Stainless Steel World: EURANIMI Raises Alarm Over EU’s Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Investigation

EURANIMI, a prominent advocate for importers in the steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sectors, says Stainless Steel News, is sounding the alarm regarding the European Commission’s impending Commission Implementing Regulation on the circumvention of antidumping and countervailing duties on cold rolled stainless steel (SSCR) from Indonesia via Taiwan, Vietnam, and Turkey. While certain aspects of the regulation may seem favorable at first glance, the organization is cautioning European importers about the potential hazards embedded within this investigation, which threatens to introduce uncertainty and unpredictability into the market.

The European Commission’s issuance of General Disclosures on March 5th, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into alleged circumvention practices. While EURANIMI acknowledges the Commission’s laudable objective of deterring circumvention while acknowledging compliant organizations, it also raises serious concerns about the implications of the disclosed details, which deviate from established norms and pose risks for importers operating within the steel industry.

Key among EURANIMI’s concerns is the uncertainty surrounding the determination of product origin. The Commission’s reliance on the “assembly test” for circumvention assessments introduces ambiguity, diverging from the principles outlined in the Union Customs Code and potentially complicating importers’ efforts to ensure compliance.

Moreover, EURANIMI underscores the broader implications of the Commission’s interpretation, which extends beyond SSCR to encompass various metal products subject to antidumping measures. This broad scope poses challenges for importers across multiple sectors, amplifying the need for clarity and consistency in regulatory frameworks.

In response to these concerns, EURANIMI is advocating for a reassessment of the Commission’s interpretation of “assembly operations.” The organization contends that the current approach undermines importers’ confidence and threatens to disrupt market stability.

The outcome of the investigation, expected by May 11, 2024, will have far-reaching implications for importers and downstream operators alike. Should the harmful interpretation persist, EURANIMI pledges to pursue further action to safeguard the interests of industry stakeholders.

In conclusion, EURANIMI calls for transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks to mitigate market disruptions. Through advocacy efforts and engagement with regulatory authorities, the organization strives to uphold fairness and clarity in trade practices, promoting a conducive environment for all stakeholders involved in the steel, stainless steel, and aluminum sectors.

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Stainless Steel World
11 April 2024
English