On 26 April 2021, Morocco notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 23 April 2021 a safeguard investigation on streetlights, tariff classification 7308.20.00.00 et 7308.90.00.00.
In the notification Morocco indicated, among other things, as follows (provisional translation) that:
- Interested parties wishing to participate in this investigation may make themselves known by contacting the Ministry by email, as soon as possible, and at the latest by 28 May 2021.
- Interested parties who want to receive and complete the questionnaire should so request by contacting the Ministry by email, as soon as possible, and at the latest by 7 May 2021.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or are threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e., restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.
Story by: Riaan de Lange