance where good cause is shown, which is supported by a properly motivated and substantiated written submission. Itac does however not consider requests for extension by embassies on behalf of exporters.
The application was lodged by PFG Building Glass (Pty) Ltd who allege that the float glass is being dumped on the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) market, causing material injury and the threat of material injury to the SACU industry. Itac indicated that PFG Building Glass had submitted sufficient evidence and established a prima facie case to enable Itac to arrive at a reasonable conclusion that an investigation should be initiated on the basis of dumping, material injury/threat of material injury and causality.
The period of investigation for purposes of determining the dumping margin in the exporting country of origin will be from 01 March 2017 to 28 February 2018. The period of investigation for purposes of determining material injury will be from 01 March 2015 to 28 February 2018.