Regulations To Improve Administration and Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws, 52300-52384 [2021-17861]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• International Trade Administration

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 179 (Monday, September 20, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52300-52384]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17861]



[[Page 52299]]

Vol. 86

Monday,

No. 179

September 20, 2021

Part II





Department of Commerce





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International Trade Administration





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19 CFR Part 351





Regulations To Improve Administration and Enforcement of Antidumping 
and Countervailing Duty Laws; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 179 / Monday, September 20, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 52300]]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

International Trade Administration

19 CFR Part 351

[Docket No. 210813-0162]
RIN 0625-AB10


Regulations To Improve Administration and Enforcement of 
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws

AGENCY: Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to its authority under Title VII of the Tariff Act of 
1930, as amended (the Act), the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is 
modifying its regulations to improve administration and enforcement of 
the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) laws. 
Specifically, Commerce is modifying its regulation concerning the time 
for submission of comments pertaining to industry support in AD and CVD 
proceedings; modifying its regulation regarding new shipper reviews; 
modifying its regulation concerning scope matters in AD and CVD 
proceedings; promulgating a new regulation concerning circumvention of 
AD and CVD orders; promulgating a new regulation concerning covered 
merchandise referrals received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
(CBP); promulgating a new regulation pertaining to Commerce requests 
for certifications from interested parties to establish whether 
merchandise is subject to an AD or CVD order; and is modifying its 
regulation regarding importer reimbursement certifications filed with 
CBP. Finally, Commerce is modifying its regulations regarding service 
lists, entries of appearance, and importer filing requirements for 
access to business proprietary information in AD and CVD proceedings.

DATES: Effective date: The amendments to Sec. Sec.  351.203, 351.214, 
351.228, and 351.402(f)(2) in instructions 3, 4, 8, and 10, 
respectively, are effective October 20, 2021. The amendments to 
Sec. Sec.  351.103(d), 351.225, 351.226, 351.227, and 351.305(d) in 
instructions 2, 5, 6, 7, and 9, respectively, are effective November 4, 
2021.
    For information concerning applicability dates, see SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott McBride at (202) 482-6292; David 
Mason at (202) 482-5051; or Jessica Link at (202) 482-1411.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Applicability Dates

     Amendments to Sec.  351.203 apply to segments of the 
proceeding for which a petition is filed on or after October 20, 2021.
     Amendments to Sec.  351.214 apply to new shipper reviews 
for which a new shipper review request is filed on or after October 20, 
2021.
     Amendments to Sec.  351.225 and corresponding amendments 
to Sec. Sec.  351.103(d) and 351.305(d) apply to scope inquiries for 
which a scope ruling application is filed, as well as any scope inquiry 
self-initiated by Commerce, on or after November 4, 2021. For 
information on specific applicability dates for amendments to Sec.  
351.225(l), please see section 12 in the preamble under ``Scope--Sec.  
351.225.''
     Added Sec.  351.226 and corresponding amendments to Sec.  
351.103(d) and Sec.  351.305(d) apply to circumvention inquiries for 
which a circumvention request is filed, as well as any circumvention 
inquiry self-initiated by Commerce, on or after November 4, 2021. For 
information on specific applicability dates for Sec.  351.226(l), 
please see section 12 in the preamble under ``Circumvention--Sec.  
351.226.''
     New Sec.  351.227 and corresponding amendments to Sec.  
351.103(d) and Sec.  351.305(d) apply to covered merchandise inquiries 
for which a covered merchandise referral determined to be sufficient is 
received on or after November 4, 2021. For information on specific 
applicability dates for Sec.  351.227(l), please see section 8 in the 
preamble under ``Covered Merchandise Referrals--Sec.  351.227.''
     Added Sec.  351.228 is applicable on or after October 20, 
2021.
     Amendments to Sec.  351.402(f)(2) are applicable on or 
after October 20, 2021.

General Background

    On August 13, 2020, Commerce published proposed amendments to its 
existing regulations, 19 CFR part 351, to strengthen and improve the 
administration and enforcement of the AD/CVD laws.\1\ Relevant to this 
final rule are the AD/CVD statutory and regulatory provisions in 
general, as well as those pertaining to industry support, new shipper 
reviews, scope inquiries, circumvention inquiries, covered merchandise 
inquiries, certifications, and certain procedures, which we briefly 
summarize below.
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    \1\ Regulations to Improve Administration and Enforcement of 
Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws, 85 FR 49472 (August 13, 
2020) (Proposed Rule).
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    Title VII of the Act vests Commerce with authority to administer 
the AD/CVD laws.\2\ In general, the AD/CVD laws are intended to provide 
relief to domestic industries, including businesses, workers, farmers, 
and ranchers from the injurious effects of unfairly traded imports 
through the imposition of AD/CVDs.\3\
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    \2\ See generally Title VII of the Act (19 U.S.C. 1671 et. 
seq.); see also titles I, II, and IV of the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act (URAA), Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809 (1994) (implementing 
into law the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, the 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the General Agreement 
on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (the Anti-Dumping (AD) Agreement) and the 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures ((SCM) 
Agreement)); and Uruguay Round Agreements Act, Statement of 
Administrative Action, H.R. Doc. No. 103-316, vol. 1 (1994) (SAA).
    \3\ See Guangdong Wireking Housewares & Hardware Co. v. United 
States, 745 F.3d 1194, 1203 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (Guangdong Wireking) 
(``The congressional intent behind the enactment of countervailing 
duty and antidumping law generally was to create a civil regulatory 
scheme that remedies the harm unfair trade practices cause.'').
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    Title VII allows for a domestic interested party to file a petition 
seeking an AD or CVD order, and corresponding duties, on certain 
imports. If the petition meets all the elements necessary for 
initiation, Commerce will initiate and conduct an AD or CVD 
investigation. Similarly, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) 
will conduct a separate investigation concerning material injury or 
threat of material injury to the domestic industry. Section 731 of the 
Act directs Commerce to impose an AD order on merchandise entering the 
United States when it determines that a producer or exporter is selling 
a class or kind of foreign merchandise into the United States at less 
than fair value (i.e., dumping), and material injury or threat of 
material injury to that industry in the United States is found by the 
ITC. Section 701 of the Act directs Commerce to impose a CVD order when 
it determines that a government of a country or any public entity 
within the territory of a country is providing, directly or indirectly, 
a countervailable subsidy with respect to the manufacture, production, 
or export of a class or kind of merchandise that is imported into the 
United States, and material injury or threat of material injury to that 
industry in the United States is found by the ITC.\4\
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    \4\ A countervailable subsidy is further defined under section 
771(5)(B) of the Act as existing when: A government or any public 
entity within the territory of a country provides a financial 
contribution; provides any form of income or price support; or makes 
a payment to a funding mechanism to provide a financial 
contribution, or entrusts or directs a private entity to make a 
financial contribution, if providing the contribution would normally 
be vested in the government and the practice does not differ in 
substance from practices normally followed by governments; and a 
benefit is thereby conferred. To be countervailable, a subsidy must 
be specific within the meaning of section 771(5A) of the Act.

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    After issuance of an AD/CVD order, Commerce directs CBP to 
``suspend liquidation'' \5\ and collect cash deposits, or estimated 
amounts of duties, on appropriate entries subject to the scope of the 
order corresponding to the margins of dumping established under an AD 
order and the CVD rates established under a CVD order.\6\ On a yearly 
basis, interested parties may request that Commerce conduct an 
administrative review to determine the appropriate dumping margin or 
CVD rate for entries subject to the order during the previous review 
year.\7\ Pursuant to its administrative review procedures, Commerce 
instructs CBP to ``lift the suspension of liquidation'' and assess AD/
CVDs at the appropriate amount.\8\
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    \5\ ``Liquidation'' is the point at which CBP ascertains and 
assesses the final rate and amount of duty on an entry. See 
generally 19 U.S.C. 1500.
    \6\ See generally section 706 of the Act; section 736 of the 
Act; see also 19 CFR 351.211.
    \7\ See section 751(a)(1) of the Act; see also 19 CFR 351.212-
213.
    \8\ 19 CFR 351.212-213.
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    With respect to industry support, once an AD petition under section 
732(b) of the Act or a CVD petition under section 702(b) is filed, the 
statute provides Commerce with 20 days in which to determine whether 
the elements necessary for initiation of an investigation have been 
satisfied, including the requirement to demonstrate industry support. 
In exceptional circumstances, Commerce may extend the 20-day period to 
a maximum of 40 days solely for purposes of determining industry 
support. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed to modify Sec.  
351.203 to provide for the establishment of a deadline by which parties 
may file comments on industry support. As discussed below, we are 
adopting the modifications from the Proposed Rule.
    Regarding new shipper reviews, section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act and 
Sec.  351.214 provide a procedure by which exporters or producers who 
did not export the product during the original AD or CVD investigation 
can obtain their own individual dumping margin or countervailing duty 
rate on an accelerated basis (referred to as a ``new shipper 
review'').\9\ Commerce explained in the Proposed Rule that in 2016 the 
Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTEA) was signed 
into law, which contains title IV--Prevention of Evasion of Antidumping 
and Countervailing Duty Orders (short title ``Enforce and Protect Act 
of 2015'' or ``EAPA'').\10\ Section 433 (entitled ``Addressing 
Circumvention by New Shippers'') added two key provisions to the new 
shipper procedures under section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act.\11\ First, 
section 433 removed the ability for importers to post AD/CVD-specific 
bonds or security in lieu of AD/CVD cash deposits by striking this 
provision from section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act.\12\ Second, section 433 
added a provision that the individual dumping margin or countervailing 
duty rate determined for a new shipper must be based on bona fide sales 
in the United States and codified the factors that Commerce has 
historically used to determine whether a sale is bona fide.\13\ 
Accordingly, in the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed conforming 
amendments to Sec.  351.214, which are adopted in this final rule. The 
modifications to Sec.  351.214 clarify the circumstances under which 
Commerce will grant a new shipper review and establish specific factors 
to be considered in determining whether the sales at issue constitute 
bona fide sales for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
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    \9\ Section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act was enacted in the URAA in 
1994. See SAA at 816 (``Article 9.5 [of the AD Agreement] 
establishes special procedures for imposing antidumping duties on 
exporters or producers who did not export the product to the 
importing country during the original period of investigation (so-
called `new shippers').''). Section 351.214 was subsequently adopted 
pursuant to a rulemaking in 1997. See Antidumping Duties; 
Countervailing Duties, Proposed Rule, 61 FR 7308, 7317-18 (Feb. 27, 
1996) (1996 Proposed Rule) (discussing the proposed new shipper 
review regulation); Antidumping Duties; Countervailing Duties, Final 
Rule, 62 FR 27296, 27318-19 (May 19, 1997) (1997 Final Rule) 
(discussing the finalized new shipper review regulation).
    \10\ Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, 
Public Law 114-125, 130 Stat. 122 (2016) (TFTEA).
    \11\ See Public Law 114-125, section 433, 130 Stat. at 171. See 
also H.R. Rep. No. 114-114, at 89 (2015) (``The Committee is 
concerned that the ability of new exporters and producers to obtain 
their own individual weighted average dumping margins or individual 
countervailing duty rates from the Department of Commerce on an 
expedited basis (known as `new shipper reviews') has been abused to 
avoid antidumping and countervailing duties.'')
    \12\ See Public Law 114-125, section 433, 130 Stat. at 171. See 
also H.R. Rep. No. 114-114, at 89; H.R. Rep. No. 114-376, at 192 
(2015) (Conf. Rep.).
    \13\ See Public Law 114-125, section 433, 130 Stat. at 171. See 
also Conf. Rep., H.R. Rep No. 114-376 at 192-193.
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    With respect to scope inquiries, upon issuance of an AD or CVD 
order, the Act requires Commerce to provide a description of the class 
or kind of merchandise subject to the order at issue (i.e., subject 
merchandise).\14\ That description is known as the scope of the AD/CVD 
order. Because the statute ``does not require Commerce to define the 
class or kind of foreign merchandise in any particular manner[,] 
Commerce has the authority to fill that gap and define the scope of an 
order consistent with the countervailing duty and antidumping duty 
laws.'' \15\ Further, ``under the statutory scheme, Commerce owes 
deference to the intent of the proposed scope of an antidumping 
investigation as expressed in an antidumping petition.'' \16\
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    \14\ See section 706(a)(2) of the Act; section 736(a)(2) of the 
Act; section 771(25) of the Act.
    \15\ Canadian Solar, Inc. v. United States, 918 F.3d 909, 917 
(Fed. Cir. 2019) (internal citations and punctuation omitted) 
(Canadian Solar).
    \16\ Ad Hoc Shrimp Trade Action Committee v. United States, 637 
F. Supp. 2d 1166, 1174 (CIT 2009).
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    Under the statutory framework, as recognized by the U.S. Court of 
International Trade (CIT) and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal 
Circuit (Federal Circuit), Commerce is the agency charged with 
establishing and interpreting the scope of AD/CVD orders,\17\ and CBP 
is the agency charged with applying and enforcing the AD/CVD 
orders.\18\ As part of its statutory responsibility ``to fix the amount 
of duty owed on imported goods[,]'' CBP ``is both empowered and 
obligated to determine in the first instance whether goods are subject 
to existing [AD/CVD orders].'' \19\ Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514(b) 
(section 514 of the Act), this ``determination is then `final and 
conclusive' unless an interested party seeks a scope ruling from 
Commerce (which ruling would then be reviewable pursuant to [19 U.S.C. 
1516a]).'' \20\
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    \17\ See Xerox Corp. v. United States, 289 F.3d 792, 795 (Fed. 
Cir. 2002) (``Commerce should in the first instance decide whether 
an antidumping order covers particular products, because the order's 
meaning and scope are issues particularly within the expertise of 
that agency.'') (internal citations and punctuation omitted).
    \18\ See Sunpreme Inc. v. United States, 946 F.3d 1300, 1303 
(Fed. Cir. 2020) (Sunpreme) (holding that ``it is within Customs's 
authority to preliminarily suspend liquidation of goods based on an 
ambiguous [AD or CVD] order, such that the suspension may be 
continued following a scope inquiry by Commerce.''); and Fujitsu Ten 
Corp. v. United States, 957 F. Supp. 245, 248 (CIT 1997) (Fujitsu) 
(``The statute recognizes Customs makes the initial determination 
that an existing antidumping order applies to a specific entry of 
merchandise. The statute states that such a decision is `final and 
conclusive' unless it is appealed by petition to Commerce.'' 
(citations omitted)).
    \19\ Id., 946 F.3d at 1317 (citing 19 U.S.C. 1500(c)).
    \20\ See TR International Trading Co. v. United States, 433 F. 
Supp. 3d 1329, 1341 (CIT 2020) (citing Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1318) 
(TR International) (appeal pending) (referencing section 516 of the 
Act); see also Fujitsu, 957 F. Supp. at 248.
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    Commerce retains discretion to define the scope of the order to 
ensure that all imports causing injury have been addressed, and, 
additionally, may take into account potential circumvention and duty 
evasion concerns in crafting

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the scope language.\21\ Because the scope of an AD/CVD order is written 
in general terms, questions may arise as to whether a certain product 
is covered by the scope of an order. Beyond a general recognition that 
Commerce may issue ``class or kind of merchandise'' determinations,\22\ 
the statute is otherwise silent regarding the procedures and standards 
that Commerce may apply in issuing a scope ruling. Therefore, 
Commerce's regulation, Sec.  351.225, describes the applicable 
procedures and standards concerning ``scope rulings'' that Commerce 
will issue upon application of an interested party, or by initiating a 
``scope inquiry.'' In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed numerous 
revisions to Sec.  351.225, many of which are further revised or 
adopted in this final rule.
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    \21\ See Canadian Solar, 918 F.3d at 921-22 (``It is unnecessary 
for Commerce to engage in a game of whack-a-mole when it may 
reasonably define the class or kind of merchandise in a single set 
of orders, and within the context of a single set of investigations, 
to include all imports causing injury.'').
    \22\ See section 516A(a)(2)(B)(vi) of the Act (referencing, in 
the judicial review provision of the statute, ``[a] determination by 
the administering authority as to whether a particular type of 
merchandise is within the class or kind of merchandise described in 
an existing finding or dumping our antidumping or countervailing 
duty order.'')
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    Concerning circumvention inquiries (considered another type of 
``class or kind determination'' under the jurisdictional provisions of 
the statute), section 781 of the Act identifies four types of products 
that may be found circumventing an AD/CVD order, and, therefore, may be 
included within the scope of the order. The legislative history 
accompanying the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 provides 
that ``[a]n order on an article presumptively includes articles altered 
in minor respects in form or appearance[,]'' and that the purpose of 
the circumvention statute ``is to authorize the Commerce Department to 
apply AD and [CVD] orders in such a way as to prevent circumvention and 
diversion of U.S. law.'' \23\ Further, the legislative history 
indicates that Congress was concerned with the existence of 
``loopholes,'' i.e., foreign companies evading orders by making slight 
changes in their method of production, because such scenarios 
``seriously undermine the effectiveness of the remedies provided by the 
antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings, and frustrated the 
purposes for which these laws were enacted.'' \24\ Congress also 
recognized that ``aggressive implementation of [the circumvention 
statute] by the Commerce Department can foreclose these practices.'' 
\25\ With the implementation of the URAA, the SAA expressed similar 
concerns about scenarios limiting the effectiveness of the AD duty law 
(i.e., completion or assembly in a country other than the subject 
country).\26\ Accordingly, Commerce ``has been vested with authority to 
administer the antidumping laws in accordance with the legislative 
intent'' and, thus, ``has a certain amount of discretion [to act] . . . 
with the purpose in mind of preventing the intentional evasion or 
circumvention of the antidumping duty law.'' \27\ In the Proposed Rule, 
Commerce proposed to adopt a new regulation, Sec.  351.226, to address 
circumvention inquiries and determinations. After making some revisions 
from the Proposed Rule, Commerce is adopting Sec.  351.226 in this 
final rule.
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    \23\ Omnibus Trade Act of 1987, Report of the Senate Finance 
Committee, S. Rep. No. 100-71, at 101 (1987).
    \24\ Id.
    \25\ Id.
    \26\ See SAA at 892-95.
    \27\ Tung Mung Development Co., Ltd. v. United States, 219 F. 
Supp. 2d 1333, 1343 (CIT 2002) (Tung Mung) (quoting Mitsubishi Elec. 
Corp. v. United States, 700 F. Supp. 538, 555 (CIT 1988) (Mitsubishi 
I), aff'd 898 F.2d 1577, 1583 (Fed. Cir. 1990) (Mitsubishi II)).
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    Pertaining to covered merchandise inquiries, title IV of the TFTEA 
(referred to as EAPA), section 421, added section 517 to the Act,\28\ 
which establishes a formal process for CBP to conduct civil 
administrative investigations of potential duty evasion of AD and CVD 
orders on the basis of an allegation by an interested party or upon 
referral by another Federal agency (referred to herein as an ``EAPA 
investigation''). Pursuant to section 517(b)(4)(A) of the Act, if CBP 
is conducting an EAPA investigation based on an allegation from an 
interested party, and is unable to determine whether the merchandise at 
issue is ``covered merchandise'' within the meaning of section 
517(a)(3) of the Act, it shall refer the matter to Commerce to make a 
covered merchandise determination (referred to herein as a ``covered 
merchandise referral'').\29\ Although Congress did not require that 
Commerce promulgate regulations with respect to section 517 of the Act, 
in the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed to adopt Sec.  351.227, a new 
regulation to address procedures and standards specific to Commerce's 
consideration of covered merchandise referrals. In particular, this new 
regulation would govern Commerce's receipt of a covered merchandise 
referral, Commerce's initiation and conduct of a covered merchandise 
inquiry, and Commerce's covered merchandise determination, pursuant to 
section 517(b)(4) of the Act. With some revisions, Commerce is adopting 
Sec.  351.227 in this final rule.
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    \28\ See Public Law 114-125, 421, 130 Stat. at 161-69.
    \29\ See H.R. Rep. No. 114-376, at 190 (``If the Commissioner is 
unable to determine whether the merchandise at issue is covered 
merchandise, the Commissioner shall refer the matter to the 
Department of Commerce to determine whether the merchandise is 
covered merchandise. The Department of Commerce is to make this 
determination pursuant to its applicable statutory and regulatory 
authority, and the determination shall be subject to judicial review 
under 19 U.S.C. 1516a(a)(2). The Conferees intend that such 
determinations include whether the merchandise at issue is subject 
merchandise under 19 U.S.C. 1677j.'' (referencing sections 516 and 
781 of the Act)).
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    Regarding certifications, in the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed 
to adopt Sec.  351.228, a regulation to codify and enhance Commerce's 
existing authority and practice to require certifications by importers 
and other interested parties as to whether merchandise is subject to an 
AD/CVD order. With minor revisions, Commerce is adopting Sec.  351.228 
in this final rule.
    Another form of certifications relates to importer reimbursement 
certifications as provided for under Sec.  351.402(f)(2). In the 
Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed to amend Sec.  351.402(f)(2) regarding 
importer certifications for the payment or reimbursement of AD/CVDs on 
entries subject to AD orders to account for updated procedures. With 
minor revisions, Commerce is adopting the amendments to Sec.  
351.402(f)(2) in this final rule.
    To implement the substantive changes in the final rule, Commerce is 
also adopting proposed changes to two procedural regulations. First, in 
conducting its administrative proceedings, the statute directs Commerce 
to make certain information generally available on a public record.\30\ 
Pursuant to Sec.  351.103(d)(1), with some exceptions, parties that 
wish to be served with public information on a segment of a proceeding 
must file an entry of appearance on that record to be placed on the 
relevant segment-specific public service list.\31\ In the Proposed 
Rule, Commerce proposed to amend Sec.  351.103(d)(1) to reflect that 
certain interested parties need not file an entry of appearance to be 
placed on the segment-specific service list for the

[[Page 52303]]

relevant segment. With a minor revision, these changes are adopted in 
this final rule. Additionally, Sec.  351.103(d) contains a cross-
reference to the service list procedures for scope ruling applications, 
which are further described in Sec.  351.225(n). This language has been 
updated to include reference to service list procedures for requests 
for circumvention inquiries, which are further described in Sec.  
351.226(n).
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    \30\ See generally section 777(a) of the Act. See also 19 CFR 
351.104 (describing the official record of AD/CVD proceedings).
    \31\ Section 351.303(b)(2) contains procedures regarding the 
filing of documents through Commerce's Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS).
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    Second, because of the nature of Commerce's proceedings, which 
frequently require Commerce to rely on non-public information such as 
business proprietary information (BPI) in issuing its determinations, 
the statute also requires Commerce to make BPI available to interested 
parties who have been authorized to receive such information under an 
administrative protective order (APO).\32\ Section 351.305(d) provides 
specific filing requirements for importers to access BPI in Commerce's 
proceedings, including certain requirements for importers in scope 
inquiries. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed to amend Sec.  
351.305(d) to add reference to importers in circumvention inquiries and 
to exempt importers identified by CBP in a covered merchandise referral 
from these specific filing requirements. These changes are adopted in 
this final rule.
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    \32\ Pursuant to section 777(c)(1)(A) of the Act, Commerce must 
make BPI submitted to it during the course of an AD/CVD proceeding 
available to interested parties who have been authorized to receive 
such information under an APO. Additionally, section 777(d) of the 
Act requires that parties submitting BPI to Commerce which is 
covered by an APO must serve such information on ``all interested 
parties who are parties to the proceeding'' that are subject to the 
APO. ``Interested party'' is defined under section 771(9) of the Act 
and 19 CFR 351.102(b)(29); ``party to the proceeding'' is defined 
under 19 CFR 351.102(b)(36).
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Explanation of Modifications From the Proposed Rule to the Final Rule 
and Responses to Comments

    In the Proposed Rule published on August 13, 2020, Commerce invited 
the public to submit comments.\33\ Commerce received 37 submissions 
providing comments and 17 rebuttal submissions from interested parties, 
including domestic producers, exporters, importers, surety companies, 
and foreign governments. We have determined to make certain 
modifications to the Proposed Rule in response to issues and concerns 
raised in those comments and rebuttal comments. We considered the 
merits of each submission and on many of the issues and concerns 
raised, we analyzed the legal and policy arguments in light of both our 
past practice, as well as our desire to strengthen the administration 
and enforcement of our AD/CVD laws.
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    \33\ On September 10, 2020, in response to concerns raised by 
interested parties, Commerce determined that it would benefit ``the 
public and the agency'' if parties had ``the opportunity to submit 
rebuttal comments in response to comments filed by other parties on 
the proposed rule.'' Regulations to Improve Administration and 
Enforcement of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Laws; Extension 
of Comment Period to Allow Submissions of Rebuttal Comments and 
Requirement of Electronic Submission of Comments and Rebuttal 
Comments, 85 FR 55801 (Sept. 10, 2020). Accordingly, Commerce 
granted ``an extension of time solely for the purpose of allowing 
the public to file such rebuttal comments.'' Id.
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    As we explained in the Proposed Rule,\34\ the purpose of these 
modifications and additions to our regulations is to strengthen the 
administration and enforcement of AD/CVD laws, make such administration 
and enforcement more efficient, and to create new enforcement tools for 
Commerce to address circumvention and evasion of trade remedies. These 
modifications allow Commerce to better fulfill the Congressional intent 
behind the AD/CVD laws--namely, to remedy the injurious effects of 
unfairly traded imports. In addition, these regulations promote the 
Administration's objective to strongly enforce and efficiently 
administer the AD/CVD laws rigorously.
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    \34\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49472-73.
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    The preamble to the Proposed Rule provides extensive background, 
analysis, and explanation which are relevant to these regulations. With 
some modifications, as noted, this final rule codifies those proposed 
on August 13, 2020. Accordingly, to the extent that parties and the 
public wish to have a more detailed and comprehensive interpretation of 
these regulations, we advise not only considering the preamble to these 
final regulations, but also the analysis and explanations in the 
preamble to the Proposed Rule.
    In drafting this final rule, Commerce carefully considered each of 
the comments received. The following sections generally contain a brief 
discussion of each regulatory provision, a summary of the comments we 
received (if any) and Commerce's responses to those comments. In 
addition, these sections contain an explanation of any changes Commerce 
has made to the Proposed Rule, either in response to comments or that 
it deemed necessary for conforming, clarifying, or providing additional 
public benefit. The final section discusses other comments received not 
related to the regulations covered in this final rule.

Comment Period on Industry Support Prior to Initiation Determination--
Sec.  351.203(g)

    Section 351.203(g) establishes a deadline for comments on industry 
support no later than five business days before the scheduled date of 
initiation, and rebuttal comments no later than two calendar days 
thereafter. We received several comments and rebuttal comments both in 
support and in opposition to the Proposed Rule. In addition, some 
commenters proposed that the final rule should impose additional 
requirements for parties filing comments in opposition to the 
petitioning party's claims of industry support.
    After considering the comments and rebuttal comments, we have not 
adopted the suggested modifications to the Proposed Rule and, 
therefore, have left unchanged proposed Sec.  351.203(g). We believe 
the Proposed Rule to establish a deadline for industry support comments 
and rebuttal comments is reasonable because it provides sufficient time 
for parties to submit comments and rebuttal comments, while balancing 
the need for Commerce to have sufficient time to consider and analyze 
the comments and information on the record within the normal timeframe 
established by Congress. We also believe the deadlines, as set forth in 
the Proposed Rule, recognize the importance of giving parties adequate 
time to prepare meaningful comments. Last, we recognize that 
establishing regulatory deadlines is a reasonable exercise of 
Commerce's authority to implement the statutory provisions the agency 
is responsible for administering.

1. Time Limits for Comments

    Several commenters understand Commerce's desire to have adequate 
time to consider comments on industry support, and several commenters 
support and agree with Commerce's proposal to set a new deadline. Other 
commenters contend that Commerce's justification about needing time to 
review industry support comments does not outweigh the importance of 
giving parties time to prepare meaningful comments because the issue 
cannot be revisited after initiation.
    In particular, one commenter asserts that adding a limitation on 
the timeline for filing comments on industry support is contrary to the 
Act because the Act does not permit Commerce to limit the period for 
comments on industry support and the statute is unambiguous in allowing 
comments any time before Commerce initiates the investigation. The 
commenter further argues that even

[[Page 52304]]

if the Act were silent on this issue, Commerce's interpretation is 
arbitrary and capricious and not based on a permissible construction of 
the statute. Another commenter disagrees, arguing that the commenter's 
statutory analysis is flawed. The rebutting commenter contends the Act 
does not set forth an explicit timeline for submitting comments on 
industry support and further that the Act allows Commerce to promulgate 
regulations such as this one. Moreover, the rebutting commenter states, 
this proposed regulation is neither arbitrary nor capricious because 
Commerce's proposal provides sufficient time for interested parties to 
challenge the industry support claim provided in the petition for 
relief.
    Response:
    Contrary to the commenter's argument that the statute prohibits 
Commerce from limiting the time for comments on industry support, there 
is nothing in the statute that precludes Commerce from adopting a rule 
that provides parties with specific deadlines for submission of 
comments or rebuttal comments on the issue of industry support. The 
sole commenter advancing the statutory argument did not cite to any 
express language in the statute for support. To the contrary, sections 
702(c)(4)(E) and 732(c)(4)(E) of the Act provide that, before the 
administering authority makes a determination with respect to 
initiating an investigation, any person who would qualify as an 
interested party may submit comments or information on the issue of 
industry support. The Act does not set forth an explicit timeline for 
submitting comments, provided it is before Commerce makes its 
determination. Thus, based upon its authority to promulgate 
regulations, Commerce may establish a reasonable timeframe for when 
industry support comments are to be submitted. Nothing in the Act 
restricts Commerce from doing so. Indeed, the Act allows for, and 
Commerce has set, deadlines for most other types of submissions in its 
AD and CVD proceedings.

2. Sufficiency of Time for Comment

    Several commenters claim that shortening the time to file comments 
on industry support would prejudice interested parties because 
respondents do not have advanced notice of new petitions and, 
therefore, a limited time to prepare comments. Commenters also allege 
that there is a delay in obtaining access to the petitions because the 
respondents must obtain APO approval to access BPI in the petition, 
although other commenters contradict this claim, arguing that 
interested parties have notice of the petitioner's industry support 
claims on the first day the petition is filed.
    Other commenters raise concerns about the rebuttal comment 
deadline, arguing that this is an insufficient amount of time. These 
commenters suggest expanding the rebuttal deadline from two days to 
five days and recommend that Commerce revise the rule to restrict the 
deadline for industry support comments further, to ten days before the 
date of initiation, rather than five business days, as Commerce 
proposed. Another commenter wonders how Commerce would take rebuttal 
claims into account if due only two days before the scheduled date of 
the initiation decision. Alternatively, some commenters propose that 
Commerce should work with Congress to amend the Act and expand the 
timeframe for initiation decisions from 20 days to 40 days.
    Response:
    We have not accepted these proposed changes. With respect to the 
arguments of insufficient time for parties to provide information and 
comment, we disagree. The Proposed Rule provides parties with, at a 
minimum, more than a week, and in many cases a longer period, for 
preparation of comments. This amount of time should be sufficient. As a 
general rule, we believe the deadlines proposed for the submission of 
comments and rebuttal comments on the sole issue of industry support 
provide a sufficient and reasonable amount of time for interested 
parties to address industry support issues.
    With respect to the point made by certain commenters regarding 
insufficient notice, we disagree. Subsections 702(b)(4) and 732(b)(4) 
of the Act state that, upon receipt of a petition, the administering 
authority is required to notify the government of any exporting country 
named in the petition by delivering a public version of the petition to 
an appropriate representative of such country. Thus, the government of 
the exporting country receives notice of the petition on or about the 
day of receipt by Commerce. The commenters seem to imply there should 
be advance notice of a petition filing. This is incorrect, and in any 
case, it is not possible to provide advance notice before a petition is 
filed. Nonetheless, we are mindful that in establishing due dates for 
submissions, Commerce must balance the interests of parties to submit 
information and comment with Commerce's ability to consider fully such 
information and comments and to make a decision on initiation supported 
by evidence on the record.
    With respect to the claim that there may be delays in obtaining 
access to the petitions because the parties must first obtain APO 
approval to access the BPI contained in such petitions, we do not 
believe this will be an issue. First, based on Commerce's years of 
experience with petitions and the arguments parties have advanced 
against industry support in the past, we find that, in general, the 
types of claims made against the petitioner's establishment of industry 
support tend to focus on the scope of subject merchandise as defined in 
petitions, the domestic like product, the methodology the petitioner 
uses to calculate industry support, and whether U.S. producers within 
the industry are left out of the industry support calculation. Our 
experience has been that these types of arguments in opposition to the 
petitioner's industry support claims generally can be advanced based on 
the public information provided in the petitions. Therefore, obtaining 
access to BPI is generally not needed for submission of comments and 
information on the issue of industry support.
    Second, in the instance in which APO access is needed in order for 
parties to comment on the industry support claim contained in a 
petition, we do not believe obtaining such access will be an impediment 
to a timely submission of comments. We note that while obtaining APO 
access has the potential to delay access to BPI, the APO/Dockets Unit 
of Enforcement & Compliance issues an APO and routinely expedites the 
approval process once an APO application is filed. We, therefore, 
believe obtaining APO access to BPI will not be an impediment to 
parties seeking to comment on industry support.
    With respect to the comment as to how Commerce would take rebuttal 
claims into account if due only two days before the scheduled date of 
the initiation decision, we note that, under the current rule, Commerce 
must take into account comments that are filed up to and including the 
day of the scheduled decision. Thus, we believe the commenter's point 
highlights the issue with the current situation and recognizes that a 
procedural improvement is necessary, and one that is aimed at providing 
Commerce with sufficient time to make an informed initiation decision 
in accordance with the statute's 20-day period. Providing two days for 
Commerce to consider any rebuttal comments is a significant improvement 
over the current process which allows comments and rebuttal comments to 
be submitted up to the close of business on the scheduled date of the 
decision.

[[Page 52305]]

3. Additional Requirements

    Two commenters suggest that Commerce include a regulatory provision 
that requires parties objecting to industry support to: (1) If they are 
domestic producers, provide their affiliation status and whether they 
are related to a foreign producer; and (2) identify the sources of 
industry data and indicate why the data is more accurate than the data 
in the petition. Other commenters disagree with the suggested additions 
to the proposed regulation and argue that, pursuant to the Act, the 
petitioner bears the burden of establishing industry support, and not 
for opposing parties to establish a lack of industry support.
    Response:
    We have not adopted the proposed additions. The suggestion to 
impose new requirements on parties that object to a petition would 
establish a substantive change beyond the scope of the procedural rule 
Commerce has proposed. In addition, in our view, the suggested 
requirement is unnecessary. The petitioners are responsible for 
establishing industry support of the petition. To the extent industry 
support is not established in accordance with the Act, or is unclear 
from the evidence on the record, Commerce has authority to address 
these situations as they arise, such as through polling the industry or 
otherwise determining whether there is sufficient industry support to 
initiate an AD or CVD investigation.

4. Pre-Initiation CVD Consultations

    One commenter expressed concern that shortening the time period for 
industry support comments may prevent parties from requesting pre-
initiation consultations pursuant to the SCM Agreement.
    Response:
    With respect to CVD consultations, we do not see how the new 
procedural deadlines for comments ``may prevent parties from requesting 
pre-initiation consultations'' under the SCM Agreement, nor did the 
commenter explain the basis for its concern on this point. To clarify, 
Commerce does not wait for the government of the exporting country to 
make a request for consultations. Instead, in every instance in which a 
CVD petition is filed, consistent with subsection 702(b)(4)(A)(ii) of 
the Act, Commerce invites the government of the exporting country to 
engage in consultations, if it wishes.

New Shipper Reviews--Sec.  351.214

    After considering the comments and rebuttal comments, Commerce is 
removing Sec. Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A), 351.214(k)(3), and 
351.214(k)(4). Commerce is also modifying Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) 
and (B) of the Proposed Rule to clarify that the exporter or producer 
requesting the new shipper review will provide certifications 
pertaining to necessary information related to the unaffiliated 
customer in the United States and the unaffiliated customer's 
willingness to participate in the new shipper review, and provide 
information relevant to the new shipper review, if requested by 
Commerce or an explanation by the producer/exporter of why such 
certification from the unaffiliated customer cannot be provided. With 
the elimination of Sec. Sec.  351.214(k)(3) and (k)(4), Sec. Sec.  
351.214(k)(5) and (k)(6) are now designated as Sec. Sec.  351.214(k)(3) 
and (k)(4), respectively; and Sec. Sec.  351.214(k)(5) and (k)(6) are 
eliminated.
    In addition, Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(B) by 
adding the terms ``shipment'' and ``any'' to this provision, for 
consistency with the language utilized in Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(C) and to 
clarify that a new shipper is required to provide documentation 
establishing the volume of any subsequent shipments where subsequent 
shipments have occurred. Commerce is also modifying Sec.  
351.214(b)(v)(C) by removing the ``and'' at the end of the clause and 
placing it at the end of Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(D)(4) to grammatically 
conform with the additions of Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(D) and (E) to the 
regulation. Next, Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(E)(4) by 
replacing the term ``unrelated'' with the term ``unaffiliated'' to 
conform more closely to the terms of sections 772(a) and (b) of the 
Act.
    Last, we note that in Sec.  351.214(k) of the Proposed Rule, 
Commerce inadvertently cited to section 752(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act. 
Commerce, however, intended to cite to section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the 
Act in this provision of the Proposed Rule. Accordingly, Commerce is 
correcting this error in its final rule.

1. The Requirements for Requesting a New Shipper Review (Sec.  
351.214(b))

(a) Certification Requirements for Unaffiliated Purchasers
    To obtain a new shipper review, Sec.  351.214(b) of the Proposed 
Rule sets forth documentation requirements for an exporter or producer 
requesting a new shipper review. In particular, Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) and (B) of the Proposed Rule establish the 
requirements that the producer or exporter requesting the review 
provide certifications from the unaffiliated customer in the United 
States certifying that (1) it did not purchase the subject merchandise 
from the producer or exporter during the period of investigation; and 
(2) it will provide necessary information requested by Commerce 
regarding its purchase of subject merchandise.
    Several commenters oppose Commerce's additional requirements. One 
commenter asserts that these requirements are contrary to the intent of 
the statute and Commerce's authority to conduct new shipper reviews. 
Both this commenter and several others argue these requirements deprive 
a requestor the option of filing a new shipper review where an 
unaffiliated customer chooses not to certify.
    Two commenters argue that requiring unaffiliated customer 
certifications is burdensome and may discourage meritorious new shipper 
claims. One commenter points out that the concern raised here is 
similar to the concern Commerce articulated when it previously 
considered and rejected a proposal to require unaffiliated customer 
certifications in the 1997 Final Rule.\35\ The commenter further argues 
that the requirement in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(B) risks use of adverse 
facts available if the customer is not forthcoming, particularly with a 
requestor's limited control over an unaffiliated customer. Similarly, 
another commenter argues that applying an adverse inference based on an 
unaffiliated party's failure to cooperate is ``potentially unfair'' to 
a respondent, while another commenter asserts this requirement is too 
burdensome on a requestor. Another commenter argues there are 
legitimate circumstances where a new shipper has no sales to 
unaffiliated customers in the United States, such as when a 
multinational company sells a component to its U.S. subsidiary for 
purposes of later selling a downstream product.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \35\ 1997 Final Rule, 62 FR 27296 at 27319 (discussing the 
finalized new shipper review regulation).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    By contrast, two commenters support the new standards and 
documentation requirements for requesting new shipper reviews in the 
Proposed Rule. One commenter asserts that other commenters have vastly 
overstated the burden of providing customer certifications to 
demonstrate bona fide sales because (1) no customer has commented that 
it could not comply with Commerce's requirements; (2) providing 
customer certifications is a limited burden given that often only a

[[Page 52306]]

small number of sales and customers are involved; and (3) the 
certifications are limited to information pertaining to the customer's 
purchase of the subject merchandise. The commenter, therefore, 
concludes that Commerce's proposed certification requirements are not 
unduly burdensome.
    Response:
    We have made changes to the Proposed Rule with respect to the 
unaffiliated customer certifications. In particular, we have removed 
the certification requirements contained in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) 
and (B) of the Proposed Rule and have replaced the certification 
requirements with additional exporter or producer certifications, as 
explained further below.
    As an initial matter, we disagree with the commenters that assert 
the certification requirements in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) and (B) 
are contrary to the intent of the statute and Commerce's authority to 
conduct new shipper reviews. Section 751(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Act 
provides that if Commerce receives a request from an exporter or 
producer of subject merchandise establishing that the requestor (1) did 
not export subject merchandise during the period of investigation, and 
(2) is not affiliated with any exporter or producer who exported the 
subject merchandise during the period of investigation, Commerce shall 
conduct a new shipper review to establish an individual weighted 
average dumping margin or countervailing duty rate. These certification 
requirements are consistent with the requirements a new shipper review 
requestor must satisfy in order for Commerce to conduct a new shipper 
review, as identified in this section of the Act.
    However, in the interest of eliminating unnecessary requirements, 
the final rule modifies Sec.  351.214(b)(2) of the Proposed Rule by 
removing the requirement in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) that requires 
the producer or exporter requesting the review to submit certifications 
from the unaffiliated customer in the United States that it did not 
purchase the subject merchandise from the producer or exporter during 
the period of investigation. Upon further consideration, we find this 
certification to be unnecessary given the certification requirement 
from the requestor in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(i) and (ii) that it did not 
sell the subject merchandise to the United States during the period of 
the investigation.
    In response to comments concerning the burden of obtaining the 
unaffiliated customer's certification, we have replaced both Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) and (B). The final rule replaces Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) of the Proposed Rule with the requirement that the 
exporter/producer certify that it will provide during the course of the 
new shipper review, and to the fullest extent possible, necessary 
information related to the unaffiliated customer in the United States.
    Additionally, the final rule modifies Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(B) of 
the Proposed Rule to clarify that the exporter/producer will provide a 
certification by the unaffiliated customer of its willingness to 
participate in the new shipper review and provide information relevant 
to the new shipper review, if such information is requested by the 
Secretary. To the extent the unaffiliated customer cannot provide its 
certification, the exporter/producer is required to provide, in the 
alternative, an explanation of why the unaffiliated customer cannot 
provide its certification.
    Section 351.214(b) of the Proposed Rule provides further guidance, 
consistent with section 751(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Act, on the requirements 
necessary for Commerce to conduct a new shipper review. We consider the 
new certification requirement in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(iv)(B) of the 
Proposed Rule to be a necessary supplement to a new shipper review 
request that comports with the requirements in section 751(a)(2)(B)(i) 
of the Act which requires a new shipper to establish that it did not 
export subject merchandise during the period of investigation and that 
such exporter or producer is not affiliated with any exporter or 
producer who exported the subject merchandise to the United States 
during the period of investigation. In particular, this requirement 
addresses concerns that Congress expressly identified involving abuse 
of the new shipper review procedures where a new shipper ``enter[s] 
into a scheme to structure a few sales to show little or no dumping or 
subsidization when those sales are reviewed . . . resulting in a low or 
zero antidumping or countervailing duty rate for that producer or 
exporter.'' \36\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \36\ H.R. Rep. No. 114-114 at 89; see also Proposed Rule, 85 FR 
49472 at 49473.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to commenters' concerns that the requirements in Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(iv)(A) and (B) are overly burdensome, we clarify that the 
aim of these provisions is to ensure that Commerce can obtain the 
necessary information for Commerce to determine whether the sales at 
issue are bona fide, consistent with the intent of Congress pursuant to 
section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act. In balancing the aim of these 
provisions consistent with the intent of Congress with the burdens 
imposed, we have crafted these amended certifications in as least 
burdensome a manner as possible, while ensuring that Commerce obtains 
all of the necessary information to conduct the bona fide sale analysis 
intended by Congress. As explained in the Proposed Rule, at the time 
Commerce rejected the proposal to require such certifications in 1997, 
Commerce had limited experience dealing with new shipper reviews.\37\ 
In light of the more than 20 years of agency experience involving new 
shipper reviews, and in particular given concerns over abuse of 
procedures expressed by Congress, as discussed in the Proposed Rule, we 
believe these additions to the requirements are necessary to ensure 
that Commerce is able to conduct a proper new shipper review consistent 
with the intent of Congress.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \37\ Proposed Rule, id. at 49474.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, one commenter expressed concern that there may be 
legitimate circumstances in which an exporter or producer does not sell 
subject merchandise to an unaffiliated customer and, therefore, cannot 
obtain a certification from such a customer.
    The aim of a new shipper review, however, is to establish an 
individual margin of dumping or countervailing duty rate for each 
qualified new shipper. To establish an individual margin, for example, 
Commerce needs to obtain sales data pertaining to the sale from the 
foreign exporter or producer to the first unaffiliated customer in the 
United States in order to calculate the new shipper's margin of 
dumping. Contrary to the commenter's contention, the sale to the first 
unaffiliated customer is a necessary element for Commerce to provide a 
new shipper with its own antidumping duty or countervailing duty rate.
(b) Documentation Requirements Related to the Issue of Whether Sales 
Are Bona Fide
    Sections 351.214(b)(2)(v)(A) through (E) of the Proposed Rule sets 
forth specific documentation a requestor must provide to Commerce in 
its request for a new shipper review. In particular, Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) requires that a new shipper establish the 
circumstances surrounding the sales, including the price, any expenses 
arising from such sales, whether the subject merchandise was resold at 
a profit, and whether such sales were made on an arms-length basis. 
Section 351.214(b)(2)(v)(E) provides that a new shipper submit 
documentation regarding the business

[[Page 52307]]

activities of the producer or exporter. These include the producer's or 
exporter's offers to sell merchandise in the United States, 
identification of the complete circumstances surrounding sales to the 
United States, any home market, or third country sales, identification 
of the producer or exporter's relationship to the first unrelated 
United States purchaser, and with respect to non-producing exporters, 
an explanation of the non-producing exporter's relationship with its 
supplier.
    Two commenters support the new documentation requirements in Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E) for a new shipper to obtain a review. 
One commenter argues that Commerce should not require the documentation 
in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E) at the time of the new shipper 
request, but rather Commerce should ask for more information from the 
producers or exporters requesting a new shipper review before 
determining whether to initiate. Similarly, one commenter argues that 
requiring this additional documentation to establish a bona fide sale 
is inconsistent with Article 9.5 of the AD Agreement \38\ because these 
are additional preconditions to conducting a new shipper review that 
expand beyond what was provided for in that agreement. Another 
commenter opposes the Proposed Rule's new documentation requirements 
for new shipper review requests which, the commenter argues, are likely 
to unfairly discourage legitimate requests because ``new shipper 
reviews are often the only alternative for producers and exporters who 
would otherwise face high all other rates, separate rates, or country-
wide rates.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \38\ The Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the 
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (AD Agreement).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E). 
Commerce explained in the 1996 Proposed Rule that it was requiring 
certain certifications from the requestor ``demonstrating that the 
party is a bona fide new shipper.'' \39\ Consistent with this earlier 
discussion, and in light of the concerns related to circumvention and 
abuse of new shipper review procedures expressed by Congress in 
enacting section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act, the Proposed Rule limits 
initiations of new shipper reviews to where there is a reasonable 
likelihood of bona fide sales for Commerce to review. Further, as 
clarified in section 1(e) below, normally, when a requestor of a new 
shipper review submits all of the documentation necessary for Commerce 
to perform a bona fide sales analysis, as outlined in the Proposed Rule 
Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(i) through (v), and (vi) for countervailing duty 
new shipper reviews, the requestor has demonstrated a reasonable 
likelihood that there are bona fide sales for Commerce to base its 
initiation of a new shipper review. These requirements, as contained in 
Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E), are consistent with Commerce's 
statutory obligation to provide new shipper reviews to those exporters 
and producers with bona fide sales of subject merchandise to the United 
States.\40\ The documentation requirements in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(A) 
through (E) assist Commerce in determining whether a party qualifies as 
a new shipper and whether a new shipper review should, therefore, be 
conducted, consistent with Commerce's statutory obligation to calculate 
a dumping margin or countervailing duty rate based solely on bona fide 
United States sales.\41\ Accordingly, we find it reasonable for the 
agency to require that a requestor for a new shipper review provide the 
required bona fide sales documentation necessary for Commerce to 
perform the bona fide sales analysis in the review.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \39\ See 1996 Proposed Rule, 61 FR 7308 at 7317-18.
    \40\ See section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act.
    \41\ See section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For these reasons, we also disagree that this regulatory 
modification is inconsistent with the United States' international 
obligations under the AD and SCM Agreements.\42\ While Articles 9.5 and 
19.3 of the AD and SCM Agreements, respectively, identify broad 
qualifications for conducting a new shipper review, the requirements 
identified in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E) are consistent with 
U.S. law, which is consistent with our obligations under the AD and SCM 
Agreements.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \42\ Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM 
Agreement).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, historically, new shipper reviews have involved very few 
sales. In such cases, Commerce must fully understand the circumstances 
surrounding these limited number of transactions as these provide the 
basis for a new shipper's future selling of subject merchandise into 
the United States and the level of dumping or subsidization, if any.
(c) Documentation Requiring Volume of the Sale and Subsequent Sales
    Paragraphs (B) and (C) of Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v) of the Proposed 
Rule require that a new shipper provide in its new shipper review 
request information regarding the volume of its shipment(s), including 
whether such shipments were made in commercial quantities, and the date 
of sales to an unaffiliated customer in the United States.
    One commenter argues that requiring documentation establishing that 
sales are of ``commercial quantities'' in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(B) is 
inconsistent with Article 9.5 and 19.3 of the AD Agreement and the SCM 
Agreement, respectively, which only require that a new shipper not have 
exported subject merchandise during the period of investigation and is 
not related to any of the investigated exporters and/or producers. 
Further, another commenter argues that the criteria requiring ``the 
date of any subsequent sales'' when requesting a new shipper review is 
``unrealistic in a commercial context'' because the commercial reality 
renders few importers with the financial position to import multiple 
shipments of products that are subject to high antidumping duty 
margins.
    Response:
    With respect to the issue of requiring documentation pertaining to 
whether the sales were made in commercial quantities under Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(v)(B), we disagree with the commenter's objection. 
Section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(II) of the Act requires Commerce to consider, 
depending on the circumstances surrounding such sales, whether the 
sales were made in commercial quantities. Section 351.214(b)(v)(B) of 
the Proposed Rule is intended to implement this provision of the 
statute.
    Regarding the commenters' concerns that Commerce is requiring 
requestors to establish that ``subsequent shipments'' and ``subsequent 
sales'' occurred under Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(B) and (C) of the 
Proposed Rule in order to obtain a new shipper review, these concerns 
are misplaced. The Proposed Rule does not establish such requirements. 
Rather, Commerce simply requires that a producer or exporter requesting 
a new shipper review provide documentation of any subsequent sales or 
shipments and the dates of such sales to the extent such sales or 
shipments were made. Thus, there is no requirement to make subsequent 
sales or shipments in order to obtain a new shipper review. In 
addition, we note the requirement to provide such information was not 
added to the Proposed Rule, but rather exists in the current 
regulations. Under this same requirement, Commerce previously initiated 
new shipper reviews where subsequent shipments or

[[Page 52308]]

sales did not occur.\43\ However, as identified above, for consistency 
with the language utilized in Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(C) and for further 
clarity, Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(B) for consistency 
with the language utilized in Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(C) and to clarify 
that a new shipper is required to provide documentation establishing 
the volume of any subsequent shipments where subsequent shipments have 
occurred.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \43\ See, e.g., Polyethylene Terephthalate Film, Sheet and Strip 
from India: Initiation of Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty 
New Shipper Reviews, 75 FR 10758 (March 9, 2010); see also Hardwood 
Plywood Products from the People's Republic of China: Initiation of 
Antidumping New Shipper Review; 2019, 84 FR 44862 (Aug. 27, 2019).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Proposal for Documentation Requiring Proof of Multiple Sales in the 
New Shipper Request
    Paragraph (b) of Sec.  351.214 outlines the requirements for 
requesting a new shipper review. Several commenters propose that 
Commerce amend Sec.  351.214(b) of the Proposed Rule to require that 
requestors demonstrate they have made multiple bona fide sales, as 
opposed to a singular ``sale'' in their request for purposes of 
initiating a new shipper review. These commenters argue that by using 
the plural term ``sales,'' as opposed to the singular term ``sale'' in 
section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv), Congress expressed its clear intent to 
require multiple bona fide sales as a pre-requisite to obtain a new 
shipper review. In their view, such single-sale reviews should be 
prohibited because Commerce lacks the statutory authority to conduct a 
new shipper review based on a singular sale. To support their 
interpretation of the statute, the commenters point out that only the 
plural term ``sales'' is consistent with the legislative history and 
language of the TFTEA, and section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act. In 
their view, Commerce should therefore clarify in the final rule that 
proof of multiple bona fide sales is required to obtain a new shipper 
review.
    Response:
    We disagree and have not accepted the suggested interpretation of 
the statute or its legislative history, and, therefore, have left Sec.  
351.214(b) unchanged with respect to this issue. The Proposed Rule 
pertaining to new shipper reviews does not require proof of more than 
one sale for a requestor to obtain a new shipper review. Declining to 
create a regulatory bar to the new shipper review process for singular 
sales is consistent with the proper construction of the TFTEA \44\ and 
section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act, as amended, in accordance with 
federal law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \44\ See Public Law 114-125, section 433, 130 Stat. at 171 
(enacting modifications to the Act, including section 
751(a)(2)(B)(iv), ``Determinations Based on Bona fide Sales,'' in 
the context of new shipper reviews to address circumvention).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Interpretative canons guide statutory construction because the 
language used by Congress in the making of laws is often ambiguous with 
respect to meaning. Title 1 of the United States Code codified the 
interpretative canons that govern the construction of federal statutory 
law.\45\ Section 1 of Title 1 specifies that, ``[i]n determining the 
meaning of any Act of Congress, [ . . . ] words importing the plural 
include the singular[.]'' Id. The text, context, and structure of TFTEA 
and section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) do not compel a departure from this 
interpretative canon.\46\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \45\ 1 U.S.C. 1.
    \46\ See Life Techs. Corp. v. Promega Corp., 137 S. Ct. 734, 
742. 580 US__(2017) (asserting that the Court's departure from 1 
U.S.C. 1 that ``words importing the plural include the singular'' 
resulted from the statute's text, context and structure).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Therefore, although Congress used the word ``sales'' in section 433 
of EAPA in the TFTEA, and as a result, the plural ``sales'' appears in 
section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act, the use of the plural form of the 
word ``sale'' does not support the conclusion that the statute should 
be construed to mean multiple sales are required for a new shipper 
review. Pursuant to 1 U.S.C. 1, the plural ``sales'' includes the 
singular ``sale.'' Congress has not indicated to Commerce that it 
intended to exclude single sales with its use of plural ``sales'' and, 
therefore, Commerce believes that a single sale could be subject to 
review. Moreover, a single sale could, for example, include substantial 
quantities such as thousands or even hundreds of thousands of units, 
and thus does not, by itself, provide a basis to bar new shipper 
reviews of such sales or create a per se rule that such sales are not 
bona fide sales for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
    Consistent with federal law governing the construction of federal 
statutes, Commerce's proposed new shipper review regulation does not 
impose a regulatory bar to review of singular sales. While Commerce 
will not act contrary to federal law in construing the meaning of a 
statute, the agency believes that other practical considerations 
support the position that a regulatory bar to new shipper reviews for 
singular sales is unnecessary. First, the number of sales continues to 
be a factor which Commerce considers in its bona fide sales analysis 
conducted in a new shipper review. At the same time, as noted, Commerce 
looks to the volume and quantity of the sales as a factor to consider 
in the context of determining whether the sales or sale is bona fide 
for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
    Historically, new shipper reviews have often involved the review of 
few or singular sales because the new shipper review provides a path 
for a new entrant to the U.S. market to receive its own rate based on 
its individual activity on an expedited basis. Commerce's Proposed 
Rule, as adopted in this final rule, does not intend to limit a new 
shipper's eligibility for review based on whether the applicant can 
demonstrate one (as opposed to more than one) sale, provided the sale 
at issue is bona fide for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
(e) The Appropriate Standard for Initiating New Shipper Reviews
    One commenter requests that Commerce clarify whether the 
``reasonable indication'' standard (i.e., the same standard applied by 
the ITC in its preliminary material injury determinations) is intended 
to be the legal threshold which respondents must satisfy in order to 
obtain a new shipper review. This commenter requests that if Commerce 
intends to use this legal standard, then Commerce should include 
language that reflects that standard in the final rule.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.214(b) with respect to this issue. 
The Proposed Rule did not apply the ITC's ``reasonable indication'' 
standard for material injury determinations to the required showing for 
the initiation of a new shipper review. Commerce intends to initiate 
new shipper reviews, as stated in the Proposed Rule, where there is a 
``reasonable likelihood that there ultimately will be a bona fide sale 
for Commerce to review.'' \47\ Additionally, Commerce intends to 
initiate new shipper reviews, as stated in the Proposed Rule, unchanged 
in this final rule, where ``there is a reasonable likelihood that the 
unaffiliated customer will participate in the review.'' \48\ Therefore, 
the standard articulated by Commerce in the Proposed Rule is the 
``reasonable likelihood'' standard which imposes a burden on the new 
shipper review requestor to demonstrate that there is a reasonable 
likelihood that the request for review involves bona fide sales. As 
outlined in the Proposed Rule Sec. Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(i) through (v), 
and (vi) for countervailing duty new shipper reviews, unchanged in this 
final rule,

[[Page 52309]]

when a requestor of a new shipper review submits all of the 
documentation necessary for Commerce to perform a bona fide sales 
analysis, the requestor has demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that 
there are bona fide sales for Commerce to base its initiation of a new 
shipper review.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \47\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49474 (emphasis added).
    \48\ Id. (emphasis added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Enumerated Factors for Commerce's Bona Fide Sales Analysis (Sec.  
351.214(k))

(a) Sections 351.214(k)(2), (k)(3), and (k)(4)
    The elements outlined in Sec.  351.214(k)(2) through (4) identify 
additional factors that Commerce shall consider in determining whether 
a new shipper requestor's sales are bona fide, consistent with section 
751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(VII) of the Act. These sections provide that Commerce 
shall consider whether an exporter, producer, or customer has lines of 
business unrelated to the subject merchandise; whether there is an 
established history of duty evasion or circumvention with respect to 
new shipper reviews under the relevant order; and whether there is an 
established history of evasion or circumvention with respect to new 
shippers under any order in the same or similar industry.
    One commenter opposes Sec.  351.214(k)(2) of the Proposed Rule, 
arguing that whether the producer, exporter, or customer has lines of 
business unrelated to the subject merchandise is not relevant for a 
bona fide sales analysis. Oppositely, another commenter supports 
Commerce's proposed Sec.  351.214(k)(2), a factor to analyze a new 
shipper's line of businesses that are not subject merchandise, because 
new shipper reviews have been in the past misused to engineer low 
dumping margins. This commenter argues that looking to whether the 
subject merchandise is sold in the new shipper's existing line of 
business can provide insight into whether the sale was made in the 
normal course of business. Another commenter similarly opposes 
Commerce's requirement that the ``full operations'' of a producer or 
exporter requesting a new shipper review be examined as part of the 
bona fide sales analysis. This commenter argues that Commerce should 
limit its review to the actual sales transactions and relationship 
between the requestor and importer.
    Additionally, two commenters oppose factors related to the history 
of duty evasion which Commerce will consider as part of the bona fide 
sales analysis listed in Sec.  351.214(k)(3) and (4) of the Proposed 
Rule.\49\ These commenters argue that whether there is an established 
history of duty evasion with respect to new shipper reviews or 
circumvention under the relevant antidumping or countervailing duty 
order or any antidumping or countervailing duty order in the same or 
similar industry is not relevant for a bona fide sales analysis. One of 
these commenters asserts that unless Commerce finds collusion at play, 
any wrongdoing that may have occurred in the past is not pertinent to 
the review because there is no nexus between the current shipper and 
any past wrongdoing. Contrary to this opposition, one commenter 
supports the Proposed Rule which considers the history of duty evasion 
of an antidumping duty order because it would prevent further harm to 
the domestic industry, particularly in cases where Commerce has not 
applied a circumvention ruling on a country-wide basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \49\ Id. at 49495.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    We have modified the mandatory factors to be considered for 
purposes of the final rule. First, Sec.  351.214(k)(2) is retained in 
the final rule. Commerce's consideration of the lines of business in 
which the producer, exporter, or customer is engaged can be telling as 
to the bona fide nature of the sales involved in a new shipper review. 
For example, Commerce's consideration of the lines of business 
unrelated to the subject merchandise may indicate that sales of subject 
merchandise are entirely unrelated to the company's primary business, 
that it has little or limited knowledge and expertise in the subject 
merchandise, and, thus, may be indicative of whether the sale or sales 
are considered bona fide, in conjunction with other relevant factors. 
Section 351.214(k)(2) of the Proposed Rule, unchanged in this final 
rule, will assist Commerce in developing a consistent practice of 
evaluating typical behavior of new shippers and more clearly 
identifying unmeritorious claims of bona fide sales based on schemes to 
engineer low dumping margins involving companies not engaged in the 
relevant business for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
    While we have retained Sec.  351.214(k)(2), the factors pertaining 
to the history of duty evasion found in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) are 
removed from the final rule solely on the ground that these factors 
need not be considered in every case. However, where the evidence 
compels consideration, Commerce continues to be authorized to consider 
the issue of duty evasion under an order and industry-wide basis. While 
the evidence may not be specific to the particular new shipper, and, 
thus, cannot by itself be considered sufficient to determine whether 
the sales at issue are bona fide, such evidence may be indicative of a 
pattern of behavior under an order or in an industry that is generally 
reflective of activity of a contrived nature and, thus, may contribute 
to a finding of sales being non-bona fide for purposes of the AD and 
CVD laws (e.g., where actors within an industry tend to engage in 
similar conduct and are generally faced with similar facts and 
circumstances, such as low barriers to entry, a high degree of changes 
in ownership, or where an industry is typified by a high degree of 
turnover of companies). In such cases, an established history of duty 
evasion or circumvention may be relevant and, therefore, may be 
considered by Commerce in making its determination. Because the 
enumerated factors are not exhaustive, these types of factors, where 
relevant, should be considered in determining whether the sales at 
issue are bona fide for purposes of the AD and CVD laws.
(b) Section 351.214(k)(6)
    Section 351.214(k)(6) provides that Commerce shall consider ``any 
other factor'' it determines relevant with respect to the future 
selling behavior of a new shipper, including indicia that the sale was 
not commercially viable. Several commenters support the Proposed Rule 
as reflecting the 2016 statutory changes in the TFTEA which require an 
exporter or producer to demonstrate that its sale(s) is bona fide 
pursuant to the bona fide sales factors in section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of 
the Act. One commenter opposes Sec.  351.214(k)(6) of the Proposed 
Rule, asserting that this section of the regulation provides ``vague 
and unlimited authority'' to reject new shipper requests. Accordingly, 
this commenter argues that Commerce should remove Sec.  351.214(k)(6) 
from its final rule to ``ensure Commerce doesn't exceed its statutorily 
granted authority'' or, in the alternative, define the circumstances in 
the regulations as to the factors it may consider in determining 
whether or not to reject a request for a new shipper review.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.214(k)(6). Contrary to the 
commenter's assertion that paragraph (k)(6) provides Commerce unlawful 
and unlimited authority in analyzing a request for a new shipper 
review, section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act

[[Page 52310]]

provides that Commerce may consider ``any other factor'' it determines 
relevant with respect to the future selling behavior of the producer or 
exporter. This may include any other indicia that indicate whether the 
sale was or was not commercially viable, and, thus, bona fide for 
purposes of the AD and CVD laws. Accordingly, this section of the 
Proposed Rule conforms to the intent of Congress for purposes of 
examining whether the sales at issue are bona fide for purposes of the 
AD and CVD laws.
    Regarding the commenter's request that Commerce define the 
circumstances in the regulations as to the factors it may consider in 
determining whether it will initiate on a request for a new shipper 
review, Commerce has three clarifications. First, regarding the request 
to clarify what Commerce will consider in determining whether to 
initiate a new shipper review, Commerce clarifies that normally 
Commerce will initiate a new shipper review where a requestor submits 
the required documentation necessary for Commerce to perform a bona 
fide sales analysis, as outlined in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(i) through (v), 
and (vi) in the countervailing duty context. By providing such 
documentation, the requestor is able to demonstrate a reasonable 
likelihood that the sales subject to the review are bona fide sales for 
purposes of initiation and that the unaffiliated customer will 
participate in the review.
    Second, Commerce notes that the factors enumerated in Sec.  
351.214(k)(1) and (2) provide further clarity as to the other factors 
Commerce will look to, pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(VII) of the 
Act.
    Third, Commerce clarifies that, regarding the factors it may 
consider beyond those enumerated in the final rule, such additional 
factor or factors to be considered may vary based on the facts and 
circumstances in a given case. Congress provided Commerce with the 
authority to consider ``any other factor the administering authority 
determines to be relevant as to whether such sales are, or are not, 
likely to be typical of those the exporter or producer will make after 
completion of the review,'' affording Commerce the flexibility to 
evaluate additional factors based on the facts and circumstances of a 
given case.\50\ Thus, consistent with its statutory authority, Commerce 
will continue to consider factors that it determines, based on the 
facts and circumstances in a given case, are relevant with respect to 
the future selling behavior of the producer or exporter, including any 
other indicia that the sales were not commercially viable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \50\ See section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(VII) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Whether Commerce Should Require Documentation of Genuine 
Negotiations and/or Order Inquiries From an Unrelated Purchaser
    Several commenters propose that Commerce add an additional factor 
to the bona fide sales requirements of Sec.  351.214(k) that would 
require producers or exporters requesting a new shipper review to 
provide documentation of ``genuine negotiations or order inquiries,'' 
such as emails or internal sales approval documentation from the 
unaffiliated purchaser, to further ensure that new shippers have not 
coordinated with purchasers to ``engineer'' lower margins.
    Response:
    We have not changed Sec.  351.214(k) with respect to the proposed 
change. The Proposed Rule requires documentation establishing the 
circumstances surrounding such sale(s), including the producer or 
exporter's offers to sell merchandise in the United States under Sec.  
351.214(b)(v)(E)(1). This includes the offers made to the unaffiliated 
purchaser in the United States, along with information on price, 
expenses, and whether such merchandise was resold at a profit under 
Sec.  351.214(b)(v)(D). We believe the requirements established for a 
new shipper review request are sufficient for purposes of the request. 
In addition, Commerce is not precluded from requesting additional 
documentation, as needed, during the course of the review, including 
documents typically examined during verification. For these reasons, 
Commerce's final rule captures the additional documentation we believe 
necessary to prevent meritless new shipper review claims.
(d) Discussion of a Single or Low Number of Sales in the Bona Fide 
Analysis
    One commenter argues that Commerce should explain in the preamble 
to the final rule that ``a single or low number of sales, particularly 
a single sale, will rarely be found to be bona fide, unless the shipper 
can establish that a low number of sales is typical for the merchandise 
in question in the U.S. market for the period covered by a new shipper 
review.'' Further, this commenter asserts that should Commerce find 
that a ``multiple sales'' requirement cannot be implemented in every 
case, Commerce should modify Sec.  351.214(k)(5) to read: ``the 
quantity and number of sales; and . . . .''
    Response:
    We have not adopted the commenter's proposal that a single or low 
number of sales will rarely be found to be bona fide or the commenter's 
proposed modification to Sec.  351.214(k)(5) concerning the quantity 
and number of sales. Commerce makes its bona fide sales determinations 
on a case-by-case basis. Any statement, therefore, concerning the 
frequency of affirmative or negative bona fide sales determination 
would be inappropriate. However, Commerce clarifies that the language 
in Sec.  351.214(k)(5) identifying ``the quantity of sales'' as a 
factor Commerce will consider in accordance with section 
751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(VII) of the Act, means the same as ``number of 
sales.'' Therefore, the suggested change is unnecessary.

(3) Rescission of Initiated New Shipper Reviews

(a) Rescission if Information To Establish Multiple Sales Is Missing 
From the Record
    Section 351.214(f) of the Proposed Rule describes the circumstances 
under which Commerce may rescind a new shipper review. One commenter 
argues that Commerce should amend Sec.  351.214(f) to state that 
Commerce shall rescind a new shipper review if it finds that 
information to establish bona fide sales, plural, are missing from the 
new shipper review request to alleviate administrative burdens.
    Response:
    As an initial matter, the commenter's position that rescission 
based on lack of bona fide ``sales''--plural, is addressed at length in 
comment 1(d). To reiterate, there is no statutory or regulatory bar to 
the new shipper review process based on the existence of only one, as 
opposed to more than one, bona fide sale. Therefore, Commerce declines 
to adopt the commenter's proposal that Sec.  351.214(f) be amended to 
reflect a requirement that multiple sales are required for a new 
shipper review to proceed in regular course.
    As Commerce explained in the Proposed Rule, the purpose of the 
conforming amendments to Sec.  351.214 pertaining to new shipper 
reviews is to implement the modifications to section 751(a)(2)(B) of 
the Act enacted by Congress in 2016.\51\ Therefore, we do not amend the 
Proposed Rule's rescission provision to require Commerce to rescind a 
review where proof of multiple sales is absent from the record.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \51\ See Public Law 114-125, section 433, 130 Stat. at 171.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 52311]]

(b) Rescission as a Bar to Future New Shipper Review Requests
    One commenter requests that Commerce include in its final rule a 
new paragraph (f)(5) that states: ``[i]f the Secretary rescinds a new 
shipper review pursuant to Sec.  351.214(f)(3), then the party that 
requested the rescinded new shipper review may not subsequently request 
a further new shipper review, but must instead request an 
administrative review as provided in Sec.  351.213(b)'' to prevent a 
party from filing a new shipper review request if it failed to 
establish its sales are bona fide.
    Response:
    We are not adopting this commenter's suggestion to add a new 
paragraph (f)(5) to Sec.  351.214. To clarify, if Commerce rescinds a 
review of specific sales pursuant to Sec.  351.214(f)(3), we will not 
revisit that determination with respect to those particular sales as 
there is finality with respect to Commerce's determinations. However, a 
new shipper will not be barred from requesting a new shipper review, 
consistent with Sec.  351.214(c), for later, unreviewed, sales made 
within one year of the date referred to in Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(A).

(4) Procedure for Parties To Challenge a Decision Not To Initiate a New 
Shipper Review at the Administrative Level

    One commenter argues that the Proposed Rule is not clear regarding 
what a respondent is required to provide to Commerce in order to obtain 
a new shipper review, and that the Proposed Rule grants ``unfettered 
discretion'' to Commerce on whether to initiate a new shipper review. 
This commenter argues that because the Proposed Rule indicates Commerce 
will determine whether the information provided in a new shipper 
request will reasonably indicate a bona fide sale occurred in order to 
initiate a new shipper review, Commerce will open itself up to 
litigation over any determination not to initiate. Therefore, this 
commenter asserts that Commerce should amend its proposed regulation 
and provide for a preliminary determination by Commerce on whether to 
initiate a new shipper review, providing opportunities for parties to 
comment and submit additional factual information, before making a 
final decision on initiation. Relatedly, this commenter requests that 
Commerce establish ``specific objective thresholds'' that a requestor 
needs to satisfy in order to obtain a new shipper review.
    Several commenters oppose the former commenter's proposal to 
establish a preliminary determination, briefing, and comment process 
regarding Commerce's decision whether to initiate a new shipper review 
because, these commenters assert, doing so would needlessly use 
additional Commerce resources and provide an avenue for arbitrary 
appeals of Commerce's preliminary determinations to the CIT.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.214 with respect to this issue. 
Contrary to the commenter's concern that the Proposed Rule grants 
``unfettered discretion'' to Commerce as to whether to initiate a new 
shipper review, Commerce's determinations whether to initiate a new 
shipper review are limited by the requirements identified in the final 
rule, including whether the documentation submitted in a new shipper 
review request indicates a reasonable likelihood of bona fide sales for 
Commerce to review. Additionally, as clarified in this preamble, if a 
new shipper review requestor provides Commerce with the documentation 
identified in the proposed Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(i) through (v), and (vi) 
in the countervailing duty context, then the requestor will normally be 
able to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood that there ultimately will 
be a bona fide sale for Commerce to review and base its determination. 
Thus, in such cases, Commerce will initiate a new shipper review.
    Further, the Proposed Rule provides additional clarity as to the 
specific requirements of a producer and/or exporter when requesting a 
new shipper review. Such clarity, as provided in Sec.  351.214(b)(iv) 
and (v), offers producers and exporters ``specific objective 
threshold'' requirements that a new shipper review requestor needs to 
provide Commerce in order to seek a new shipper review. In addition, 
the procedure we have adopted provides that Commerce will not initiate 
a new shipper review where the information submitted with the request 
pursuant to the documentation requirements outlined in Sec.  351.214(b) 
is insufficient. In the event that Commerce determines that the 
requirements for a request for a new shipper review have not been 
satisfied, in denying the request, Commerce will provide a written 
explanation of the reasons for the denial. In this way, the requestor 
has an understanding of the deficiencies of the request and the basis 
for Commerce's decision. We see no reason to add further procedural 
steps. These decisions are analogous to the requirement that Commerce 
not initiate an AD or CVD investigation where the petition fails to 
provide support for the necessary elements for initiation. In those 
cases, Commerce determines not to initiate the investigation. Here, 
where a request for a new shipper review fails to meet the requirements 
outlined in Sec.  351.214(b), Commerce expects to deny the requestor a 
new shipper review.

(5) Whether the Proposed Rule Permits Commerce Up to 6 Months To 
Initiate a New Shipper Review

    Promulgated in 1997 with the new shipper review regulations, Sec.  
351.214(d)(1) outlines the specific times when Commerce will initiate a 
new shipper review under a relevant order: In the calendar month 
immediately following the anniversary month or in the calendar month 
immediately following the semiannual anniversary month, depending on 
when a new shipper request is received.\52\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \52\ 1997 Final Rule, 62 FR 27296 at 27395.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    One commenter requests that Commerce confirm whether the Proposed 
Rule will continue to permit up to six months for Commerce to initiate 
a new shipper review and whether the goods would be subject to the 
residual duty during this period.
    Response:
    The Proposed Rule makes no change to the current regulation 
pertaining to the time limits for the initiation of a new shipper 
review (with the exception of a minor grammatical edit in paragraph 
(d)(2)). As required by the current and proposed Sec.  351.214(d)(1), 
Commerce will initiate a new shipper review in the calendar month 
immediately following the anniversary month or the semiannual 
anniversary month if the request for the review is made during the six-
month period ending with the end of the anniversary month or the 
semiannual anniversary month (whichever is applicable).\53\ The 
regulation thus requires Commerce to initiate a new shipper review 
pertaining to an order during two months in a calendar year: (1) In the 
month after the order's anniversary month; and (2) in the month after 
the order's semiannual anniversary month. Given that the two months in 
which Commerce may initiate a new shipper review are separated by six 
months, the rule does permit six months for Commerce to initiate a new 
shipper review. However, the time permitted depends on when the new 
shipper requests a review. For example, the rule provides for a much 
shorter time period for the initiation of a new shipper review based on 
the proximity to the anniversary and semiannual anniversary of the 
relevant order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \53\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49494.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 52312]]

    With respect to the comment to confirm whether the merchandise 
would be subject to a duty, in accordance with Sec.  351.214(e) of the 
Proposed Rule, Commerce will direct the suspension or continued 
suspension of liquidation for any unliquidated entries of subject 
merchandise from the relevant exporter or producer at the applicable 
cash deposit rate upon its initiation of the new shipper review.

(6) Whether the New Documentation Requirements Identified in Sec.  
351.214(b) of the Proposed Rule Applies to Expedited Reviews

    One commenter requests that Commerce clarify that expedited reviews 
in CVD proceedings for non-investigated exporters do not impose the new 
documentation requirements listed in the Proposed Rule pertaining to 
the initiation of a new shipper review. This commenter asserts that 
there is no reason to apply such requirements to expedited reviews 
based on the current language of Sec.  351.214(l)(3).
    Response:
    The Proposed Rule addressed new shipper review requests, and was 
not intended to, and does not, impose new documentation requirements 
for requesting expedited reviews. Apart from the request, however, in 
the context of an expedited review, as with administrative reviews, a 
respondent may be subject to a bona fide sales analysis, where the 
facts or circumstances warrant examination.

Scope--Sec.  351.225

    Section 351.225 covers procedures in which Commerce addresses 
scope-related matters following the issuance of an AD or CVD order, 
most frequently through a scope inquiry and scope ruling. We received 
many comments and rebuttal comments on the proposed provisions under 
this regulation. Below, we briefly discuss each provision, address any 
comments received, and, where appropriate, explain any changes to the 
Proposed Rule in response to comments. In addition, we explain 
additional modifications to the Proposed Rule where we have determined 
that such amendments brought Sec.  351.225 into greater conformity with 
circumvention and covered merchandise regulations Sec. Sec.  351.226 
and 351.227, or otherwise provided greater clarity to these 
regulations.

1. Section 351.225(a)--Introduction

    Section 351.225(a) is the general provision set forth in the 
beginning of the scope regulations, in which Commerce has explained 
that it will conduct a scope ruling at the request of an interested 
party or on Commerce's initiative. One of the proposed modifications is 
the addition of Commerce's understanding that a scope ruling that a 
product is covered by the scope of an order is a determination that the 
product in question has always been covered by the scope of that order. 
Commerce also explained in the preamble to the Proposed Rule that it 
was removing the term ``clarify'' from the existing regulations because 
scope inquiries are ``intended to cover a wide variety of scope 
questions, and are not intended to be restrictive to only those 
scenarios in which certain language in the scope requires 
`clarification.' '' \54\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \54\ Id., at 49476-77.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Commerce received multiple comments on this provision. Several 
commenters express complete support for the provision as written, 
emphasizing that concerns about evasion and duty collection should be 
one of the primary drivers Commerce considers in designing and 
implementing its revised scope regulations. Those commenters also 
stress that the Federal Circuit has issued multiple holdings which 
support Commerce's interpretation of its scope rulings that a 
determination in a scope ruling that a product is covered by the scope 
of an order means that a product has always been covered by the scope 
of an order.\55\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \55\ See, e.g., Bell Supply Co. v. United States, 888 F.3d 1222, 
1229 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (Bell Supply) (stating that extending the 
reach of a scope determination backwards is consistent with the 
Federal Circuit's finding that a determination of origin of imported 
merchandise for the purposes of a scope ruling necessarily precedes 
a circumvention inquiry); AMS Associates, Inc. v. United States, 737 
F.3d 1338, 1343-1344 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (AMS); Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 
1316-1322; United Steel and Fasteners, Inc. v. United States, 947 
F.3d 794, 801-803 (Fed. Cir. 2020) (Fasteners).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other commenters challenge that understanding of scope coverage. 
They argue that such an interpretation of a scope ruling would have an 
unfair effect on importers and sureties, with one commenter citing to a 
1999 scope ruling in which Commerce modified a scope after a scope 
ruling, as an example in which importers were unfairly forced to pay 
duties when they did not believe their entries were subject 
merchandise, and could not have been expected to know their merchandise 
was covered by an order.\56\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \56\ See Notice of Scope Rulings and Anticircumvention 
Inquiries, 65 FR 41957, 41958 (July 7, 2000) (``pasta in packages 
weighing (or labeled as weighing) up to and including five pounds, 
four ounces is within scope; May 24, 1999.''); see also Certain 
Pasta From Italy: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative 
Review, 65 FR 77852, 77853 (Dec. 13, 2000) (``On October 26, 1998, 
the Department self-initiated a scope inquiry to determine whether a 
package weighing over five pounds as a result of allowable industry 
tolerances is within the scope of the antidumping and countervailing 
duty orders. On May 24, 1999 we issued a final scope ruling finding 
that, effective October 26, 1998, pasta in packages weighing or 
labeled up to (and including) five pounds four ounces is within the 
scope of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In rebuttal comments, some challenge Commerce's removal of the word 
``clarify'' and argue that scope rulings should only apply 
retroactively when the scope is ``clear'' and not ``ambiguous,'' while 
others disagree that importers would be penalized by the proposed 
modifications to the regulations. It was pointed out that in the 1997 
Final Rule, Commerce expressed concerns that ``[i]t would be extremely 
unfair to importers and exporters to subject entries not already 
suspended to suspension of liquidation and possible duty assessment 
with no prior notice and based on nothing more than a domestic 
interested party's allegation,'' \57\ but that such concerns never came 
to fruition, and, in fact, the primary users of scope proceedings have 
been importers and foreign exporters. Those commenters went on to argue 
in their rebuttal comments that any arguments based on the innocence of 
importers is misplaced, as concerned importers have appropriate tools 
available to them through scope rulings to determine whether a product 
may be covered by the order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \57\ 1997 Final Rule, 62 FR 27296 at 27328.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    When Commerce initiates a scope inquiry, the purpose of that 
inquiry is to determine whether a product is covered by the language of 
the scope of an AD/CVD order. The scope of an order (i.e., the 
description of the class or kind of merchandise subject to the order) 
is established during the investigation and published in the Federal 
Register notice of the final determination and order.\58\ As explained 
further below in the discussion of Sec.  351.225(l), the publication of 
the scope of an order in the Federal Register generally provides notice 
to producers, exporters, and importers that their products may be 
covered by the scope of the order. The fact that an importer did not 
declare merchandise as subject to an AD and/or CVD order for a period 
of time before Commerce issued a scope ruling, for whatever reason, 
does not mean the product was not covered by the scope up until the 
scope ruling was issued. If a product is found to be covered by the 
language of the scope, then the product has always been covered by that 
language. As some commenters note, the

[[Page 52313]]

Federal Circuit has stated through a variety of cases that the current 
regulations do not adequately acknowledge this fact.\59\ Accordingly, 
we are adopting proposed paragraph (a), with some minor modifications 
to more clearly emphasize this point.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \58\ See section 706(a)(2) of the Act; section 736(a)(2) of the 
Act; section 771(25) of the Act.
    \59\ AMS, 737 F.3d at 1343-1344; Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1316-
1322; Fasteners, 947 F.3d at 801-803.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, as discussed above, the statute is silent regarding the 
procedures and standards that Commerce may apply in issuing a scope 
ruling. In the absence of any such statutory guidance, Commerce's 
position is that a factual determination that a product is covered by 
the scope of the order amounts to a determination that the product has 
always been covered by the scope of the order. With respect to issues 
concerning the application of such a determination to certain entries 
of products and notice to exporters and importers, those issues are 
addressed below in response to comments under Sec.  351.225(l). As 
discussed below, the purpose of these modifications is not to penalize 
companies acting in good faith, but to ensure that scope rulings are 
properly applied to products that are covered by the scope of an order.
    Additionally, as we also explained in the preamble to the Proposed 
Rule, Commerce's scope rulings frequently do more than merely clarify 
the language of a scope, and we do not believe the degree of ambiguity 
or clarity of the coverage of a particular product in the language of a 
scope should support or detract from the fact that a product which is 
determined to be covered by an order has always been covered by an 
order, and a product which Commerce determines is not covered by the 
scope of an order was not covered by the scope of that order before the 
scope ruling was issued.
    Furthermore, we agree with the commenters who explain that any 
concerned importer who believes a scope is unclear or is uncertain 
whether its entries may be covered by an AD/CVD order has the 
appropriate tools available to it, through these regulations, to 
request a scope ruling.
    With respect to the 1999 scope ruling raised by one of the 
commenters which modified the text of a scope, the Federal Circuit in 
several subsequent holdings explained that Commerce does not have the 
authority to outright change the scope of an order through 
reinterpretation in a scope ruling.\60\ There are other means, such as 
changed circumstances reviews under section 751(b) of the Act, through 
which the scope may be modified, but with respect to scope rulings, 
Commerce will not modify the text of a scope in the context of a scope 
inquiry.\61\ In addition, Commerce may conduct a circumvention inquiry 
under section 781 of the Act to determine whether certain types of 
products are covered by the scope of the order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \60\ See Notice of Scope Rulings and Anticircumvention 
Inquiries, 65 FR 41957, 41958 (July 7, 2000) (``pasta in packages 
weighing (or labeled as weighing) up to and including five pounds, 
four ounces is within scope; May 24, 1999.''); Certain Pasta From 
Italy: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, 65 
FR 77852, 77853 (Dec. 13, 2000); Duferco Steel, Inc. v. United 
States, 296 F.3d 1087, 1095 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (Duferco) (``Commerce 
cannot `interpret' an antidumping order so as to change the scope of 
that order, nor can Commerce interpret an order in a manner contrary 
to its terms.'') (citing Eckstrom Indus., Inc. v. United States, 254 
F.3d 1068, 1072 (Fed. Cir. 2001)).
    \61\ This is distinguished from a scope clarification, found in 
the new provision section 225(q). A scope clarification does not 
change the scope of an order but does clarify the scope--frequently 
through a footnote to the scope of the order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, to bring this provision into conformity with language used 
in other provisions under Sec.  351.225, as well as language which was 
already contained in proposed Sec.  351.225(a), we have replaced 
references to a product being ``within'' the scope of an order to a 
description of the product at issue being ``covered by the scope of an 
order.'' This change is made only to use consistent terminology, and 
not to modify the meaning of the provision.

2. Section 351.225(b)--Self-Initiation of Scope Inquiry

    Section 351.225(b) addresses Commerce's authority to self-initiate 
a scope ruling. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce indicated that if it 
self-initiated a scope inquiry, it would notify all parties on the 
annual inquiry service list. The only comments that Commerce received 
on this provision pertained to notice of the agencies' decision to 
initiate. Specifically, commenters worry that producers, exporters, 
importers, sureties, and foreign governments who were not on the annual 
inquiry service list might not get sufficient notice under that 
procedure should Commerce self-initiate a scope ruling. They, 
therefore, suggest that Commerce publish its self-initiation in the 
Federal Register.
    Response:
    In response to those comments, we have revised our notice 
requirements for self-initiation. The regulation now provides that if 
Commerce self-initiates a scope inquiry, it will publish a notice of 
initiation in the Federal Register, as suggested by certain commenters. 
We believe this will satisfy all notice concerns raised by the 
commenters pertaining to this provision.

3. Section 351.225(c)--Scope Ruling Application

    Section 351.225(c) sets forth the requirements for an interested 
party \62\ to submit a standardized scope ruling application. This is a 
significant change from Commerce's current procedures, which do not 
require a detailed standardized application. Commerce explained in the 
preamble to the Proposed Rule that it was now requiring an application, 
with specific information required in that application, as a result of 
various concerns, including the fact that ``scope ruling requests do 
not always include the requisite sufficient description and supporting 
information necessary for Commerce to complete an analysis.'' \63\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \62\ The term ``interested party'' is defined in section 771(9) 
of the Act, and pertains, for example, to ``foreign manufacturers,'' 
``producers,'' ``exporters,'' or ``United States importers'' ``of 
subject merchandise.'' However, the nature of a scope ruling is to 
determine whether the merchandise produced, imported by, or exported 
by a party is subject to an AD or CVD order. Thus, in many cases, 
the question of whether a party is an ``interested party'' depends 
in part on whether the merchandise at issue is subject merchandise. 
Accordingly, for purposes of these scope regulations, the term 
``interested party'' includes a party that would meet the definition 
of ``interested party'' under section 771(9) of the Act, if the 
merchandise at issue in the scope inquiry is in fact in-scope. This 
clarification of the term ``interested party'' for purposes of this 
regulation is in no way intended to weaken the requirement that the 
product is, or has been, in actual production as of the filing of 
the scope ruling application, as required by paragraph (c)(1).
    \63\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49477.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Several commenters indicate their strong support for the 
standardized application procedure, and both they, and other 
commenters, provide suggestions to modify the application requirements. 
One commenter argues that Commerce should provide further guidance on 
what the phrase ``to the extent reasonably available'' means, while 
others complain that requests for ``narrative history of the production 
of the product'' and the ``volume of annual production of the product 
for the most recently completed fiscal year'' would be too burdensome 
for certain parties. Others complain that the application would seem to 
require more data from producers, exporters, and importers of certain 
merchandise than a requesting domestic industry, and one claims that 
Commerce seemed to request unnecessary or ``superfluous'' data, such as 
``past models of products.''
    Certain commenters also suggest that the application require 
further detailed quantity and value data, including a disclosure of how 
much scope inquiry merchandise was imported or shipped to the United 
States without the payment of duties. Further, they argue

[[Page 52314]]

that Commerce should request the identity of an importer's U.S. 
customer or customers if the product was already imported into the 
United States. They argue that the provision of the quantity and value 
information, as well as the customer lists, would provide further 
enforcement tools to Commerce in administering and implementing its 
scope rulings.
    In addition, another commenter argues that Commerce should require 
that a scope applicant indicate in the application if any of its 
imports are currently subject to suspension of liquidation and cash 
deposits.
    Another commenter suggests that Commerce insert this clause at the 
end of Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(i)(C): ``. . . and copies of any Customs 
rulings relevant to the tariff classification,'' because it claims that 
such additional information would permit Commerce and other interested 
parties to verify the scope requestor's classification as accurate. The 
same commenter also voices concerns about Commerce's proposed 
requirement of a ``concise public description of the product,'' in 
Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(ii), without any details about what would be 
included in that description, claiming that the lack of clarity in that 
respect could lead to confusion, manipulation by the party filling out 
the application, and litigation concerns.
    Furthermore, another party expresses its concerns that once a 
certain number of years have passed since an investigation or earlier 
administrative review segments, and certain proprietary versions of the 
requested information once available to the requestor are no longer 
available to interested parties under the terms of an APO, Commerce 
should consider adopting a procedural mechanism to allow parties access 
to such data, or at least provide a procedure by which Commerce itself 
could place the proprietary versions of documents on the record of the 
scope inquiry.
    In rebuttal comments, one commenter disagrees that Commerce should 
request additional quantity and value information, or customer lists, 
noting that such information requests would be unduly burdensome to 
respond to and completely unnecessary to Commerce's determination if a 
product is subject to an AD or CVD order.
    Response:
    We have considered all of the comments received on this provision 
and have determined to make certain modifications to the proposed Sec.  
351.225(c); some in response to the comments raised and others to 
clarify the information which Commerce needs from a requestor to 
initiate a scope inquiry.
    First, as explained in more detail in the discussion of Sec.  
351.225(j) below, Commerce continues to recognize that, in addressing 
country of origin issues in the context of Commerce proceedings, 
Commerce is not bound by the country of origin determinations of other 
agencies, such as CBP.\64\ That said, such determinations may be 
informative to our analysis, and are identified as relevant secondary 
interpretive sources under Sec.  351.225(k)(1), discussed below. 
Therefore, we agree with the commenter that proposes requesting copies 
of any Customs rulings relevant to a given tariff classification. Such 
rulings would be beneficial to our analysis, and we have included that 
request in our regulation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \64\ While the ``Department may consider the decisions of 
Customs, it is not obligated to follow, nor is it bound by, the 
classification determinations of Customs. . . .'' Wirth Ltd. v. 
United States, 5 F. Supp. 2d 968, 973 (CIT 1998) (Wirth) 
(``Commerce, not Customs, has authority to clarify the scope of AD/
CVD orders and findings.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, we also agree with the same commenter that there should be 
some clarification as to the requirements of the concise public 
summary, and have modified the regulation to reflect that the physical 
characteristics of the product, the countries where the product is 
produced and from which it is exported, the declared country of origin 
(if imported and known to the requestor), and the product's tariff 
classification should all be included in that concise public summary of 
the product's description. Because Commerce sometimes conducts scope 
inquiries on merchandise that is already in commercial production but 
has not yet been exported to the United States, we recognize that there 
may be cases in which there is no declared country of origin to report 
under Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(i)(B).
    Third, we realize that the proposed regulations neglected to note 
that we need parties to identify the countries of production, export, 
and declared origin, both in the detailed description of the product, 
as well as the concise public summary of the product's description, for 
our scope inquiry analysis. Accordingly, we have added those 
requirements to the list of necessary information requested in the 
application.
    Fourth, we are no longer requiring the names and addresses of the 
producers, exporters, and importers in the public summary, but we still 
need such information in the detailed description of the product in the 
application, so we have modified the language to reflect that change.
    Fifth, we recognize that the term ``physical characteristics'' is a 
term used in Commerce's current regulations, and includes not only 
chemical and technical characteristics, but dimensional 
characteristics, as well (such as the height, length, circumference, 
and width of a product). We have, therefore, revised the regulations to 
once again use the term ``physical characteristics'' and noted that the 
term ``physical characteristics'' includes all of those additional 
descriptive terms. It is our understanding that the term ``technical 
characteristics,'' which is not defined, covers a wide array of 
characteristics, such as the mass or weight of the product, the volume 
of the product, the buoyancy, conductivity, and aerodynamic properties 
of product, and even various mechanical characteristics and properties 
of the product, such as elasticity, tensile strength, elongation, 
ductility, brittleness, malleability, plasticity, and hardness of the 
product. Furthermore, we wish to be clear that by using the term 
``including'' in this description, we are expressly indicating that we 
do not believe these descriptors are exhaustive. Frequently, the 
physical characteristics relevant to a scope ruling are almost entirely 
dependent on the language used in the scope of an order to describe the 
particular product, as well as the additional descriptions provided in 
the petition or during the underlying investigation. Accordingly, our 
use of this term is meant to be broadly interpreted and adaptable to 
the facts of a given scope and inquiry.
    Sixth, and finally, we have clarified in Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(vi) 
that, for imported merchandise that an importer has declared to be 
subject to an order, or for merchandise which has been determined by 
CBP to be subject to an order, we need the applicant to provide an 
explanation for either situation in the application. The language 
provided in proposed Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(v) was unclear in that regard, 
appearing to only request information if CBP had determined the entry 
was covered by the scope of the applicable order and not if the 
importer had declared it to be subject to an order upon importation.
    On the other hand, we do not believe that quantity and value data, 
or customer lists, should be provided to Commerce in every scope 
application, as requested by certain domestic producers. Although we 
agree that such information might be of value to Commerce's analysis in 
certain situations, we do not believe that in most scope rulings such 
information would inform our determination as to whether a product at 
issue is covered by

[[Page 52315]]

the scope of an order. Instead, in those cases in which Commerce 
determines that quantity and value data, or customer lists, might be of 
value to Commerce's analysis, Commerce retains the authority to request 
that information of the applicant or other interested parties to the 
scope inquiry. Accordingly, we will not include this additional data 
request in the scope application.
    In addition, although we do request that an applicant making a 
request for a scope inquiry on a product already imported into the 
United States as of the date of the scope ruling application indicate 
whether an entry of the product has been declared by an importer, or 
determined by CBP, as subject to an order, under Sec.  
351.225(c)(2)(vi), we do not believe it is necessary to also request 
that the applicant inform us if imports of the merchandise at issue are 
currently subject to suspension and cash deposits. We agree with the 
commenter that such information might be relevant at some point in our 
inquiry, for example, for purposes of our CBP instructions under Sec.  
351.225(l).\65\ However, for purposes of evaluating a scope application 
to determine if a product is covered, or not covered, by the scope of 
an AD/CVD order, it is only whether the product has been previously 
declared by an importer, or determined by CBP, as subject to an order 
which is relevant to our analysis under Sec.  351.225(k). Notably, if a 
producer, exporter, or petitioner is the party filing the scope inquiry 
application, unlike the importer, they may not even know if the product 
at issue is currently subject to suspension and cash deposits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \65\ As discussed further below, Commerce is modifying Sec.  
351.225(l) to provide that Commerce normally will apply a scope 
ruling that a product is covered by the scope of an order to 
unliquidated entries not yet suspended which entered prior to the 
date of initiation of the scope inquiry, with certain exceptions. 
One of those exceptions would allow for a party to timely request 
that Commerce consider whether to direct CBP to suspend liquidation 
and collect cash deposits at an alternative date. Such request must 
be based on a specific argument supported by evidence establishing 
the appropriateness of that alternative date, as explained further 
below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to the concerns expressed by some of the commenters 
that they would be unable to obtain all of the information listed, that 
is the reason we have included the words ``to the extent reasonably 
available to the applicant'' in this paragraph. Whether or not 
information is reasonably available to an applicant will be a 
determination made on a case-by-case basis. We understand that 
interested parties requesting a scope ruling may not have access to all 
the information that is listed, and despite the criticisms of some of 
the commenters, it is a fact that domestic industries will likely have 
less information about a particular exporter and its production 
experience, for example, than the producer, exporter, and possibly 
importer of that product. Accordingly, Commerce will allow applicants 
to explain the reasons they do not have certain information when 
filling out the scope application. Further, Commerce retains the 
authority to either issue supplemental questions about those 
explanations if necessary, or reject a scope ruling application 
entirely, if Commerce determines that it cannot conduct a scope inquiry 
in the absence of the missing information at issue.
    Accordingly, the information identified in the Proposed Rule for 
the scope application has remained largely the same in this final rule, 
as we believe those data requests, including information as to the 
history of earlier versions of the product if this is not the first 
model of the product under Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(C)(iv), are important to 
our scope analysis. Again, if a party is unable to provide certain 
information, and can provide a reasoned explanation as to why those 
data are unavailable, Commerce will consider such claims in determining 
whether to accept or reject an application or issue supplemental 
questionnaires.
    Finally, with respect to the request that Commerce create a 
procedure to place proprietary information on the record of a scope 
inquiry from proceedings which are a few years old, or make such data 
generally available to a scope applicant, we have determined not to 
implement such a procedure in these regulations. To the extent that 
information is relevant for a scope application, we believe public data 
will likely usually suffice. We do not believe that Commerce should 
establish a whole new regulatory exception to the APO procedures for 
what we foresee as a rare occurrence in which an interested party seeks 
access to proprietary data no longer available for use in a scope 
application.

4. Section 351.225(d)--Initiation of a Scope Inquiry and Other Actions 
Based on a Scope Ruling Application

    Section 351.225(d) of the modified regulations provides for the 
process by which a scope inquiry may be initiated based on a scope 
application. Certain commenters indicate that they support Commerce's 
determination to deem a scope inquiry automatically initiated if no 
further action is taken within 30 days, while another commenter 
requests that Commerce publish notice of its scope applications and 
initiations in the Federal Register to provide notice to interested 
parties who may not be on the annual inquiry service list. In addition, 
another commenter argues that Commerce should provide surety companies 
with notice of scope initiations so that they can participate in scope 
inquiry proceedings that are relevant to their interests.
    In related comments, several commenters argue that Commerce should 
allow interested parties an opportunity to submit comments and factual 
information prior to initiation of a scope inquiry.
    Response:
    As explained above, Commerce has modified its self-initiation 
procedures under Sec.  351.225(b) to publish notice of the self-
initiation in the Federal Register. However, given deadlines and 
complications in scope inquiry procedures initiated pursuant to a scope 
application, consistent with our current procedures, we will not 
publish notices of initiations of scope inquiries in the Federal 
Register under Sec.  351.225(d). Instead, we will, as requested by a 
commenter, under Sec.  351.225(d)(2), publish on a monthly basis a 
notice in the Federal Register that lists scope applications from the 
past couple of months filed with Commerce. It is our expectation that 
usually that list will reflect most, if not all, of the scope 
applications filed over the past month, but we also recognize that 
given certain timing constraints, issues frequently arise which make 
that goal impractical--such as when an application has been filed after 
the monthly notice has been sent to the Federal Register for 
publication. In that situation, it would be understood that the scope 
application would be included in the following month's Federal Register 
notice.
    We have added this requirement to ensure adequate notification is 
provided via the Federal Register to interested parties not on the 
annual inquiry service list. By listing the applications received by 
Commerce requesting a scope inquiry, it is our expectation that the 
descriptions of the applications will give all interested parties an 
opportunity to consider if the scope inquiry request is relevant to 
them and their interests, and allow them the opportunity to file a 
notice of appearance with Commerce on the record of that scope inquiry. 
To the extent that surety companies wish to have notice of Commerce's 
scope inquiries, although they are not interested parties under section 
771(9) of the Act (as discussed further below regarding Sec.  
351.225(l), comment 12(f)),

[[Page 52316]]

this monthly published list will also provide them with that notice.
    It is our expectation that the Federal Register list will include, 
where appropriate, for each scope application the following data: (1) 
Identification of the AD and/or CVD orders at issue; (2) a concise 
public summary of the product's description, including the physical 
characteristics (including chemical, dimensional and technical 
characteristics) of the product; (3) the country(ies) where the product 
is produced and the country from where the product is exported; (4) the 
full name of the applicant; and (5) the date that the scope application 
was filed with Commerce. We anticipate that Commerce may include 
additional information in the monthly Federal Register list at its 
discretion and may leave off the list references to applications which 
have been rejected and not properly resubmitted.
    In addition, Commerce has revised Sec.  351.225(d) to explain that 
deemed initiation will only occur if Commerce has neither rejected the 
scope application nor initiated the scope inquiry at an earlier date, 
and that after 30 days the scope application will be deemed accepted 
and the scope inquiry will be deemed initiated.
    In response to complaints that Commerce should permit parties a 
greater amount of time in which they can submit comments on the scope 
application before initiation, we have declined to modify our 
regulations in that manner. Interested parties on the annual inquiry 
service list, as provided under Sec.  351.225(n), will be 
electronically notified soon after an application is filed with 
Commerce, and the applicant will otherwise serve the application on 
those interested parties in accordance with Sec.  351.225(c) and (n). 
Those parties will, therefore, have an opportunity to file arguments 
with Commerce before initiation.\66\ Nonetheless, even if they do not 
file comments on the application before it is deemed accepted and the 
scope inquiry is initiated, they will also have an opportunity 
afterward to comment on the application and provide responsive facts 
and arguments on the record, in accordance with Sec.  351.225(f). This 
is true for interested parties who received notice of the filing of the 
scope application in the Federal Register as well, as described in this 
provision.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \66\ Given the short turn-around of scope initiations, at its 
discretion, Commerce may, but is not required to, consider such 
arguments before a scope inquiry is initiated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We recognize that under Commerce's current practice, interested 
parties frequently submit comments prior to the initiation of a scope 
inquiry in order to provide Commerce with additional factual 
information that rebuts or clarifies a scope ruling request. However, 
we believe that, under the new scope inquiry procedures, the need for 
such an opportunity to submit comments/additional factual information 
pre-initiation will be largely alleviated with Commerce's proposed 
standardized scope ruling application because use of the scope ruling 
application should result in more fulsome and complete information 
being filed at the outset.
    We continue to believe that requiring a more fulsome standardized 
scope application (rather than what is required in the current 
regulation), and having a scope application deemed accepted and a scope 
inquiry commenced after 30 days, is reasonable and will speed up 
Commerce's scope ruling procedures. If we were to extend that time 
longer, as requested by several commenters, that goal would be less 
likely to be achieved. Therefore, we have made no modification to the 
timetable spelled out in Sec.  351.225(d) from that set forth in the 
Proposed Rule.
    Finally, we have also added a provision to Sec.  351.225(d) that if 
Commerce determines upon review of a scope ruling application that the 
scope issue should be addressed in another, ongoing segment of the 
proceeding, such as a circumvention inquiry, then Commerce will notify 
the applicant, within 30 days after the scope ruling application has 
been filed, that the agency will not initiate the scope inquiry, but 
address the scope issue in that other segment.

5. Section 351.225(e)--Deadlines for Scope Rulings

    Section 351.225(e) provides that Commerce shall issue a final scope 
ruling within 120 days after the date on which the scope inquiry was 
initiated, although it may be extended up to an additional 180 days for 
good cause (for a fully-extended total of 300 days). This was a change 
from the 45-day deadline in the current regulations, which Commerce 
explained in the preamble to the Proposed Rule has been a ``difficult 
and frequently unworkable deadline.'' \67\ Commerce explained that the 
shorter deadline led to ``unnecessary delay and questions on the part 
of outside parties,'' and if Commerce had to solicit and ``receive new 
factual information and comments from numerous parties,'' it left 
``little time to consider the evidence and arguments and reach a well-
reasoned decision within the time allotted.'' \68\ Therefore, Commerce 
frequently had to extend deadlines in a large number of its scope 
inquiries. Accordingly, Commerce revised these regulations to provide 
for a more realistic and manageable timetable.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \67\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49478.
    \68\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We received many comments and rebuttal comments on this provision. 
One commenter argues that the current 45-day deadline is already too 
long for certain simple and non-controversial scope rulings. If 
Commerce has the authority to extend the 45-day deadline for good 
cause, the elimination of the importers' ability to obtain a scope 
ruling within 45 days is unnecessary because the agency can already 
achieve a short delay when necessary under its current regulations. The 
same commenter also opposes removing the distinction between an 
informal and formal scope ruling under the current regulations, arguing 
that, in fact, such a change would slow down the scope ruling process 
rather than speed it up and the 120-day deadline would become the 
automatic default in every case. That commenter, therefore, argues 
Commerce should make no changes to its scope inquiry procedures in the 
modified regulations.
    Other commenters argue that Commerce should not just have a 
deadline for final scope rulings, but should also have a deadline for 
preliminary scope rulings, i.e., when Commerce determines to issue a 
preliminary scope ruling. They express concern that there could be a 
period of time between the initiation and the preliminary scope ruling 
where potential subject merchandise is being liquidated without regard 
to duties, given that entries are deemed liquidated by operation of law 
after one year. The commenters suggest that Commerce should establish a 
deadline for preliminary scope rulings of no later than 150 days after 
initiation. They argue that this would be consistent with Commerce's 
proposed circumvention regulations, which identify a 150-day deadline 
for preliminary circumvention determinations.
    Furthermore, one commenter argues that Commerce should inquire into 
whether an importer has entries of the merchandise at issue subject to 
suspension of liquidation or cash deposit requirements under the AD or 
CVD order at issue, and if that entity's imports are not currently 
being suspended or subject to cash deposits, the regulations should 
mandate that Commerce issue a preliminary scope ruling no later than 
120 days after

[[Page 52317]]

initiation of the scope inquiry, to ensure relief to the injured 
domestic industry.
    In addition, two other commenters express concern over the fully 
extended deadline of 300 days. They argue that such a deadline is 
excessive, inconsistent with other provisions in the proposed 
regulations, and that providing Commerce with six more months to 
consider a scope ruling request would increase burdens on U.S. 
companies in terms of legal and business uncertainty.
    In their rebuttal submissions, certain commenters agree with the 
request for a 150-day deadline for preliminary scope rulings, and 
strongly disagree with the argument that Commerce should retain its 45-
day deadline. They point out that the proposed regulations do not 
preclude Commerce from issuing its scope ruling before the 120-day 
deadline, only that the 120-day deadline is a maximum deadline. Indeed, 
certain domestic industry commenters state that they believe that the 
120-day deadline will result in more predictable, and possibly shorter, 
deadlines than under the current system, where they claim there have 
been too many extensions, and that each day Commerce does not initiate 
or issue a scope ruling is another day where injury to the domestic 
industry occurs.
    Further, in their rebuttal submissions, certain commenters 
challenge the idea that the length of a scope inquiry is unfair to 
importers, arguing that if an importer conducts proper due diligence, 
it will have the appropriate tools to analyze whether its product may 
or may not be covered by an order, and if it does not, it should 
request a scope ruling sooner rather than later. Due diligence, they 
argue, is a best practice and should not be seen as an unreasonable 
burden or unfairness to importers.
    Response:
    After considering the submitted comments regarding scope segment 
deadlines, we have determined not to modify the deadlines set forth in 
the proposed Sec.  351.225(e). For all of the reasons we explained in 
the preamble to the Proposed Rule, the current system is unwieldy and 
forces Commerce to issue multiple extensions. We also disagree that the 
current system of an informal and formal scope ruling dichotomy is a 
preferable way to conduct our scope rulings. As we also explained in 
the Preamble to the Proposed Rule, the distinction between those two 
procedures sometimes causes confusion and adds unnecessary delay to our 
proceedings; accordingly, we believe the burden resulting from the 
current system outweighs the benefit of a simpler, single scope inquiry 
procedure.\69\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \69\ Id. at 49478.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, we believe the use of a standardized scope application 
and a 120-day deadline is reasonable, and if a case is complicated and 
good cause exists to warrant an extension, allowing Commerce to extend 
its scope inquiry proceedings up to an additional 180 days is also 
reasonable. As one of the commenters argues, this does not mean that 
Commerce will always take 120 days to issue scope rulings, especially 
when a scope ruling is fairly simple, straightforward, and/or 
uncontested. In those cases, it is not unreasonable to expect that 
Commerce might issue a scope ruling in a shorter time frame. Similarly, 
it does not mean that every time Commerce extends the proceeding, it 
will automatically extend the full 180 days.
    Moreover, we do not agree with the commenter who argues that 
Commerce should be mandated by the regulations to: (1) Request that 
every applicant that imports the product subject to the scope inquiry 
inform us whether liquidation of its entries of the particular product 
are currently being suspended and if it is paying cash deposits on 
those entries; and (2) if the requestor responds that the imports at 
issue are not being suspended or that the importer is not paying cash 
deposits on those entries, Commerce must issue a preliminary scope 
ruling within 120 days after initiation of the scope inquiry. We do not 
believe such a requirement is appropriate. We agree with the commenter 
that such information might be relevant at some point in our inquiry, 
for example, for purposes of our CBP instructions under Sec.  
351.225(l), but, for the reasons explained above in the discussion of 
Sec.  351.225(c), such information normally is not relevant for our 
scope analysis under Sec.  351.225(k).
    In addition, we do not agree with the parallels drawn to 
preliminary circumvention determinations. Preliminary circumvention 
determinations are issued in every circumvention inquiry, but Commerce 
does not issue a preliminary scope ruling in all scope inquiries. When 
Commerce determines that a preliminary scope ruling is warranted, we do 
not believe it should be restricted by a specific deadline in the 
regulations. Instead, we believe that Commerce should have the 
flexibility to determine when to issue a preliminary scope ruling and 
request comments from participating interested parties. Thus, it would 
be unreasonable to require Commerce to issue a preliminary scope ruling 
when the facts on the record are simple and clear enough for Commerce 
to issue a final scope ruling before or on 120 days after initiation of 
the scope inquiry. Therefore, we have not modified Sec.  351.225(e) to 
mandate the issuance of preliminary scope rulings within 120 days, or 
even 150 days as suggested by some, after initiation of the scope 
inquiry.
    We also disagree with the commenter expressing concerns regarding 
the prolonged uncertainty for U.S. importers as to the ultimate status 
of products subject to a scope inquiry under the 300-day deadline, when 
coupled with the potential for retroactive suspension of liquidation. 
As other commenters have argued, all importers of merchandise to the 
United States are required to conduct their business affairs with due 
diligence and should be informed as to the potential trade remedies 
that may be applied to imported merchandise when they decide to import 
that merchandise. If a party is concerned that its products might be 
covered by an AD or CVD order, it is the party's responsibility to 
request a scope ruling at the earliest possible time. We do not believe 
the potential 120-day or fully-extended 300-day deadlines set forth in 
Sec.  351.225(e) are unnecessarily lengthy or burdensome on importers, 
and we do not believe that the firm deadlines in the regulations will 
result in uncertainty or unpredictability, as some commenters asserted. 
In fact, we find the opposite to be true. Commerce will now be required 
by regulation to issue scope rulings no later than 300 days after 
initiation--a requirement not found in the current regulations.
    Finally, we have revised the heading of this section to ``Deadlines 
for scope rulings'' from ``Time limits,'' to better reflect the 
provisions covered by this section of the regulation, and we have moved 
the provision allowing for alignment of scope rulings with other 
segments of a proceeding from proposed Sec.  351.225(i)(2) to this 
section to clarify that all of the deadlines described in this section 
may be adjusted if the scope inquiry is aligned with another segment.

6. Section 351.225(f)--Scope Inquiry Procedures

    Section 351.225(f) provides the deadlines for rebuttal comments and 
factual information and other procedural matters. We received multiple 
comments specifically on the various deadlines contained within the 
proposed procedures. All of those comments requested more time, 
claiming that the deadlines as proposed were too short for interested 
parties and

[[Page 52318]]

Commerce to effectively analyze questionnaire responses and other 
submissions prior to the deadline for responses and rebuttal 
submissions.
    Furthermore, one commenter argues that Commerce should not indicate 
in Sec.  351.225(f)(3) that it may limit issuance of questionnaires to 
a reasonable number of respondents, because such a limitation would 
also have the effect of limiting verification of those respondents to 
whom questionnaires had been issued. That commenter argues that it 
would be inappropriate to decline gathering information via 
questionnaire from all potential respondents.
    Finally, certain commenters express their support for Sec.  
351.225(f)(6), which acknowledges that Commerce maintains the ability 
to rescind a scope inquiry if it determines it is appropriate to do so. 
One of those commenters points to the Proposed Rule where Commerce 
explained that it might ``rescind a scope inquiry, for example, if an 
interested party has failed to provide information necessary for 
Commerce to issue a scope ruling,'' \70\ in ``instances in which a 
scope matter may be addressed in another segment of a proceeding'' or 
in ``instances in which a new scope inquiry or scope ruling is 
unnecessary because of a related or prior scope ruling.'' \71\ That 
commenter requests that Commerce codify those examples in the 
regulation. Further, that same commenter notes that Commerce stated in 
a footnote in the preamble to the Proposed Rule that it ``maintains the 
discretion to apply facts available pursuant to section 776 of the Act, 
as appropriate, rather than rescind a scope inquiry,'' and argues that 
Commerce should, therefore, codify its authority to apply facts 
available with an adverse inference when an interested party has failed 
to supply requested necessary information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \70\ Id. at 49479.
    \71\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    Upon consideration of the various comments about Commerce's 
proposed deadlines, as well as consideration of our own practice in 
other circumstances, we have determined to modify our proposed 
deadlines under Sec.  351.225(f) to allow interested parties additional 
time to provide responses and new factual information as follows:
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(1), parties will have 30 days, 
rather than 20 days, to submit comments and factual information after 
Commerce self-initiates a scope inquiry;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(1), parties will have 14 days, 
rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted by the other 
interested parties;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(2), parties will have 30 days, 
rather than 20 days, to submit comments and factual information after 
Commerce initiates a scope inquiry pursuant to a scope application;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(2), the applicant will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information 
to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information in response to the 
interested parties' submissions;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(3), interested parties will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information 
to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained in a 
questionnaire response;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(3), the original submitter will 
have seven days, rather than five days, to submit comments and factual 
information to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted 
in the interested party's rebuttal, clarification, or correction;
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(4), interested parties will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, after the preliminary scope ruling to submit 
comments; and
     Under Sec.  351.225(f)(4), interested parties will have 
seven days, rather than five days, to submit rebuttal comments 
thereafter.
    With respect to the commenter's argument that we should codify our 
ability to apply facts available, pursuant to section 776(a) of the 
Act, and an adverse inference, pursuant to section 776(b) of the Act, 
we have declined to do so because Commerce already has the authority to 
apply adverse facts available when an interested party fails to provide 
necessary information in all of its proceedings, including scope 
inquiries.
    Furthermore, we have also declined to list the scenarios under 
which Commerce would rescind a scope inquiry in Sec.  351.225(f)(6) 
because such a determination to rescind a scope inquiry is made on a 
case-by-case basis, and, although the examples provided in the preamble 
of the Proposed Rule were illustrative, they were by no means 
exhaustive. Accordingly, we do not believe it would be beneficial in 
this case to codify a non-exhaustive list of examples in the final 
regulations in which we would rescind a scope inquiry. We acknowledge 
that we have provided some common examples in the circumvention inquiry 
(Sec.  351.226) and covered merchandise inquiry (Sec.  351.227) 
regulations in which we may rescind those inquiries, but again, even 
those examples are not exhaustive.
    With respect to Commerce's authority to rescind a scope inquiry, we 
have made some additional changes to conform this section with parallel 
or similar language in the circumvention inquiry (Sec.  351.226) and 
covered merchandise inquiry (Sec.  351.227) regulations. Specifically, 
we have edited Sec.  351.225(f)(6) to clarify that rescission of scope 
rulings can be in whole or in part. This is consistent with Commerce's 
current practice. For example, Commerce may conduct a scope inquiry in 
which a single importer has filed six scope applications covering six 
different products from the same producer and exporter. Commerce may 
determine in that situation to conduct a single segment of the 
proceeding covering all six products, but then later in the combined 
scope inquiry segment determine to rescind the inquiry with respect to 
three or four of the products. In another example, Commerce may 
determine to consider and analyze in one segment of the proceeding 
scope inquiries covering products with the same physical 
characteristics produced and exported by different entities and 
imported by different importers. As with the segment covering multiple 
products, Commerce may rescind in whole or in part a segment covering 
different combinations of producers, exporters, and/or importers. The 
language of Sec.  351.225(f)(6) is meant to cover various scenarios, 
including examples such as these.
    In response to the commenter's argument that Commerce should not be 
permitted to limit issuance of questionnaires to a reasonable number of 
respondents under Sec.  351.225(f)(3), we disagree. In the context of a 
scope inquiry, such situations most frequently arise when a domestic 
producer requests a scope ruling covering certain products produced and 
exported by multiple entities. If Commerce had unlimited resources, we 
agree that the best-case scenario would have Commerce never limiting 
the number of questionnaires it issues and respondents that it 
considers. However, in reality, Commerce conducts its administrative 
proceedings with limited resources and under specific time constraints. 
Accordingly, and in consideration of Commerce's authority to limit 
respondents under section 777A(c)(2) of the Act for investigations, we 
continue to believe that it is appropriate to retain the language in 
our regulations that clarifies that we may limit the issuance of 
questionnaires to a reasonable number of respondents if the record of

[[Page 52319]]

the scope inquiry warrants such a limitation.
    Finally, for greater clarity, we have made some minor edits to 
Sec.  351.225(f)(7) to explain that Commerce can both alter or extend 
time limits if it determines it is appropriate to do so on a case-by-
case basis.

7. Section 351.225(g)--Preliminary Scope Ruling

    Section 351.225(g) would authorize Commerce to issue a preliminary 
scope ruling as to whether there is a reasonable basis to believe or 
suspect that the product is covered by the scope of the order. 
Additionally, Sec.  351.225(g) would continue to allow Commerce to use 
its discretion in issuing a preliminary scope ruling at the same time 
Commerce initiates a scope inquiry. Pursuant to Sec.  351.225(n)(4), 
Commerce will notify interested parties on the segment-specific service 
list of the issuance of the preliminary scope ruling.
    One commenter argues that notification of a preliminary scope 
ruling only to the parties participating in the scope inquiry is 
insufficient and might be inconsistent with U.S. obligations under the 
AD and SCM Agreements. The commenter, therefore, argues that Commerce 
should publish its preliminary scope ruling in the Federal Register, 
rather than just notify the parties on the segment-specific service 
list.
    In their rebuttal comments, several commenters disagree with this 
argument, arguing that Commerce's implementation and use of an annual 
inquiry service list and segment-specific service list is fully 
consistent with U.S. international obligations, and that Commerce is 
not required to publish preliminary scope rulings in the Federal 
Register.
    Response:
    As explained above, Commerce is modifying its regulations under 
Sec.  351.225(b) and (d), such that we will publish in the Federal 
Register notices of self-initiation and monthly lists describing scope 
applications which have recently been filed with Commerce. We believe 
both types of those Federal Register notices, which we anticipate will 
identify the product, AD or CVD order, and country of production and 
export (the latter where the product has already been imported), will 
provide adequate notification to the public. Following such 
publication, however, it will be incumbent upon interested parties to 
take the necessary steps to participate in Commerce's proceedings in 
accordance with Sec.  351.225(n)(4) by filing an entry of appearance to 
stay apprised of the status of a scope inquiry. The final rule is in 
compliance with U.S. international obligations under the AD and SCM 
Agreements, and we do not believe there is any additional requirement 
that Commerce publish preliminary scope rulings in the Federal 
Register. Accordingly, we have declined to make the commenter's 
suggested modification to our regulations.

8. Section 351.225(h)--Final Scope Ruling

    Under proposed Sec.  351.225(h), Commerce would convey final scope 
rulings to interested parties who are parties to the scope inquiry 
proceeding in accordance with the requirements of section 
516A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act. Such interested parties would be required 
to have legal standing to appeal the final scope ruling. Additionally, 
under proposed Sec.  351.225(n), all parties on the segment-specific 
service lists would be notified of the final scope ruling through 
Commerce's electronic ACCESS system.
    One commenter observes that currently scope mailings are 
``conveyed'' by first class mail, and advocates that Commerce revise 
that requirement in its regulations to have ``conveyance'' be made 
solely through ACCESS.
    Response:
    With respect to the commenter's request, we agree that conveying 
our scope rulings to interested parties who are parties to the scope 
inquiry proceeding through first class mail or common carriers, such as 
Federal Express, is largely superfluous and unnecessary in light of the 
notification they receive through ACCESS. However, section 
516A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act states that judicial review of ``class or 
kind'' determinations, such as scope rulings, are based off the ``date 
of mailing'' of the determination.\72\ The CIT has explicitly held that 
it ``refuses to extend the definition of `mailing' to include email 
messages,'' faxes, or other such electronic conveyances for purposes of 
this provision.\73\ For that reason, we believe that Commerce is 
required to continue to convey its final scope rulings through first 
class mail or common carriers at this time. Should Congress eventually 
modify this statutory provision and allow for conveyance of scope 
rulings through electronic means, our use of the term ``conveyance'' in 
the modified regulation will allow us to convey scope rulings through 
electronic means, without further revision of the regulation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \72\ Id. at 49479.
    \73\ Medline Industries, Inc. v. United States, 911 F. Supp. 2d 
1358, 1361 (CIT 2013); see also Bond St., Ltd. v. United States, 521 
F. Supp. 2d 1377, 1381 (CIT 2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, we note that Commerce's current regulations under 
part 356 of Title 19 (current Sec. Sec.  356.6 and 356.7) contain 
specific notification requirements for ``scope determinations'' made by 
Commerce applicable to producers and exporters from a free trade 
agreement (FTA) country to the governments of those FTA countries. We 
have, therefore, added a clause to Sec.  351.225(h) in the final 
regulations which acknowledges that scope rulings applicable to FTA 
countries are governed, where relevant, by those provisions.

9. Section 351.225(i)--Other Segments of the Proceeding

    Section 351.225(i) recognizes that Commerce may make a scope 
determination in the context of another segment of the proceeding, such 
as an administrative review under section 751(a) of the Act, and 
acknowledges the flexibility Commerce has to modify deadlines and other 
actions to ensure that its scope analysis is complete in those other 
segments.
    One commenter indicates its support for this provision, and 
stresses the importance of Commerce's ability to request further 
information concerning a product subject to a scope inquiry in other 
segments of the proceeding, set forth in proposed Sec.  351.225(i)(3).
    Another commenter requests that Commerce clarify how it will notify 
entities when it opts to address scope issues within the context of a 
segment of the proceeding that is not a scope inquiry, and suggests 
that Commerce do so by notifying entities on the annual inquiry service 
list under Sec.  351.225(n)(3).
    Response:
    Section 351.225(i)(1), which has been slightly modified, applies to 
at least two scenarios in which Commerce might address a scope issue in 
another segment of the proceeding. First, if a scope issue is raised 
for the first time in the context of another segment and we determine 
that it would be illogical to self-initiate a new scope inquiry under 
Sec.  351.225(b), Commerce may address the scope issue in that other 
segment without following the procedures of a scope inquiry under Sec.  
351.225. This could happen, for instance, in a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226, a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227, 
or in an administrative review under Sec.  351.213. The parties to that 
segment of the proceeding would be notified of the pending scope issue

[[Page 52320]]

through a variety of means. For example, the issue would likely be 
raised by the parties, and they would have the opportunity to provide 
new factual information or comment, as appropriate, or Commerce may 
request additional information of the parties. In addition, parties not 
already participating in that segment of the proceeding would be 
notified of the scope issue in Commerce's preliminary results (in the 
case of an administrative review under Sec.  351.213) or preliminary 
determination (in the case of a circumvention inquiry under Sec.  
351.226 or a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227), which 
would be published in the Federal Register. At that time, interested 
parties not yet participating in that segment of the proceeding could 
file a notice of appearance and submit case briefs.\74\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \74\ In addition, if those interested parties wished to submit 
new factual information, they would follow the procedures in Sec.  
351.301 to request permission to do so.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, where a scope inquiry has already been initiated and is 
ongoing, but Commerce determines that it would be best addressed in 
another segment which is also ongoing or just beginning, Commerce would 
rescind the scope inquiry under Sec.  351.225(f)(6) and conduct its 
scope analysis solely in that other segment and notify interested 
parties.
    Additionally, Sec.  351.225(i)(2) (proposed Sec.  351.225(i)(3)) 
provides that during the pendency of a scope inquiry or upon issuance 
of a final scope ruling, Commerce may take any further action, as 
appropriate, with respect to another segment of the proceeding. As 
referenced by a commenter, this means that Commerce has the ability to 
request further information concerning a product subject to a scope 
inquiry in other segments of the proceeding, such as an administrative 
review under Sec.  351.213.
    Furthermore, at any point during an ongoing segment of a 
proceeding, Commerce retains the ability to self-initiate a separate 
scope inquiry in accordance with Sec.  351.225(b), rather than address 
the scope issue in the context of the other segment of the proceeding.
    Finally, as already noted above, to provide clarity with regard to 
scope ruling deadlines, we have moved what was proposed Sec.  
351.225(i)(2) to Sec.  351.225(e)(3), and as a result of that 
modification, prior Sec.  351.225(i)(3) is now Sec.  351.225(i)(2).

10. Section 351.225(j)--Country of Origin Determinations

    Section 351.225(j) addresses Commerce's country of origin analysis, 
and in particular provides the factors Commerce considers when applying 
its ``substantial transformation'' test. Each scope contains a 
description of the physical class or kind of merchandise covered by 
that order, while Commerce's country of origin analysis determines at 
what point in the production and processing of the product the country 
of origin of the class or kind of merchandise is established. The 
country of origin determined through this analysis applies to all 
merchandise in the production and processing chain of the product 
meeting the physical descriptions of the scope originating in that 
country, regardless of the point in the production and processing chain 
of the product at which the country of origin is established. We 
received several comments on this provision.
    One commenter points out that Commerce indicates that it ``may'' 
consider relevant factors on a case-by-case basis in the regulation, 
rather than stating that it ``will'' consider the listed factors in 
every case. That commenter stresses that Commerce should state clearly 
that not all of the numbered factors are necessarily required to be 
considered in every case.
    A second commenter suggests that Commerce should take into 
consideration the activities of tollers in the production chain when it 
conducts a substantial transformation analysis. That commenter argues 
that Commerce does not consider tollers to be ``manufacturers'' or 
``producers'' if they do not acquire ownership and control the relevant 
sale of subject merchandise, but nothing prevents exporters or 
importers from declaring foreign processors to be tollers, thereby 
evading Commerce's country of origin analysis. That commenter argues 
that to prevent such manipulation of Commerce's country of origin 
analysis, Commerce should codify a consideration of whether or not a 
toller is a toller or foreign processor as part of its substantial 
transformation test.
    Other commenters express concerns that Commerce does not explain in 
its regulations the scenarios in which it will use an alternative to 
the substantial transformation test, and appears to give Commerce wide 
discretion in applying the factors in the regulation when determining 
the country of origin of a product. They request that for both the 
substantial transformation and the alternative options, Commerce codify 
further guidance in the regulations.
    The proposed regulation states that Commerce is not ``bound'' by 
the country of origin ``determinations of any other agency.'' One 
commenter argues that Commerce should be required to justify its 
determination when it departs from the country of origin determinations 
of CBP or other agencies.
    That same commenter also argues that Commerce should not conduct a 
country of origin analysis in a scope ruling, but instead should 
conduct that analysis in its third country processing circumvention 
analysis, under Sec.  351.226(i). That comment appears to reflect a 
misunderstanding of the relationship between Commerce's country of 
origin analysis pursuant to investigations, administrative reviews and 
scope rulings, and the separate analysis conducted pursuant to third 
country processing circumvention inquiries. Accordingly, we address 
this argument below, with respect to comments on Sec.  351.226(i).
    In rebuttal submissions, some commenters respond that Commerce's 
country of origin analysis is fundamental to determining if a 
particular product is covered by the scope of an order, that the 
Proposed Rule simply codifies Commerce's longstanding use of the 
substantial transformation test, and that the Proposed Rule recognizes 
that on a case-by-case basis Commerce should retain the flexibility to 
address other case-specific factors or the need for an entirely 
different test when the facts on the record warrant such an analysis. 
They argue that because country of origin determinations can be 
complex, especially when complicated global supply chain sourcing 
issues arise, the language as proposed in Sec.  351.225(j) should not 
be changed, as that language provides Commerce with the tools to 
adequately determine the country of origin based on relevant 
characteristics of the particular product at issue.
    In addition, in their rebuttal submissions, certain parties 
challenge the idea that Commerce must justify its determinations when 
those determinations come to a different conclusion as to the country 
of origin from CBP. The commenters argue that, just as the proposed 
language states, Commerce is not bound by the determinations of other 
agencies when conducting a country of origin analysis, since Commerce's 
analysis is ultimately made independently of CBP and is based upon the 
information on the record of the proceeding.
    Finally, in their rebuttal submissions, some commenters express 
their

[[Page 52321]]

agreement that Commerce should add consideration of the facts 
surrounding reported toll processors as a factor to the substantial 
transformation test, stressing that foreign producers have increasingly 
used toll processors to escape affiliation issues and avoid duties, 
such as contracting with tollers that are former employees or tollers 
that are located within their own facilities.
    Response:
    We have made changes from the language published in the Proposed 
Rule. First, we have adopted minor renumbering changes. Second, we have 
revised the terminology of Sec.  351.225(j)(1)(ii) to cover ``physical 
characteristics (including chemical, dimensional and technical 
characteristics)'' to bring that language into conformity with other 
provisions of the regulations. Third, we have turned the listed five 
factors into six factors, separating the intended end-use of the 
downstream product from the physical characteristics factor. We believe 
this better reflects the distinct factors which Commerce considers when 
applying its substantial transformation analysis.
    With respect to the comments we received on this provision, we 
agree with those commenters who explain that the factors listed in the 
proposed regulation are not exhaustive. We understand the arguments 
that it would bring more certainty to certain parties if we set forth 
definitive factors that we would apply in every case, but as some 
commenters explain, every product is different and every supply chain 
and production process is different, as well. Accordingly, the listed 
factors are not exhaustive, because Commerce must retain the 
flexibility to adjust its country of origin analysis when the facts on 
the record warrant such an adjustment. The listed factors represent the 
factors we normally apply in most cases, but as we explained in the 
preamble to the Proposed Rule, there have been ``different iterations'' 
of Commerce's substantial transformation analysis and Commerce has 
``considered other factors in applying its substantial transformation 
analysis when necessary.'' \75\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \75\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49480.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, as Commerce also explained in the preamble to the 
Proposed Rule, this provision states that Commerce ``may'' conduct its 
substantial transformation analysis, but is not required to apply that 
analysis if it determines ``for some reason'' that ``the substantial 
transformation test is not appropriate for purposes of determining the 
country of origin of a particular product.'' \76\ In those 
circumstances, as the Federal Circuit has affirmed, Commerce continues 
to have the authority to apply a different, reasonable test to 
determine the country of origin of a particular product.\77\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \76\ Id.
    \77\ See Canadian Solar, 918 F.3d at 918-20. At issue in 
Canadian Solar was a situation in which Commerce applied its 
substantial transformation test in one investigation, and as a 
result, exporters evaded the payment of duties by shifting the 
country of production of solar cells to a third country. Thus, in 
the context of the second investigation claiming solar panels 
continued to cause the petitioners injury, Commerce determined the 
use of its substantial transformation test again would be ill-
advised, as it would not provide a meaningful remedy to the injured 
petitioners. Accordingly, Commerce applied a second test, which the 
Federal Circuit affirmed as in accordance with law, focusing on the 
country where solar panels were completed, thereby granting the 
injured petitioners relief from dumped and subsidized Chinese solar 
panels. Id., 918 F.3d at 915-20.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the argument that Commerce must justify its country 
of origin determinations when they differ from that of CBP's country of 
origin analysis, conducted pursuant to 19 CFR 134.1(b), it is well 
established that different Federal agencies apply different country of 
origin tests, depending on the context and purpose of the test. 
Commerce's country of origin analysis in the context of AD and CVD 
proceedings differs from that of CBP in its own proceedings.
    As the CIT explained in Venus Wire Industries,\78\ Commerce has 
applied its own country of origin analysis for over 40 years. It is an 
analysis which has been litigated and upheld by the Federal 
Circuit.\79\ That Commerce has a different county of origin analysis 
from CBP is not surprising, given that Commerce's analysis has a 
different purpose from that of CBP and is applied specifically to 
determine the relevant point in a production and processing chain where 
the country of origin of the products described in AD/CVD orders is 
established.\80\ If there is tension between the two analyses, for 
purposes of Commerce's proceedings, Commerce's analysis applies. As the 
Federal Circuit held in Mitsubishi (1994),\81\ CBP's role in 
liquidating AD duties is ``ministerial'' and CBP ``cannot modify 
Commerce's determinations, their underlying facts, or their 
enforcement.'' Accordingly, we disagree with the commenter which argued 
that if Commerce determines the country of origin of a product for 
purposes of an AD or CVD order in a scope ruling, and that 
determination is different from the country of origin established by 
CBP for its purposes, Commerce must take an additional step to justify 
the distinction. Such an additional analysis in making a country of 
origin determination is generally unnecessary and unwarranted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \78\ Venus Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd. v. United States, 471 F. 
Supp. 3d 1289, 1299 (CIT 2020) (Venus Wire Industries).
    \79\ See, e.g., Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1227.
    \80\ To be clear, physically described products in the scope 
produced or processed in the country of origin, whether produced or 
processed before or after the point at which the country of origin 
is established, are subject to the scope of an AD/CVD order.
    \81\ Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc., 44 F.3d 973, 977 
(Fed. Cir. 1994) (Mitsubishi (1994)). See also Wirth, 5 F. Supp. at 
973 (``Commerce, not Customs, has authority to clarify the scope of 
AD/CVD orders and findings. Although the Department may consider the 
decisions of Customs, it is not obligated to follow, nor is it bound 
by, the classification determinations of Customs . . .'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, it would be illogical for Commerce to remove its 
country of origin analysis from these scope regulations. As other 
commenters have noted, Commerce frequently conducts a country of origin 
test as a part of its scope rulings, and there is no reason to change 
this practice. As we have explained, the commenter who argued for this 
change cites to Commerce's third country processing circumvention 
proceedings in relation to Sec.  351.226(i) and we have, therefore, 
addressed its arguments in this regard with our response to other 
comments on that provision below.
    Finally, we understand the arguments from the various commenters 
that in certain cases Commerce may need to consider toll processors, 
the role of tollers in the production and supply chain, and the 
affiliations and relationships of those tollers with other processers, 
in considering the country of origin of a particular product. However, 
we do not believe it is necessary to codify such a requirement in this 
final rule. Based on experience, most prior scope rulings/substantial 
transformation analyses have not involved tollers or toll processors. 
In addition, Commerce's primary focus in a country of origin analysis 
is the location of the production and/or processing of the product in 
an effort to determine the specific point in the production chain where 
the product's origin is established, regardless of whether the 
production and/or processing are conducted by a toller, and regardless 
of whether the toller is affiliated with the producer or processor. We 
do not wish to overwhelm our country of origin analysis in most cases 
with processor and toller affiliation analyses if such an analysis is 
not helpful to determining the country of origin of a particular 
product. Furthermore, nothing in the final regulation prevents Commerce 
from conducting such an analysis if warranted.

[[Page 52322]]

11. Section 351.225(k)--Scope Rulings

    Section 351.225(k) provides the analysis Commerce utilizes in the 
conduct of a scope inquiry to determine whether a product at issue is 
covered by the scope of an order. We received many comments and 
rebuttal comments on this provision, which we address herein. 
Furthermore, we have determined to make certain edits to the proposed 
regulation to provide greater clarity to this provision.
    The comments which Commerce received on Sec.  351.225(k) focused on 
topics relevant to individual paragraphs (k)(1) through (3).
(a) Section 351.225(k)(1)
    In the proposed revision of Sec.  351.225(k), Commerce 
significantly revised Sec.  351.225(k) introductory text and (k)(1). 
Commerce added a chapeau to the beginning of the provision which 
articulated that Commerce will first and foremost consider the language 
contained in the scope of an AD or CVD order in determining whether or 
not a product is covered by that AD or CVD order. Commerce explained 
that it was adding this language to Sec.  351.225(k) to reflect an 
additional analysis that Commerce had applied in multiple cases, and 
was then affirmed by the Federal Circuit, which is that `` `a predicate 
for the interpretive process is language in the order that is subject 
to interpretation.' The scope of the order can be clarified but it 
cannot be changed by the interpretive process'' and that scope ``orders 
are interpreted under [Sec.  351.225(k)] with the aid of the 
antidumping petition, investigation, and preliminary order.'' \82\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \82\ See Tak Fat Trade Co. v. United States, 396 F.3d 1378, 
1382-1383 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (citing Duferco, 296 F.3d at 1097).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the preamble to the Proposed Rule, Commerce explained that other 
traditional interpretive tools, such as industry usage of a particular 
word or phrase, dictionaries or other record evidence, could be used to 
interpret a scope as well, but, ``in the event of a conflict between 
these interpretive tools or other record evidence and the sources 
identified in paragraph (k)(1), Commerce would adopt the interpretation 
supported by the (k)(1) sources.'' \83\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \83\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49481.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Notably, there appear to be differing views in the Federal Circuit 
as to whether the sources under the current Sec.  351.225(k)(1) are 
used to interpret the ``plain meaning'' of the text of the scope,\84\ 
or whether the plain meaning analysis comes first, and only once a 
determination on the plain meaning is determined, then the current 
Sec.  351.225(k)(1) sources are considered.\85\ Those differing views 
appear to be reflected, as well, in the comments that we received on 
this paragraph. Accordingly, we have modified this provision to provide 
greater clarity on this point in this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \84\ See Fedmet Res. Corp. v. United States, 755 F.3d 912, 918 
(Fed. Cir. 2014) (Fedmet). Under the Federal Circuit's holding in 
Fedmet, because the plain language is ``paramount,'' in ``reviewing 
the plain language of a duty order,'' ``Commerce must consider the 
descriptions of the merchandise contained in the petition, the 
initial investigation, and the determinations of the Secretary 
(including prior determinations) and the Commission.'' See id.
    \85\ See OMG, Inc. v. United States, 972 F.3d 1358, 1363-66 
(Fed. Cir. 2020) (OMG).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Several commenters in their comments and rebuttal comments indicate 
their support for Commerce's inclusion in the proposed Sec.  351.225(k) 
that the language of the scope is paramount in its scope analysis. They 
also agree with Commerce that, in most straightforward cases, the 
agency is not required to consider the four listed (k)(1) interpretive 
sources if such an analysis would waste agency time and resources.
    One commenter argues that Commerce should apply the four sources 
listed under paragraph (k)(1) in every case, no matter the 
straightforward nature of the language in the scope, because such an 
application would bring predictability to Commerce's scope rulings. 
That commenter objects to Commerce's removal of the language ``will 
take into account'' from the current paragraph (k)(1). Several 
commenters in their rebuttal comments disagree with this argument, 
saying consideration of those sources in simple cases would be a waste 
of time and resources for everyone.
    With respect to the arguments about secondary interpretive sources, 
such as Customs rulings and industry usage, one commenter points out 
that subsequent to Commerce's issuance of the proposed regulations, the 
Federal Circuit issued its holding in OMG, which interpreted the 
current regulation in the reverse--finding that under the current 
regulatory hierarchy, dictionaries and other traditional interpretive 
tools should be considered in interpreting the scope of an order before 
the sources in the current paragraph (k)(1).\86\ The commenter stresses 
that such an interpretation ignores the intentions of those who have 
initially drafted the scope language and the petition--the injured 
domestic producers, as well as the understandings of Commerce, the ITC, 
and the domestic producers expressed throughout the underlying 
investigation. Accordingly, it advocates that, rather than just mention 
the hierarchy of interpretive sources in the preamble, Commerce should 
codify that hierarchy in the regulation itself. The commenter argues 
that the ``primacy of the (k)(1) factors over other interpretive tools 
should be clearly articulated in the revised'' Sec.  351.225(k)(1) ``to 
avoid any confusion among parties as to the importance of other 
interpretive tools in defining a scope and to provide clarity for 
courts of review of Commerce's intended policy in scope inquiries.'' 
The commenter states that if Commerce does not codify such a hierarchy, 
a court might ignore the fact that terms defined in a dictionary or 
other interpretive tools might not align with the interpretation of 
those terms as used in the industry at issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \86\ See OMG, 972 F.3d at 1363-66.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In their rebuttal submissions, several other commenters voice their 
agreement that Commerce should codify its hierarchy of interpretive 
tools in the regulation, so that in the future, scopes will not be 
``voided by dictionary definitions and trade usage, contrary to the 
plain language of the scope and (k)(1) sources.'' They argue that such 
an interpretation would be consistent with the Federal Circuit's 
rejection of the primacy of ``external interpretive tools'' such as a 
dictionary over the (k)(1) sources in Meridian Products, where the 
Federal Circuit held that the lower court improperly narrowed the scope 
of the antidumping order by relying on its own findings as to the 
``common and commercial meaning'' of the term ``fastener'' using the 
dictionary.\87\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \87\ See Meridian Prods., LLC v. United States, 890 F.3d 1272, 
1280-1281 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (Meridian Products).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, another commenter in its rebuttal comments challenges the 
majority of commenters who recommend codifying the hierarchy of 
interpretive sources in the regulation, arguing that the ``dictionary 
definitions and industry usage'' should be given more weight, not less, 
than the (k)(1) interpretive sources, as they ``ensure'' an ``objective 
assessment of the manner in which the trade community understands the 
product subject to the Order.'' They note that sometimes the proposed 
scope language in a petition is not the same as the ultimate language 
memorialized in an AD or CVD order, and that if that language is given 
greater weight by Commerce in a scope inquiry than the actual language 
of the scope, as interpreted by a dictionary, such an analysis would 
allow domestic producers to create an ``alternate

[[Page 52323]]

reality,'' arguing interpretations of the scope language which were not 
adopted by Commerce in the scope of the order.
    Response:
    We agree with the commenters that Commerce should have the 
discretion to not consider the current Sec.  351.225(k)(1) sources in 
cases in which it determines that the language of the scope is clear 
and dispositive. However, we also agree with the commenters who argue 
that in most scope inquiries the language of the scope is written in 
more general or broad terms, and, therefore, in the majority of scope 
inquiries, it is likely that the current (k)(1) sources would be 
considered by Commerce in determining if a product is covered by the 
scope of an order in a scope ruling. It is Commerce's understanding 
that the sources listed in current Sec.  351.225(k)(1) were always 
intended to be interpretive tools to understand the plain meaning of 
the scope, recognizing that terms that may have been plain at the time 
they were drafted and adopted upon the issuance of the order could be 
interpreted differently at some later point.
    With respect to the need for codifying the hierarchy of 
interpretive sources, we agree with the commenters who warn that absent 
such codification, a court might rely on a secondary source, such as a 
dictionary definition, to interpret a word or phrase in a manner which 
is inconsistent with the meaning used by the injured domestic industry 
in drafting the proposed scope and petition, and the collective 
interpretation of Commerce, the industry, and the ITC of that term 
expressed in the underlying investigation. We agree with the commenters 
that if we do not incorporate the hierarchy into our regulations, the 
use by courts of ``external interpretive tools,'' rather than the 
current (k)(1) sources, in analyzing Commerce's scope rulings could 
potentially weaken or even undermine the effectiveness of Commerce's 
orders. The purpose of an AD or CVD order is to provide a remedy to 
offset the harm caused by unfairly traded merchandise. Therefore, the 
intentions and interpretations of Commerce, the ITC, and the injured 
domestic parties themselves at the time of the underlying investigation 
should be given primary consideration in defining and interpreting the 
scope of the order.
    On the other hand, we agree with the commenter that argues that a 
proposed scope or petition may differ from the language ultimately 
adopted by Commerce in the final scope of an order, and, under a 
situation such as that one, Commerce may determine that it must not 
only consider the current (k)(1) sources, but additional, secondary 
sources as well.
    In light of all of these comments, we have, therefore, made several 
modifications to the proposed Sec.  351.225(k)(1) provision. First, we 
have moved the proposed chapeau language, which states that the 
language of the scope is dispositive, to paragraph (k)(1). This is 
because it is our belief that the traditional (k)(1) sources were never 
intended by Commerce to be separate from the initial analysis of the 
scope language, but were instead intended to be interpretive tools that 
could be considered by Commerce, at its discretion and under 
consideration of the arguments on the administrative record, to 
determine the meaning of the scope of the order.
    Second, we have modified the numbering of the paragraph and 
incorporated the hierarchy of the interpretive sources into the 
regulation itself. Specifically, using language from the current 
regulations, paragraph (k)(1) now states that, if Commerce determines 
that the language of the scope is not itself dispositive (i.e., it is 
not dispositive using no interpretive tools whatsoever), Commerce may 
take into account the identified primary interpretive sources, which 
are the traditional (k)(1) sources, in determining if the language is 
dispositive and the scope covers the product at issue. Those sources 
(in paragraph (k)(1)(i)) are then followed by a paragraph (paragraph 
(k)(1)(ii)) which states that Commerce may consider secondary 
interpretive sources such as other Commerce or ITC determinations not 
included in the primary interpretive sources, Customs rulings or 
determinations, industry usage, dictionaries, and any other relevant 
record evidence. This language provides clarity in that it 
distinguishes primary interpretive sources from secondary interpretive 
sources, and affirmatively acknowledges that Commerce may consider 
secondary sources in its scope inquiries under certain scenarios. The 
revised language uses the terms ``may'' and ``discretion'' to be clear 
that Commerce is not required to consider any of these sources in this 
manner if it believes the record does not warrant such a hierarchical 
consideration. We recognize that Commerce has always had the authority 
under the AD and CVD laws to consider secondary sources in interpreting 
the scope of AD and CVD orders, but we believe in light of our 
experience over the last 20 years that it is better to include 
reference to those sources in the regulations to avoid the possibility 
of confusion going forward and to describe the hierarchy of 
interpretive sources clearly.
    Third, we have also codified language in this final rule which 
addresses a conflict between the primary and secondary interpretive 
sources, providing that the primary interpretive sources will normally 
govern in determining whether a product is covered by the scope of the 
order at issue. We have used the word ``normally'' in this provision 
because, as one commenter points out, there may be limited scenarios in 
which, under a certain set of facts, Commerce might elect to give 
greater weight to certain secondary sources. For example, a commenter 
has provided a hypothetical in which the proposed scope and petition 
contain language different from that of the ultimate order, and the 
other current (k)(1) sources provide no further guidance. Under those 
hypothetical facts, Commerce might determine it acceptable to give more 
weight to a secondary source, presuming that the secondary source is 
informative.
    Finally, in making these modifications, Commerce also determined 
that it would be beneficial to provide some clarity on the descriptions 
of the (k)(1) sources. For paragraphs (k)(1)(i)(A), (B), and (D), we 
have added language to clarify that the petition language, 
investigation language, and ITC determinations considered under (k)(1) 
all pertain to the order at issue. While this may seem obvious, we have 
concluded that it is appropriate to add that language to distinguish 
those sources from paragraph (k)(1)(i)(C), which includes 
determinations not always applicable to the order at issue. 
Specifically, we have modified paragraph (k)(1)(i)(C) to clarify that 
both previous or concurrent Commerce scope determinations may be 
considered by Commerce as part of its analysis, including prior scope 
rulings, memoranda, or clarifications which pertain to both the order 
at issue, as well as other orders with the same or similar language as 
that of the order at issue. This change reflects Commerce's practice 
and interpretation of that provision over the years, and shows that 
unlike the other three primary sources, this primary source includes 
scope determinations, such as scope rulings and scope clarifications, 
from other proceedings addressing similar language used in the scopes 
of different orders that sometimes cover the same or similar physical 
merchandise from other countries. We have found it valuable over the 
years to consider such determinations as part of our scope inquiry 
analysis.

[[Page 52324]]

(b) Section 351.225(k)(2)
    Section 351.225(k)(2) describes the factors Commerce considers if 
it finds that the sources listed under Sec.  351.225(k)(1) are still 
not dispositive as to whether or not the particular product is covered 
by the scope of an order. In the preamble to the Proposed Rule, 
Commerce explained that under Sec.  351.225(k)(2), it was ``Commerce's 
intent that the first factor--the characteristics of the product, 
including the technical, physical, or chemical characteristics of the 
product--may be given greater weight than the other factors. 
Nonetheless, Commerce should consider each of the factors in making its 
determination under paragraph (k)(2).'' \88\ One of the commenters 
objects to this ``change'' and argues that Commerce should consider all 
of the factors equally, and that ``placing more importance on one 
factor skews'' Commerce's scope analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \88\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49481.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    We have made some changes to the language of Sec.  351.225(k)(2) to 
clarify that Commerce will conduct its analysis under this paragraph 
only if the (k)(1) factors are not dispositive. Further, we have also 
modified the paragraph (k)(2)(i) factor to bring the term ``physical 
characteristics'' into conformity with the way it is used in other 
parts of the regulation (i.e., physical characteristics (including 
chemical, dimensional, and technical characteristics)). In addition, we 
have adopted minor numbering changes.
    In addition, we have revised Sec.  351.225(k)(2)(i)(B) to clarify 
that Commerce considers the expectations of the ultimate users, instead 
of the expectations of the ultimate purchasers. This is because we have 
found in our practice that there are sometimes cases in which it is not 
the expectations of purchasers, but the expectations of the ultimate 
users of a product which inform whether or not a product was intended 
to be included in the scope of an order. There are several reasons an 
entity might purchase a product, including (for example) as an 
investment or as a gift, but in neither of those scenarios would the 
purchaser's activities necessarily inform whether or not the product is 
subject to an order. On the other hand, as Sec.  351.225(k)(2)(i)(C) 
(the ultimate use of the product) informs us, it is the expectations of 
the ultimate user which better informs us as to whether or not a 
product was intended to be included in the scope of an order. We also 
note that Sec.  351.225(k)(2)(i)(B) and (C) are distinguishable 
because, as a factual matter, the expectations of a user do not always 
align with the actual, ultimate use of the product.
    In response to the comment on our prioritization of the first 
(k)(2) factor, we disagree that such an interpretation is inconsistent 
with our current practice. Indeed, when there is a conflict between the 
five factors listed under (k)(2), it has been Commerce's consistent 
practice to give greater weight to our analysis of the physical 
characteristics of the particular product. This is because the scopes 
of orders are generally written to cover products with certain physical 
characteristics, and it is an established principle in our scope 
practice that the objective characteristics of merchandise, including 
the physical descriptions of merchandise, should be given greater 
weight in case of a conflict between the factors under consideration. 
This is distinguishable from other factors, such as the expectations of 
the ultimate users under (k)(2)(i)(B) or the manner in which a product 
is advertised, and displayed under (k)(2)(i)(E), which might 
incorporate elements such as ``intended end use'' or ``design'' into 
Commerce's analysis, but also by their nature lend themselves to a more 
subjective outcome. Nonetheless, although this is Commerce's general 
practice, we also recognize that there could be scenarios in which 
Commerce considers and determines that the physical characteristic 
factor should not be given greater weight in its analysis. Thus, it is 
our policy to ``normally,'' but not always, give greater weight to the 
physical characteristics factor as part of our (k)(2) analysis if there 
is a conflict between the five listed factors.
    Because this comment suggests that Commerce's practice in this area 
may not be well-known or understood, we have, therefore, added to 
paragraph (k)(2)(ii) a sentence which clarifies that in the event of a 
conflict between the five listed factors under paragraph (k)(2)(i), 
paragraph (k)(2)(i)(A) will normally be allotted greater weight than 
the other factors.
(c) Section 351.225(k)(3)
    Commerce proposed a codification of its analysis of component parts 
of larger products, colloquially referred to as its ``mixed-media 
analysis'' (i.e., subject merchandise assembled or packaged with non-
subject merchandise), in a new Sec.  351.225(k)(3) in the Proposed 
Rule.
    One commenter argues that Commerce's mixed-media test ``lacks 
sufficient clarity'' to allow importers ``to discern reliably whether 
particular merchandise will be found to be within the scope of an order 
through the operation of this provision.'' The commenter, therefore, 
argues that Commerce should provide more definitive factors in Sec.  
351.225(k)(3), which Commerce will consider in determining if a mixed 
media analysis should be applied, and that Commerce should remove the 
term ``as appropriate'' in this paragraph to provide more certainty for 
exporters and importers.
    Another commenter asks Commerce to explain how a party should 
establish the value of the components at issue under Sec.  
351.225(k)(3)(ii), arguing that importers may only have the price of 
the good as a whole available to them, so that they would be unable to 
report the value of the component to CBP for purposes of suspending 
and/or collecting AD or CVDs.
    In a rebuttal, a third commenter states that it disagrees that 
Commerce should list definitive factors under this provision, arguing 
that it is important that Commerce retain flexibility in applying the 
mixed-media factors because all products are different, and, therefore, 
its test should be able to adapt to the products under consideration.
    Response:
    We agree with one commenter that paragraph (k)(3) as proposed 
required a certain amount of revision to more clearly reflect 
Commerce's mixed-media analysis. Accordingly, we have taken the three 
sentences as proposed, and reformatted the paragraph to reflect the 
sequential steps of the analysis. We have also revised some of the 
language used to describe the analysis. First, under paragraph 
(k)(3)(i), Commerce analyzes the component of the merchandise as a 
whole under paragraph (k)(1) and, if necessary, under (k)(2). If, after 
review under those provisions, Commerce determines that the component, 
taken alone, would not be covered by the scope of the order, then the 
inquiry ends. However, if the component, taken alone, would be covered 
by the scope of the order, under those provisions, then, under 
paragraph (k)(3)(ii), Commerce will analyze the scope under (k)(1) to 
determine whether the component product's inclusion in the merchandise 
as a whole would result in the component product being excluded from 
the order. Finally, if Commerce determines the analysis under 
(k)(3)(ii) does not resolve whether the component product's inclusion 
in the merchandise as a whole results in its exclusion from the scope 
of the order, then, under paragraph (k)(3)(iii), Commerce will consider 
additional relevant factors on a product-specific basis, including 
those explicitly listed.

[[Page 52325]]

    In addition, we also agree with the commenter that the first factor 
listed in Commerce's mixed-media analysis, as proposed, should also be 
clarified. The term ``practicability'' in factor (i) is a general and 
undefined term. Accordingly, we have modified that factor to explain 
that Commerce will consider the relative difficulty and expense of 
separating components as part of its analysis of whether or not 
separation is practicable--which Commerce has historically considered 
as part of this analysis.
    Next, in response to concerns about how Commerce values an in-scope 
component, we must emphasize that a determination of how to measure the 
value of such a component is a case-specific analysis. Some merchandise 
as a whole might be extremely valuable when the component is included, 
even if the component, individually, is commercially inexpensive. Other 
merchandise as a whole does not undergo much of a change in value 
without the in-scope component, while the in-scope component might 
actually be quite valuable. Because such an analysis is case-specific, 
we will not include additional guidance in the regulation on this 
factor. We understand that the commenter's primary concern is the 
knowledge of unaffiliated importers with respect to this factor. We 
cannot speak to the chain of knowledge between an importer and the 
producer of the imported merchandise, except to note, as we have 
explained above, that there is an expectation that importers should be 
able to obtain relevant information pertaining to the importation of 
the product at issue and should have familiarity with the U.S. AD/CVD 
laws which apply, or potentially apply, to that merchandise. With or 
without that information or knowledge, the importers understand that 
they take on certain risks when importing the product at issue. These 
regulations are intended to direct and guide parties on Commerce's 
mixed-media analysis, so that they may make informed decisions 
regarding whether to import merchandise potentially subject to an AD 
and/or CVD order. This final rule serves as notice to parties of 
Commerce's intent to apply this analysis, as warranted, when examining 
such mixed-media products.
    Finally, we disagree with the commenter that argues that we should 
remove the language ``as appropriate'' from this provision. While we 
believe that, under most scenarios, the three enumerated factors listed 
in paragraph (k)(3)(iii) should be sufficient, we also believe that it 
is possible that, in some cases, additional factors might be relevant 
to our analysis. We agree with the commenter who states that it is 
important that Commerce retain flexibility in applying the mixed-media 
analysis. We, therefore, determine that it is best to leave the 
opportunity for consideration of additional factors ``as appropriate'' 
in the regulation.

12. Section 351.225(l)--Suspension of Liquidation

    As discussed in the Proposed Rule, in the context of a formal scope 
inquiry, current paragraph (l) allows for Commerce to direct CBP to 
begin the suspension of liquidation of unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended which entered on or after the date of initiation of the scope 
inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits, at the time of a 
preliminary or final scope ruling, whichever is applicable, determining 
that the product is covered by the scope of an order. The current 
regulation does not address unliquidated entries not yet suspended 
which pre-date the date of initiation of the formal scope inquiry.\89\ 
Furthermore, the Act does not provide direction to Commerce regarding 
the suspension of liquidation of entries subject to a scope inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \89\ Id. at 49481-84.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under paragraph (l) in the Proposed Rule, among other changes, 
Commerce proposed to eliminate the distinction between formal and 
informal scope inquiries so that all scope inquiries would be conducted 
by a formal initiation. In addition, Commerce proposed that, at the 
time of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the 
product is covered by scope of an order, Commerce would direct CBP to 
begin suspension of liquidation for any unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended and collect applicable cash deposits.\90\ After consideration 
of comments on the Proposed Rule, Commerce is adopting certain changes 
to paragraph (l) in this final rule. In addition, Commerce is making a 
number of revisions to paragraph (l) on its own initiative. For 
clarity, we describe all revisions made to paragraph (l) in these 
introductory paragraphs before summarizing and addressing comments 
below. Also discussed herein are the specific applicability dates for 
paragraph (l) as referenced in the Applicability Dates section of this 
preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \90\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Paragraph (l)(1), which describes Commerce's actions at the time of 
initiation of a scope inquiry, is slightly revised from the Proposed 
Rule as discussed below. Additionally, as discussed further below, 
Commerce is altering paragraphs (l)(2) and (3), which describe 
Commerce's actions at the time of a preliminary or final scope ruling 
determining that the product is covered by the scope of an order. 
Paragraph (l)(4), which describes Commerce's actions in the event of a 
negative final scope ruling, remains unchanged from the Proposed Rule. 
Lastly, Commerce is adding a new provision, paragraph (l)(5), to 
include specific reference to CBP's authority.
    Minor revisions have been made to paragraphs (l)(1), (l)(2)(i), and 
(l)(3)(i) from the Proposed Rule. Specifically, paragraph (l)(2)(i) 
provides that, at the time of a preliminary scope ruling determining 
that the product is covered by the scope of an order, Commerce will 
direct CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of previously 
suspended entries, but removes express reference to entries previously 
suspended as directed by paragraph (l)(1). Under paragraph (l)(1), 
Commerce does not direct CBP to suspend liquidation at the time of 
initiation of the scope inquiry; rather, under paragraph (l)(1), 
Commerce directs CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of 
entries subject to the scope inquiry that were already subject to the 
suspension of liquidation and to collect the applicable cash 
deposits.\91\ As an initial matter, CBP has independent authority to 
suspend liquidation.\92\ Therefore, prior to a scope inquiry, entries 
may be previously suspended for a number of reasons, for example, 
because the importer declared the merchandise as subject to the order 
(e.g., Type 03 or Type 07), or CBP directed the importer to refile an 
entry that was previously declared as not subject to the order (e.g., 
Type 01) to an entry type indicating it is covered by an AD and/or CVD

[[Page 52326]]

order.\93\ Thus, to avoid any unintended confusion regarding the 
underlying basis for suspension of liquidation of previously suspended 
entries, the reference to paragraph (l)(1) is removed from paragraph 
(l)(2)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \91\ The phrase ``until appropriate liquidation instructions are 
issued'' from the Proposed Rule is removed in paragraph (l)(1) 
(which refers to continued suspension of liquidation) as such 
language is unnecessary and redundant. The relevant language is 
retained in paragraph (l)(3) as discussed below.
    \92\ As part of its statutory responsibility ``to fix the amount 
of duty owed on imported goods[,]'' CBP ``is both empowered and 
obligated to determine in the first instance whether goods are 
subject to existing [AD/CVD orders].'' Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514(b) 
(section 514 of the Act), this ``determination is then `final and 
conclusive' unless an interested party seeks a scope ruling from 
Commerce (which ruling would then be reviewable pursuant to [19 
U.S.C. 1516a]).'' See TR International, 433 F. Supp. at 1341 (citing 
Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1318) (referencing section 516 of the Act). 
The Federal Circuit has confirmed that CBP has authority to order 
suspension of liquidation pursuant to its authority if it determines 
that an AD/CVD order applies to the imported goods. See Sunpreme, 
946 F.3d at 1317-18.
    \93\ For further information, see discussion of new paragraph 
(l)(5) below. For a list of entry types, including those identifying 
the entries as subject to AD or CVD duties, see, ``CBP Form 7501: 
Summary,'' available at https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/cbp-form-7501 (last visited June 9, 
2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similar edits have been made to paragraph (l)(3)(i) by removing a 
reference to entries previously suspended ``as directed under'' 
paragraphs (l)(1) and/or (l)(2). Under paragraph (l)(2)(ii) (as further 
discussed below), if Commerce issues a preliminary scope ruling 
determining that the product is covered by the scope of an order, 
Commerce will direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of 
certain entries. Therefore, at the time of a final scope ruling, 
entries may be previously suspended for the reasons described above, or 
because of Commerce's instruction to CBP to begin the suspension of 
liquidation of certain entries at the time of the preliminary scope 
ruling. To avoid confusion regarding the underlying basis for 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries, the 
reference to paragraphs (l)(1) and/or (l)(2) is removed from paragraph 
(l)(3)(i).
    Revised paragraph (l)(3)(i) eliminates potentially confusing 
language regarding entries subject to suspension of liquidation as a 
result of another segment of a proceeding, and revised paragraphs 
(l)(3)(i) and (ii) eliminate references to liquidation instructions 
issued pursuant to Sec. Sec.  351.212 and 351.213. There may be a 
number of reasons why entries may already be subject to suspension of 
liquidation in any given scope inquiry in which Commerce issues a final 
scope ruling determining that the product is covered by the scope of an 
order, and Commerce cannot immediately instruct CBP to lift suspension 
of liquidation and assess final duties. This includes, for example, an 
ongoing administrative review, or a pending circumvention inquiry or 
covered merchandise inquiry. Therefore, we find that a simple reference 
to continued suspension until appropriate liquidation instructions are 
issued in paragraph (l)(3) will account for various scenarios. In 
addition, the language in new paragraph (l)(5) will provide added 
clarification regarding CBP's authority in relation to the framework 
established by Commerce under paragraph (l). Commerce intends to 
provide more details, as needed, in its individual instructions to CBP 
for a given case.
    On the other hand, we note that we have retained similar language 
in paragraph (l)(4) to provide that when Commerce issues a final scope 
ruling determining that the product is not covered by the scope of an 
order, entries subject to suspension of liquidation as a result of 
another segment of a proceeding will remain suspended until the other 
segment of the proceeding has concluded. This is because, as discussed 
in other parts of Sec. Sec.  351.225, 351.226, and 351.227, it is 
possible that there could be a pending circumvention or covered 
merchandise inquiry on the same product at the time Commerce issues its 
final scope ruling. Therefore, to avoid confusion in this particular 
scenario, this language is retained in paragraph (l)(4).
    Paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii) clarify and maintain the 
status quo of the current regulation to provide that, at the time of a 
preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the product is 
covered by the scope of an order, Commerce will direct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation of any unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended, which entered on or after the date of initiation of the 
scope inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits. Paragraphs 
(l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii) also retain language from the current 
regulation regarding entries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption, to maintain consistency with this long-standing language 
and to avoid confusion.
    New paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A) provide that, at 
the time of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the 
product is covered by the scope of an order, Commerce normally will 
direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of unliquidated 
entries not yet suspended, which entered before the date of initiation 
of the scope inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits. This 
includes any unliquidated entries back to the first date of suspension 
under the order that remain unliquidated at the time of the preliminary 
or final scope ruling. However, new paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(B) and 
(l)(3)(iii)(B) provide an exception that, if Commerce determines it is 
appropriate to do so, Commerce may direct CBP to begin suspension of 
liquidation and application of cash deposits to merchandise entering at 
an alternative date. Under this framework, Commerce may consider upon 
timely request of an interested party or at its discretion whether such 
suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits, also 
referred to as retroactive suspension, should not be applied to certain 
entries which pre-date the date of initiation. In response to a timely 
request from an interested party, Commerce will only consider directing 
CBP to begin suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits 
to merchandise entering at an alternative date based on a specific 
argument by the interested party supported by evidence establishing the 
appropriateness of that alternative date. These provisions are further 
explained below in response to comments. New paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and 
(l)(3)(iii) also retain language from the current regulation regarding 
entries entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, to 
maintain consistency with this long-standing language and to avoid 
confusion.
    Lastly, new paragraph (l)(5) provides language to clarify CBP's 
authority to take related action. Specifically, this language clarifies 
that the revised framework established by Commerce in Sec.  351.225 do 
not affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect 
to the suspension of liquidation or related measures. As discussed 
above, CBP has independent authority to suspend liquidation of entries 
that CBP determines are within the scope of an AD or CVD order, and 
such determinations are ``final and conclusive'' unless appealed to 
Commerce through a request for a scope ruling.\94\ Additionally, there 
may be entries of products subject to a scope inquiry that CBP has 
liquidated but for which liquidation is not yet final (e.g., entries 
under protest pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1514) or for which CBP has extended 
liquidation (e.g., pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1504(b)). Consistent with 
current practice and in accordance with CBP's statutory and regulatory 
authorities, Commerce expects that CBP may stay its action on these 
entries during the course of the scope inquiry.\95\

[[Page 52327]]

This language also clarifies that any instructions issued by Commerce 
directing CBP to ``lift suspension of liquidation'' and assess duties 
at the applicable AD/CVD rate would not limit CBP's ability to: (1) 
Suspend liquidation/assess duties/take any other measures pursuant to 
CBP's EAPA investigation authority under section 517 of the Act 
specifically; or (2) suspend liquidation/assess duties/take any other 
action within CBP's or HSI's authority with respect to AD/CVD 
entries.\96\
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    \94\ See Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1317-18 (citing 19 U.S.C. 1500(c) 
and 1514(b); sections 500(c) and 514(b) of the Act); TR 
International, 433 F. Supp. 3d at 1341; and Fujitsu, 957 F. Supp. at 
248. Section 517 of the Act (concerning CBP's civil administrative 
investigations of duty evasion of AD/CVD orders) also authorizes CBP 
to suspend liquidation of entries for which it has reasonable 
suspicion, or, in the case of final determination, substantial 
evidence, that covered merchandise is entered into the United States 
through evasion under section 517(e) and (d) of the Act.
    \95\ This is consistent with the Federal Circuit's decision in 
Thyssenkrupp Steel North America, Inc. v. United States, 886 F.3d 
1215 (Fed. Cir. 2018). In Thyssenkrupp, the Federal Circuit 
recognized that instructions revoking an antidumping duty order 
superseded previously issued liquidation instructions, as of the 
effective date of the revocation, and applied to entries under 
protest that entered the United States after the effective date of 
the revocation. Id. at 1223-27. The Federal Circuit explained that 
this ``serves the purpose of the protest mechanism--to allow agency 
consideration of issues after an initial liquidation determination--
and respects the longstanding principle . . . that newly governing 
law, if retroactive to particular events, is to be applied to those 
events in ordinary, timely initiated direct-review proceedings.'' 
Id. at 1224. A similar point was recognized in TR International, 433 
F. Supp. 3d at 1344-46, currently on appeal, concerning CBP's 
potential application of a Commerce scope ruling to entries under 
protest.
    \96\ Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has the authority to 
investigate criminal violations related to illegal evasion of 
payment of required duties, including payment of AD/CVDs. See, e.g., 
18 U.S.C. 542.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    There is one clarification to this revised regulatory framework as 
referenced above in the DATES section regarding the effective date and 
in the Applicability Dates section of this preamble. As stated above, 
amendments to Sec.  351.225 apply to scope inquiries for which a scope 
ruling application is filed, as well as any scope inquiry self-
initiated by Commerce, on or after the effective date for the 
amendments to Sec.  351.225 identified in the DATES section. However, 
Commerce will not apply paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) in a way 
that would direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of 
unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption prior to this effective date. For example, 
should Commerce initiate a scope inquiry and issue a preliminary or 
final scope ruling that the product is covered by the scope of an 
order:
     Commerce will instruct CBP to begin the suspension of 
liquidation and application of cash deposits for any unliquidated 
entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption, on or after the date of initiation of the scope inquiry 
pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii); and
     Commerce normally will instruct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits for any 
unliquidated entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption, prior to the date of initiation of the 
scope inquiry, but not for such entries prior to the effective date 
identified in the DATES section, pursuant to paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and 
(l)(3)(iii).
    In other words, the furthest retroactive suspension directed by 
Commerce that could apply under this framework is to unliquidated 
entries not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption, on or after the effective date identified in the DATES 
section. This is consistent with the language of paragraphs 
(l)(2)(iii)(B) and (l)(3)(iii)(B) that allows for Commerce to alter the 
date for which the suspension of liquidation should begin under this 
provision at its discretion. Thus, when applying paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) 
and (l)(3)(iii) in a given scope inquiry, Commerce will include the 
appropriate clarifying language regarding the effective date identified 
in the DATES section in the preliminary and final scope rulings and 
corresponding instructions to CBP. That being said, as expressly stated 
in paragraph (l)(5), this framework does not affect CBP's authority to 
take any additional action with respect to the suspension of 
liquidation or related measures. Nor will this framework apply to scope 
ruling applications filed or scope inquiries self-initiated by Commerce 
before the effective date identified in the DATES section.
    This application will be limited in practice; as detailed in the 
Proposed Rule, CBP normally will liquidate entries declared as non-
subject to AD/CVDs within one year of entry. Therefore, we expect that 
only within the first year after the effective date identified in the 
DATES section will there be entries that remain unliquidated and not 
yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, 
prior to the effective date.
    To be clear, entries that are already suspended as of the effective 
date identified in the DATES section, will be subject to the continued 
suspension of liquidation under paragraph (l)(1), which provides that, 
at the time of initiation of a scope inquiry, Commerce will instruct 
CBP to continue the suspension of previously suspended entries and 
apply the applicable cash deposit rate. Similarly, entries that are 
already suspended as of the effective date identified in the DATES 
section will be subject to the continued suspension of liquidation 
under paragraphs (l)(2)(i) and (l)(3)(i), which provide that, at the 
time of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the 
product is covered by the scope of an order, Commerce will instruct CBP 
to continue the suspension of previously suspended entries and apply 
the applicable cash deposit rate. These entries will retain their 
status quo from before the effective date to after the effective date. 
Specifically, current paragraph (l)(1), as well as current paragraphs 
(l)(2) and (3), require continued suspension of previously suspended 
entries both at the time of initiation of a scope inquiry and in the 
event of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the 
product is covered by the scope of an order.
    As noted above, Commerce received numerous comments on paragraph 
(l). Summaries of those comments, and responses to those comments, are 
provided below.
(a) Retroactive Suspension of Liquidation
    As described above, among other changes, Commerce proposed to 
eliminate the distinction between formal and informal scope inquiries 
in the Proposed Rule, so that all scope inquiries would be conducted by 
a formal initiation. In addition, Commerce proposed that, at the time 
of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the product is 
covered by the scope of an order, Commerce would direct CBP to begin 
suspension of liquidation for any unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended retroactive to the first date of suspension under the 
relevant order, and collect applicable cash deposits. Therefore, the 
key distinction between the current regulation and what was proposed is 
that the current regulation imposes a ``cut-off'' of the initiation 
date of the scope inquiry--the proposed regulation would have removed 
this limitation so that any unliquidated entries found within the scope 
of the order would be subject to duties, not just those that entered on 
or after the initiation date.
    Several commenters support the proposal to apply affirmative scope 
rulings to all unliquidated entries dating back to the first date of 
suspension under the order. Certain of these commenters agree that by 
eliminating the distinction between formal and informal scope 
inquiries, Commerce makes clear that an affirmative scope ruling means 
that the product has always been subject to the order. One commenter 
argues that the proposal will address serious duty evasion issues and 
will foster uniformity in the enforcement of AD/CVD laws no matter what 
type of scope inquiry is conducted. This commenter also agrees with 
Commerce's statement in the Proposed Rule that, at the time Commerce 
issues an affirmative preliminary or final scope ruling, it is unlikely 
that there will be any

[[Page 52328]]

unliquidated entries more than one year old other than those already 
suspended.
    Another commenter argues that the proposed changes are necessary 
because, while scope rulings do not expand the scope of an order, the 
Federal Circuit has foreclosed Commerce from applying scope rulings to 
all unliquidated entries in instances where Commerce issues a scope 
ruling based on the application under the current regulations.\97\ 
According to this commenter, the proposal results in the common-sense 
proposition that AD/CVDs should be collected on all in-scope 
merchandise regardless of when a scope inquiry was initiated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \97\ See Fasteners, 947 F.3d at 800-03.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Roughly the same number (12) of commenters to those above, oppose 
the Proposed Rule regarding retroactive suspension in scope inquiries. 
These commenters raise the issue of fairness; in particular, they argue 
that there is a significant duty liability risk to importers that are 
genuinely unaware their products may be within the scope of an order.
    In addition to fairness concerns, certain of these commenters raise 
concerns regarding notice and due process and argue that assessing 
duties retroactively when the language of an order is unclear is a 
violation of due process and creates uncertainty for importers. Certain 
of these commenters argue that product scope language should be as 
precise and clear as possible from the beginning and that clarification 
of ambiguous scope language should be applicable at the time of 
initiation of the scope inquiry because, otherwise, retroactive duty 
liability presents an incalculable risk and significant uncertainty to 
parties. Certain commenters also argue that scope rulings should be 
published in the Federal Register so that all interested parties 
affected have the same level of information and can defend their 
interests, or available on Commerce's website. Another of these 
commenters argues that, as held by the Federal Circuit, a scope ruling 
does not confirm the scope of an order, but clarifies an unclear 
scope.\98\ This commenter argues that parties should not be penalized 
for relying on scope language that does not clearly cover merchandise, 
and also expresses support for providing notice of initiation of a 
scope inquiry via the Federal Register. Another commenter argues that 
the Proposed Rule would encourage ambiguity in scope language and 
prevent importers from making appropriate business plans.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \98\ Id., 947 F.3d at 803.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A few commenters also argue that Commerce alleges, without citing 
any specific past examples of such activity by importers, that the 
existing approach in the current regulations encourages gamesmanship, 
delay, and duty evasion based on a view that importers fail to do their 
due diligence, are aware of the potential liability, and would not seek 
a scope ruling so as to avoid payment of AD/CVDs. These commenters 
claim that the proposal would result in negligent importers not seeking 
a scope ruling at all if doing so would imply that all unliquidated 
entries could be subject to AD/CVDs.
    Another commenter argues that Commerce's premise in the Proposed 
Rule that the AD/CVD order constitutes notice that unspecified products 
may be in-scope is flawed because scope language may not be clear, and 
allowing for retroactive suspension would only serve to correct the 
petitioner's own errors or neglect when finalizing scope language in 
the investigation.
    Finally, two commenters oppose the proposal to apply affirmative 
scope rulings to all unliquidated entries dating back to the first date 
of suspension under the order because it would deprive parties of the 
ability to request an administrative review of entries later found to 
be subject to an AD/CVD order. One of these commenters notes that, in 
certain scenarios, importers would have no ability to request an 
administrative review to lower their liability for entries later 
determined to be subject to an order. The other commenter proposes that 
a review would need to be conducted outside of the normal 
administrative review process, as often the time for requesting such 
reviews will have elapsed by the time Commerce issues a final scope 
ruling. According to this commenter, absent such a process, the 
proposal would likely be violative of the Excessive Fines clause of the 
8th Amendment.
    Response:
    As discussed above, after consideration of these comments, Commerce 
is adopting a number of key changes to paragraph (l).
    First, Commerce is adopting changes to paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) to 
clarify and maintain the status quo of the current regulation with 
respect to unliquidated entries not yet suspended which entered on or 
after the date of initiation of the scope inquiry. Specifically, 
paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii) provide that, at the time of a 
preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the product is 
covered by the scope of an order, Commerce will direct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation of any unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended, which entered on or after the date of initiation of the 
scope inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits.
    Second, Commerce is adopting changes to paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) 
with respect to unliquidated entries not yet suspended which entered 
before the date of initiation of the scope inquiry. Specifically, 
paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A) provide that, at the time 
of a preliminary or final scope ruling determining that the product is 
covered by the scope of an order, Commerce normally will direct CBP to 
begin the suspension of liquidation of unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended, which entered before the date of initiation of the scope 
inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits. This includes any 
unliquidated entries back to the first date of suspension under the 
order that remain unliquidated at the time of the preliminary or final 
scope ruling.\99\ However, new paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(B) and 
(l)(3)(iii)(B) provide an exception that, if Commerce determines it is 
appropriate to do so, Commerce may direct CBP to begin suspension of 
liquidation and application of cash deposits to merchandise entering at 
an alternative date. Under this framework, Commerce may consider upon a 
timely request of an interested party or at its discretion whether such 
suspension of liquidation and application of cash deposits, also 
referred to as retroactive suspension, should not be applied to certain 
entries which pre-date the date of initiation. In response to a timely 
request from an interested party, Commerce will employ a heightened 
standard and will only consider directing CBP to begin suspension of 
liquidation and application of cash deposits to merchandise entering at 
an alternative date based on a specific argument by the interested 
party supported by evidence establishing the appropriateness of that 
alternative date. This would require, for instance, specific 
identification of the interested parties and entries at issue and the 
circumstances surrounding the

[[Page 52329]]

declaration of the entries as non-AD/CVD type entries. Broad, non-
specific arguments concerning general unfairness or lack of notice that 
are not concrete or particular to the interested party or entries at 
issue would not be sufficient. In addition, Commerce may consult with 
CBP as necessary under this provision.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \99\ As stated above in the discussion of new paragraph (l)(5), 
consistent with current practice and in accordance with CBP's 
statutory and regulatory authorities, CBP may stay its action on 
entries of products that CBP has liquidated but for which 
liquidation is not yet final pending the outcome of a scope inquiry. 
Additionally, any instructions issued by Commerce directing CBP to 
``lift suspension of liquidation'' and assess duties at the 
applicable AD/CVD rate would not limit CBP's ability to (1) suspend 
liquidation/assess duties/take any other measures pursuant to CBP's 
EAPA investigation authority under section 517 of the Act 
specifically, or (2) suspend liquidation/assess duties/take any 
other action within CBP's or HSI's authority with respect to AD/CVD 
entries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As Commerce stated in the Proposed Rule, and as set forth in 
paragraph (a) of Sec.  351.225, a scope ruling that a product is within 
the scope of the order is a determination that the product has always 
been within the scope of the order. Therefore, one of Commerce's 
objectives in crafting suspension of liquidation rules for scope 
inquiries is to ensure that AD/CVDs are applied to all unliquidated 
entries of products found within the scope of the order, including 
entries that may pre-date the date of initiation of the scope inquiry.
    As a general matter, producers, exporters, and importers are 
already notified that their products may be covered by the scope of an 
order through the publication in the Federal Register of Commerce's 
determinations and/or order, which provides a description of the 
subject merchandise and any associated Harmonized Tariff Schedule of 
the United States (HTSUS) categories.\100\ As discussed in further 
detail below under the discussion of Sec.  351.226(l), importers are 
generally expected to perform their due diligence and exercise 
reasonable care, which would include understanding the imported product 
and reviewing prior Federal Register notices relevant to the product. 
Furthermore, an importer of a product under an HTSUS category that is 
associated with an AD/CVD order would be faced with a particular 
responsibility to ensure whether the product is subject to an AD/CVD 
order. Additionally, exporters, producers, and importers are able to 
ask Commerce at any time for a scope ruling on any product that is in 
actual production (regardless of whether it has yet been sold or 
exported to the United States). To the extent that a party is unclear 
as to whether a product falls within the scope of the order, the onus 
is on that party to request a scope ruling, and to seek such a scope 
ruling in an expeditious manner.\101\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \100\ The Federal Circuit has recognized that Federal Register 
notices are treated as legally effective notices in a wide range of 
circumstances. See Suntec Indus. Co. v. United States, 857 F.3d 
1363, 1370 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (Suntec). In certain cases, the courts 
have determined that a party that did not receive actual notice 
nonetheless received constructive notice of an event through the 
publication of a Federal Register notice. Id. In Suntec, the Federal 
Circuit found that publication of a notice of initiation of an 
administrative review in the Federal Register constituted notice to 
Suntec as a matter of law, despite the fact that the domestic 
industry failed to serve Suntec directly with its request that 
Commerce conduct an administrative review of Suntec. Id.
    \101\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49481.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This is particularly the case where a party has been alerted by CBP 
that the entries may be subject to an AD/CVD order, and advised to seek 
a scope ruling from Commerce.\102\ Moreover, as explained above, 
``Commerce, not Customs, has authority to clarify the scope of AD/CVD 
orders[ . ]'' \103\ Accordingly, producers, exporters, and importers of 
products found to be within the scope of an order generally cannot 
claim ignorance or reliance on another agency's determinations or 
actions to avoid the application of Commerce's scope ruling to their 
merchandise. Thus, establishing a rule that normally applies 
retroactive suspension in scope inquiries will encourage parties to 
maintain a reasonable awareness of whether the product they are 
producing, exporting, or importing is subject to an AD/CVD order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \102\ In such a scenario, CBP may agree not to convert the entry 
to an AD/CVD type entry at that time, and instead to extend 
liquidation for the entry while the party seeks a scope ruling from 
Commerce.
    \103\ See Wirth, 5 F. Supp. 2d at 973.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, as discussed in the Proposed Rule, and as supported by 
numerous commenters, in crafting its rules regarding suspension of 
liquidation in scope inquiries, Commerce is particularly concerned with 
gamesmanship, delay, and duty evasion if foreign producers and 
exporters, as well as U.S. importers, believe that all entries not 
already suspended prior to the date on which Commerce initiates a scope 
inquiry are essentially excused from AD/CVDs, even if Commerce finds 
through the scope inquiry that the product has always been within the 
scope of the order. Under such a system, importers would have an 
incentive to import as much merchandise as possible prior to requesting 
a scope ruling to avoid potential AD/CVD liability. If Commerce found 
the product at issue is not covered by the order, the importer could 
continue to import it without concern of AD/CVDs. On the other hand, if 
Commerce determines that the product is, in fact, covered by the order, 
the importer will have avoided AD/CVD liability for the imports 
imported before requesting the scope ruling. They would essentially 
avoid the application of the scope ruling through timing and 
gamesmanship. We find that such manipulation of AD/CVD liability 
undermines the effectiveness and remedial purpose of the AD/CVD 
laws.\104\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \104\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49481-84.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    That said, Commerce also agrees, in part, with some commenters that 
there may be some limited instances in which it may be appropriate for 
Commerce to exercise its authority to direct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and collection of cash deposits to entries as 
of an alternative starting point. For example, there may be situations 
in which Commerce issues a scope ruling that a product is covered by 
the scope of an order, and the affected importers have no opportunity, 
for no reason other than the timing of the scope ruling, to request an 
administrative review to potentially lower their liability for entries 
that pre-date the date of initiation of the scope inquiry. In such a 
situation, Commerce may consider specific arguments of the parties that 
retroactive application of the scope ruling to certain entries might be 
inappropriate. However, as explained above, such a showing would 
require, for instance, specific identification of the interested 
parties and entries at issue and the circumstances surrounding the 
declaration of the entries as non-AD/CVD type entries. Broad, non-
specific arguments concerning general unfairness or lack of notice that 
are not concrete or particular to the interested party or entries at 
issue would not be sufficient.
    This exercise of Commerce's discretion (in the absence of express 
statutory language, as noted above) is reasonable and balanced in that 
it takes into account the enforcement objectives and concerns about 
scenarios limiting the effectiveness of an order discussed in the 
Proposed Rule, as well as comments raised in response to the Proposed 
Rule that suggest that Commerce should leave open the opportunity for a 
party to try to demonstrate why an exception might be appropriate in 
light of particular facts. In addition, in certain instances, it would 
not be an unreasonable exercise of Commerce's discretion to direct CBP 
to liquidate entries that have been converted from non-AD/CVD type 
entries to AD/CVD type entries at the applicable cash deposit rate, 
even where the party may have missed an opportunity to seek individual 
review of its entries. For example, if parties engaging in gamesmanship 
and delay tactics later discovered that they missed an opportunity to 
seek an administrative review to lower their potential duty liability, 
through a scheme to import massive volumes of merchandise, and then 
request a scope ruling, Commerce

[[Page 52330]]

believes that such a missed opportunity would be the fault and 
responsibility of the party attempting to avoid AD/CVDs in the first 
instance.
    On the other hand, we agree with commenters that, for example, we 
should leave open the possibility for limited exceptions where the 
facts and circumstances warrant--e.g., a party seeks a scope ruling as 
early as possible, but the time to seek an administrative review on 
certain pre-initiation entries has passed. In such instances, Commerce 
may direct CBP to suspend liquidation and collect cash deposits only 
for those unliquidated entries not already subject to suspension and 
made prior to the initiation of the scope inquiry for which an 
administrative review can still be requested. In light of these 
changes, we disagree that a revised process for requesting an 
administrative review of such entries is necessary.
    Therefore, with respect to comments that the Proposed Rule would 
encourage ambiguity in scope language, prevent importers from making 
appropriate business plans, and increase uncertainty, we believe that 
the framework adopted in this final rule described above adequately 
addresses such concerns. In practice, in individual scope proceedings, 
Commerce will have to balance its interest in ensuring the 
effectiveness of all AD/CVD orders with any case-specific issues that 
might warrant altering the date for which suspension of liquidation 
should begin for unliquidated entries not yet suspended. Exactly how to 
strike this balance should emerge over time, through Commerce's 
practice and consideration of case-specific issues.
    With respect to comments that the publication of an AD/CVD order 
may not be sufficient notice to parties of a pending scope inquiry and 
the potential for retroactive suspension of entries not previously 
suspended, Commerce is adopting new procedures to publish a monthly 
notice in the Federal Register listing scope applications received over 
the past month in Sec.  351.225(d)(2) (see discussion above). Such 
monthly notice will give all interested parties an opportunity to 
consider if the scope inquiry request is relevant to them and their 
interests and allow them the opportunity to participate.
    Another commenter also points out that scope rulings are not 
published and are difficult to find and proposes that Commerce should 
put public versions of scope rulings on its website. As discussed below 
under Sec.  351.225(o), Commerce publishes notice of its final scope 
rulings on a quarterly basis in the Federal Register. In addition, all 
final scope rulings since 2012 are available on ACCESS, and Commerce 
continuously updates its website with past scope rulings, currently 
available at https://www.trade.gov/us-antidumping-and-countervailing-duties.
    Further, we disagree with certain comments that Commerce has not 
provided adequate support for its concern that the existing approach in 
the current regulations encourages gamesmanship, delay, and duty 
evasion. As highlighted not only by Commerce in its discussion in the 
Proposed Rule,\105\ but also by commenters in favor of the Proposed 
Rule and numerous Federal court decisions,\106\ the agency, as the 
administrator of the AD/CVD laws, has a well-founded and significant 
concern that Commerce determinations may not be adequately enforced due 
to gamesmanship, delay, and duty evasion. If Commerce is able to modify 
its regulations to diminish the possibility of evasion of the payment 
of duties, while maintaining procedures that assure that its 
determinations are based on record evidence, then it is appropriate for 
Commerce to make such changes in this final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \105\ See Id. at 49483; 49473 (discussing under the revisions to 
the new shipper review regulation, Sec.  351.214, the Enforce and 
Protect Act of 2015 which highlighted duty evasion concerns).
    \106\ See Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1317 and 1321. In Fasteners, 947 
F.3d 794, the Federal Circuit did not disagree with Commerce's 
concerns of potential ``gamesmanship and delay'' if importers did 
not report their merchandise to CBP as subject merchandise. See 
Fasteners, 947 F.3d at 803 (finding that ``we do not find that such 
gamesmanship occurred in this case.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We also disagree with comments that the proposal would result in 
negligent importers not seeking a scope ruling at all if doing so would 
imply that all unliquidated entries would be subject to AD/CVDs. We 
believe that the framework we have set forth will, in fact, deter 
parties from engaging in such gamesmanship, and will encourage parties 
to maintain a reasonable awareness whether the product they are 
producing, exporting, or importing is subject to an AD/CVD order.
(b) Suspension of Liquidation and Cash Deposits at Initiation
    Several commenters generally agree with Commerce's proposal under 
Sec.  351.225(l)(1) to instruct CBP upon initiation of a scope inquiry 
to continue to suspend liquidation of products that are already subject 
to suspension. Several of these commenters argue that Commerce should 
instruct CBP to begin suspending liquidation of entries not already 
suspended by CBP at an earlier stage in a scope inquiry. Specifically, 
these commenters request that Commerce instruct CBP upon initiation of 
a scope inquiry to suspend liquidation of entries which are not already 
subject to suspension of liquidation. Several of these commenters 
propose that cash deposits for such entries be collected at the rate of 
zero, which they argue means there would be no economic harm to 
importers, while one commenter proposes that the cash deposit should be 
at the applicable rate under the order if the product at issue were 
found to be covered by the order. These commenters argue that 
suspending liquidation at the time a scope inquiry is initiated will 
preserve entries for duty assessment if the product at issue is 
ultimately found to be within the scope of an order. According to these 
commenters, waiting for an affirmative preliminary scope ruling to 
suspend liquidation means that entries made more than one year prior to 
a preliminary scope ruling would have already liquidated, which would 
significantly undermine the purpose of the proposed changes to 
Commerce's regulations in this rulemaking. These commenters argue that 
suspending liquidation and collecting cash deposits upon initiation of 
a scope inquiry helps counter the situation where an importer could 
escape liability by importing as much as possible prior to requesting a 
scope ruling. These commenters consider that, under Commerce's 
proposal, an importer could escape duty liability by filing a scope 
ruling application at a time when an affirmative preliminary or final 
scope ruling would be issued more than one year after the date the 
importer's merchandise enters the United States.
    These commenters further argue that Commerce's concerns in the 1997 
Final Rule with beginning the suspension of liquidation of entries at 
the time of initiation of a scope inquiry based on nothing more than a 
mere allegation by domestic industries are resolved by the proposed 
regulations because the proposed regulations now require additional 
information when filing a scope ruling application. These commenters 
argue that, as a practical matter, the overwhelming majority of scope 
ruling requests are filed by U.S. importers and foreign producers, so 
any purported inconvenience to these parties from domestic industries 
filing scope ruling requests apply only to a small portion of the 
importing community.
    One commenter opposes the requirement under proposed Sec.  
351.225(l)(1) to post cash deposits from the date Commerce initiates a 
scope inquiry for any unliquidated

[[Page 52331]]

entries at the time of initiation, arguing that this is an overly 
burdensome revision to the regulations and prematurely assumes a 
product is within the scope of an order before any analysis is 
conducted. This commenter argues that many times parties request scope 
rulings because it is not necessarily clear that a product is within 
the scope of an order. This commenter argues that requiring the posting 
of cash deposits from initiation of a scope inquiry is inconsistent 
with Commerce's practice with requiring cash deposits in similar 
situations, such as when Commerce initiates an investigation.
    In rebuttal, several commenters expressed support for the argument 
that, upon initiation of a scope inquiry, Commerce should instruct CBP 
to suspend liquidation and require cash deposits for all unliquidated 
entries, whether the entries are already subject to suspension of 
liquidation and cash deposit requirements or not. These commenters 
argue that this would preserve the largest amount of entries for duty 
assessment and would help prevent foreign producers and exporters, and 
U.S. importers, from importing as much merchandise as possible before a 
scope ruling application is filed.
    In rebuttal, several commenters oppose the proposal to begin 
suspending liquidation and requiring cash deposits on all unliquidated 
entries at the time a scope inquiry is initiated. One commenter argues 
that this would be contrary to all notions of fairness, which Commerce 
recognized when rejecting similar proposals in the 1997 Final Rule and 
by not itself proposing this change in the proposed regulations. One 
commenter adds that this would promote the filing of frivolous scope 
requests, harass U.S. importers, and waste Commerce's resources.
    One commenter argues in rebuttal that, regardless of the cash 
deposit requirement and the applicable cash deposit rate, there is a 
significant financial impact on importers if liquidation is suspended 
upon initiation of a scope inquiry because entries would remain open 
until Commerce issues liquidation instructions to CBP and an importer's 
bond cannot be terminated while entries remain open. This commenter 
argues that suspension of liquidation also has a significant financial 
impact on an importer's unrelated activity because the collateral that 
sureties typically require for a bond, which may be up to the face 
value of the bond, is not released until at least six months after all 
entries have liquidated.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.225(l)(1), which states that, upon 
initiation of a scope inquiry, Commerce will direct CBP to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and to apply 
the applicable cash deposit rate. In addition, we have considered the 
proposal by some commenters that Commerce should instruct CBP upon 
initiation of a scope inquiry to begin the suspension of liquidation of 
unliquidated entries not previously suspended and to require cash 
deposits on such entries (either at zero or at the rate in effect at 
the time of entry). We have also considered the arguments in opposition 
to this proposal. As noted above, the statute does not provide 
direction to Commerce on the suspension of liquidation of entries 
subject to a scope inquiry. Therefore, after consideration of the 
parties' arguments and based on current practical and administrability 
concerns, we have decided to continue to order suspension of 
liquidation and collection of cash deposits for such entries only after 
Commerce's first (preliminary or final) scope ruling that a product is 
covered by the scope of an order. As a result, we have not accepted the 
proposal that Commerce instruct CBP to begin suspension of liquidation 
upon initiation.
    One reason we do not find it appropriate to instruct CBP to begin 
the suspension of liquidation for unliquidated entries not previously 
suspended upon initiation of a scope inquiry is a consequence of the 
revisions to Sec.  351.225(d)(2). Under those revisions, scope ruling 
applications that are not rejected will be deemed accepted 31 days 
after filing and the scope inquiry will be deemed initiated. In these 
situations, scope inquiries may be deemed initiated without Commerce 
fully analyzing the application (including the description of the 
product for which a scope ruling is requested) prior to initiation. 
Once initiated, paragraph (l)(1) provides that Commerce will direct CBP 
to continue the suspension of liquidation of previously suspended 
entries and to apply the applicable cash deposit rate. From a practical 
perspective, under this new framework, Commerce is seeking to maintain 
the status quo with respect to this group of previously suspended 
entries. Therefore, we find it acceptable for Commerce to incorporate 
the description of the product in the application ``as is'' in its 
instructions to CBP, even if Commerce has not had a great deal of time 
to fully analyze the product description.
    However, we find that ordering suspension for the first time on 
merchandise which was not previously suspended, based only on the 
description in the scope ruling application, raises practical and 
administrability concerns. Specifically, before initiation, Commerce 
may not have adequate time to analyze the description to ensure that 
when such a description is provided in CBP instructions, CBP is able to 
administer and enforce those instructions without difficulty. Commerce 
does not have the same concerns for entries already suspended, because, 
as noted above, for those entries Commerce is simply seeking to 
maintain the status quo for those entries. On the other hand, after 
initiation, Commerce would have the time to receive feedback from 
interested parties and seek clarification from the scope ruling 
applicant as appropriate, before settling on the precise description of 
the product to include in its instructions to CBP.
    We therefore disagree with commenters who argue that Commerce's 
revised requirements for scope ruling applications under revised Sec.  
351.225(c) would always provide Commerce with sufficient information 
for purposes of ordering suspension of liquidation and collection of 
cash deposits upon initiating an inquiry for all entries. Although 
Commerce may have more information from a scope ruling application 
under revised Sec.  351.225(c) than under current practice, at the 
point of initiation, in most cases, it is unlikely that Commerce would 
have had sufficient time to analyze the description for the purpose of 
ordering CBP to begin suspension of liquidation for certain entries as 
detailed above. Notably, there may be instances in which Commerce finds 
that the record and product descriptions are sufficient and clear 
enough to warrant combining an initiation with a concurrent affirmative 
preliminary scope ruling. However, in the cases in which Commerce just 
initiates a scope inquiry, Commerce will not have reached any sort of 
determination on the merits that the product at issue is covered by, or 
excluded from, the scope of the order.
    Further, we are also concerned with the significant administrative 
burden that would result if we were to instruct CBP to begin suspension 
of liquidation and collection of cash deposits of all entries at 
initiation, regardless if they are determined later to be merchandise 
covered or not covered by an AD or CVD order. For example, under one 
possible scenario, such suspension could result in a multi-step process 
of Commerce: (1) Directing CBP to convert all non-AD/

[[Page 52332]]

CVD type entries meeting the description of the product at issue in the 
scope ruling application to AD/CVD type entries and directing CBP to 
suspend liquidation without any cash deposits at the time of 
initiation; (2) directing CBP subsequently, upon the event of an 
affirmative preliminary scope ruling, to collect cash deposits at the 
rate to be determined applicable retroactively; and (3) directing CBP, 
in the event of a negative final scope ruling, to lift suspension and 
liquidate entries without regard to AD/CVDs. This is just one sequence 
of scope inquiry proceedings and determinations, among several, that 
reflects the additional administrative burden that suspension of 
liquidation of all entries of the product described in a scope ruling 
application at initiation would require of Commerce and CBP.
    We are cognizant of the concerns expressed by some commenters that 
certain entries that entered prior to a preliminary scope ruling may 
liquidate without being assessed AD/CVDs, and that certain parties may 
time the filing of a scope ruling application in an attempt to avoid 
the payment of AD/CVDs. We have also considered the suggestion of some 
commenters to begin the suspension of liquidation of not yet liquidated 
entries at the time of initiation, with a cash deposit rate of zero, 
which they argue means there would be no economic harm to importers. 
However, Commerce believes that this balance between enforcement 
concerns and practical and administrability considerations described 
above weighs in favor of maintaining its current practice of not 
imposing either suspension of liquidation and/or cash deposit 
requirements until after evaluating a scope ruling application and 
making either a preliminary or final affirmative scope ruling, 
whichever occurs first.
    That said, although we are not adopting the suggestions that we 
suspend liquidation of all entries described in scope applications at 
initiation, we note that we have made numerous other changes throughout 
these regulations, such as the remedy provisions found in Sec.  
351.225(m) and the certification process addressed in Sec.  351.228, in 
addition to the changes discussed above for paragraph (l), that we 
believe significantly strengthen the administration and enforcement of 
AD/CVD laws, and, overall, these changes minimize the opportunities for 
gamesmanship and evasion of AD/CVD orders while also mitigating the 
harm to importers that may be acting in good faith.
    With respect to the comment that Commerce should not require cash 
deposits upon initiation of a scope inquiry, it is unclear whether this 
commenter believes that under revised Sec.  351.225(l)(1) Commerce 
would be directing CBP to begin suspension of liquidation and require 
cash deposits of all unliquidated entries (including entries not 
previously suspended), or whether the commenter disagrees that Commerce 
should inform CBP that it has initiated a scope inquiry and direct CBP 
to continue any suspension of liquidation and collection of cash 
deposits already in place. As discussed above, prior to a scope 
inquiry, entries may be previously suspended for a number of reasons, 
including for example, because the importer declared the merchandise as 
subject to the order, or CBP directed the importer to refile an entry 
that was previously declared as not subject to the order to an entry 
type indicating it is covered by an AD and/or CVD order. Thus, at the 
time Commerce initiates a scope inquiry, entries of products subject to 
the scope inquiry may already be suspended. We clarify that under 
revised Sec.  351.225(l)(1), when Commerce initiates a scope inquiry, 
it does not intend to direct CBP to suspend liquidation and collect 
cash deposits in the first instance. Rather, Commerce will inform CBP 
that it has initiated a scope inquiry and direct CBP to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of all unliquidated entries of products 
subject to the scope inquiry that have already been suspended. In other 
words, under revised Sec.  351.225(l)(1), Commerce would direct CBP to 
continue suspending any entries that are already suspended and to 
continue collecting cash deposits at the applicable rate for such 
entries. This is consistent with current Sec.  351.225(l)(1) in the 
sense that both the current and revised regulation require suspension 
of liquidation to continue at the applicable cash deposit rate for 
previously suspended entries after initiation of a scope inquiry. 
Although it has not been Commerce's practice under the existing 
regulations to direct CBP upon initiation of a scope inquiry to 
continue the suspension of liquidation for entries already subject to 
suspension and collection of cash deposits, current Sec.  351.225(l)(1) 
provides that any such suspension will continue when Commerce initiates 
a scope inquiry. This revised framework is guided by the curative 
purpose and remedial intent of the AD/CVD law, as well as to provide 
for the protection of revenue.\107\ Consistent with that policy, 
Commerce has revised Sec.  351.225(l)(1) to require the issuance of 
instructions to ensure that entries previously suspended by CBP 
continue to be suspended during the pendency of the scope inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \107\ See Guangdong Wireking, 745 F.3d at 1203 (noting that the 
statutory scheme has a ``curative purpose'' and a ``remedial 
intent''); and Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1321-22 (noting ``the policy 
declared in the Tariff Act, which instructs the government to 
`provide, to the maximum extent practicable, for the protection of 
revenue.''') (citing 19 U.S.C. 1484(a)(2)(C)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Action Pursuant to a Negative Preliminary Scope Ruling
    Certain commenters oppose eliminating the requirement for Commerce 
to notify CBP of a preliminary scope ruling determining that the 
product at issue is not covered by the scope of the relevant order 
along with instructions to terminate the suspension of liquidation for 
any entries previously suspended by CBP and to refund cash deposits of 
estimated duties. One of these commenters argues that eliminating this 
requirement effectively requires companies to float the extra duties 
under an AD/CVD order pending a final scope ruling and receiving a 
reimbursement without interest several months later. Other commenters 
argue that the proposal would be unfair to importers, especially when 
CBP suspends liquidation and requires cash deposits for products that 
are facially out of scope, because importers would be forced to wait a 
full year or more than 500 days based on the amount of time that it has 
historically taken before liquidation occurs and cash deposits are 
refunded. These same commenters argue that, in the context of 
investigations, provisional measures are not imposed following a 
negative preliminary determination.
    In rebuttal, several commenters responded with arguments supporting 
the proposal to eliminate the requirement to notify CBP of a 
preliminary negative scope ruling. Many of these commenters argue that 
duty collection is a guiding principle for this rulemaking and 
notifying CBP at the time of a final scope ruling ensures that any 
duties collected are preserved in the event Commerce reverses its 
position after a preliminary negative scope ruling. These same 
commenters believe that this particular aspect of the suspension of 
liquidation rules will encourage importers to seek scope rulings 
earlier in the proceeding or risk having entries suspended by CBP. 
Another group of commenters agreed that the proposal ensures the

[[Page 52333]]

appropriate application of AD/CVD orders in the event of a final scope 
ruling determining that the product in question is covered by the scope 
of an order and ensures that affirmative rulings are applied to all 
entries of subject merchandise. These commenters believe the proposal 
is consistent with the overall objective of addressing serious 
enforcement concerns and the very real risk of duty evasion.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged proposed Sec.  351.225(l)(2) with respect to 
this issue. Under the existing regulations, if Commerce issues a 
preliminary scope ruling determining that the product at issue is not 
covered by the scope of an order, Commerce is required to notify CBP 
and direct CBP to terminate the suspension of liquidation for any 
entries previously suspended by CBP with refunds of any cash deposits 
paid as estimated duties. The Proposed Rule proposed eliminating this 
requirement so that Commerce would no longer issue instructions upon 
issuance of a preliminary scope ruling determining that the product is 
not covered by the scope of an order. Instead, through the elimination 
of this requirement, any entries previously suspended would remain 
suspended pending completion of the scope inquiry and a final ruling on 
the matter. We believe that adoption of the proposal is necessary to 
preserve the status quo for the duration of the scope inquiry and 
ensure the appropriate application of AD/CVDs to subject merchandise in 
the event of a final scope ruling determining that the product is 
covered by the scope of an order. As we have explained, regardless of 
the preliminary scope ruling, if Commerce concludes in the final scope 
ruling that the product at issue is covered by the scope of an order, 
that is a determination that the product at issue was always covered by 
the scope of an order. Keeping the status quo, therefore, helps protect 
the integrity of such a determination and promotes the effectiveness 
and remedial purpose of the AD/CVD laws.
    Further, we do not agree with the comments that not directing CBP 
to terminate suspension of liquidation pursuant to a preliminary 
determination that the product at issue is not covered by the scope of 
an order would be unfair to importers, because that may mean importers 
would be forced to wait a full year or longer based on how it has 
historically taken before liquidation and refunding of cash deposits to 
occur. The revised regulations implement other changes that we 
anticipate will streamline and expedite the scope inquiry process and 
will, to a certain extent, address that timing issue. Therefore, 
Commerce has revised Sec.  351.225(l)(2) to no longer require notifying 
CBP of negative preliminary scope rulings with instructions to 
terminate the suspension of liquidation for any entries previously 
suspended by CBP and refund any cash deposits paid as estimated duties.
    With respect to the argument that provisional measures are not 
imposed following a negative preliminary determination in an 
investigation, Commerce will not direct CBP to suspend liquidation of 
entries not already suspended by CBP following a preliminary negative 
scope ruling. However, any suspension of liquidation (for example, 
suspension of liquidation ordered by CBP pursuant to its own authority) 
will be left undisturbed to preserve the status quo until the 
conclusion of the scope inquiry. Additionally, in response to one 
commenter, we clarify that Commerce instructs CBP to pay interest on 
overpayments of cash deposits paid as estimated duties following a 
final scope ruling determining that the product at issue is not covered 
by the scope of an order, in accordance with section 778 of the Act and 
Sec.  351.212(e) of Commerce's regulations.
(d) Clarifying the Product at Issue
    One commenter opposes the proposal to suspend liquidation of 
unliquidated entries of the ``product at issue'' without any limitation 
as to when the entries occurred. The commenter states that the proposed 
regulations are vague because the language does not limit any new 
suspension of liquidation instructions to only apply to unliquidated 
entries made on or after the underlying case order's earliest 
suspension of liquidation. The commenter further asserts that language 
must be added to paragraph (l)(2) and (3) that restricts the imposition 
of suspension of liquidation and cash deposit requirements to the 
entries of the applicable manufacturer or exporter. The commenter 
claims that the United States is not entitled to AD/CVDs on entries 
that are not covered by or subject to the order.
    Response:
    We have left paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) unchanged from how they were 
proposed with respect to this issue. First, we agree with the commenter 
that Commerce does not have the authority to direct CBP to impose AD/
CVDs on entries that are not subject to an order by virtue of pre-
dating the first date of suspension associated with that order. 
Accordingly, any retroactive suspension of liquidation and collection 
of cash deposits would not be imposed on entries that predate the first 
date of suspension in the relevant AD and/or CVD proceeding. Second, 
the reference to the ``product at issue'' in paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) 
refers to the product that is the subject of the inquiry and that, for 
purposes of paragraph (l), the appropriate scope of products impacted, 
either on a country-wide or company-specific basis, are discussed under 
revised Sec.  351.225(m), discussed below. Third, we do not disagree 
that AD/CVDs and cash deposits may not be applied on entries not 
covered by or subject to the order; however, the commenter's assertion 
that Commerce must limit the imposition of suspension of liquidation 
and cash deposit requirements to the entries of the applicable 
manufacturer or exporter is incorrect. If Commerce determines that a 
product is subject to the order following an affirmative scope ruling, 
then it has the authority to impose AD/CVDs on entries of that product. 
Additionally, as Commerce explains below in response to comments made 
on Sec.  351.225(m), Commerce may apply a scope ruling to a group of 
products on a country-wide basis, regardless of the producer, exporter, 
or importer, or apply its scope ruling on a producer-specific, 
exporter-specific, or importer-specific basis, or a combination of any 
of those remedies. Therefore, we do not find further clarification 
necessary for purposes of describing the product at issue under 
paragraphs (l)(2) and (3).
(e) Interest on Refunds of Cash Deposits
    One commenter requests that Commerce modify paragraph (l)(4) to 
ensure that, in the event Commerce issues a final scope ruling that the 
product is not covered by the scope of an order, Commerce will instruct 
CBP to include interest on cash deposits that are refunded to 
importers. The commenter states that this modification would be 
consistent with Sec.  351.212(e) of Commerce's regulations, which deals 
with interest on overpayments and underpayments of estimated duties. 
The commenter alternatively requests that Commerce reference Sec.  
351.212(e) in paragraph (l)(4). We received no rebuttal comments in 
response.
    Response:
    We have left paragraph (l)(4) unchanged with respect to this issue. 
Section 778 of the Act requires that CBP pay interest on overpayments 
or assess interest on underpayments of cash deposits paid as estimated 
duties on merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption, on and after the date of publication of the order. The 
implementing regulation, Sec.  351.212(e), provides that Commerce

[[Page 52334]]

will instruct CBP to calculate interest for each entry on or after the 
publication of the order from the date that a cash deposit is required 
to be deposited through the date of liquidation. In accordance with 
section 778 of the Act and Sec.  351.212(e), following a final scope 
ruling determining that the product at issue is not covered by the 
scope of an order, Commerce instructs CBP to pay interest on 
overpayments of estimated duties. Given this well-established 
framework, we are not modifying paragraph (l)(4) regarding the payment 
of interest on cash deposits paid as estimated duties.
(f) Notification to Sureties
    One commenter requests that sureties be notified, either by 
Commerce or CBP, at the time CBP is instructed to begin the suspension 
or continue the suspension of liquidation of entries for AD/CVD 
purposes in the context of a scope inquiry. This commenter argues that 
the duties demanded from sureties may be in amounts which exceed the 
bond and without any prior notice to the surety to allow for 
participation in administrative proceedings and communication with the 
bond principal, i.e., the importer, to address or satisfy AD/CVD 
requirements. Citing to a previous CIT decision,\108\ this commenter 
argues that sureties have standing in AD/CVD proceedings, given that 
sureties stand in the shoes of the importer and are jointly and 
severally liable for the duties that an importer is liable to pay. 
Therefore, this commenter argues that this rulemaking presents Commerce 
with an opportunity to recognize a surety as an ``interested party'' in 
AD/CVD proceedings. The commenter also states that providing sureties 
with information on AD/CVD entries in a timely manner will enhance the 
role and ability of sureties to address shortfalls in the collection of 
AD/CVDs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \108\ See Lincoln Gen. v. United States, 341 F. Supp. 2d 1265 
(CIT 2004).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    No commenter opposes notifying sureties of any instruction to CBP 
to suspend or continue to suspend liquidation of entries for AD/CVD 
purposes in the context of scope inquiries. However, in rebuttal, 
several commenters oppose the inclusion of a surety in the regulatory 
definition of ``interested party.'' These commenters argue that it 
would be inconsistent with the statute to grant sureties interested 
party status through regulation, because a surety is not listed in the 
statutory definition of ``interested party.'' These commenters argue 
further that the surety-importer relationship does not involve the 
extent to which dumping or subsidization is occurring or the actual 
importation of unfairly traded imports.
    Response:
    We have not modified paragraph (l) to include a requirement to 
notify the involved surety or sureties that Commerce has instructed CBP 
to suspend, or to continue to suspend, liquidation of entries for AD/
CVD purposes. However, we recognize and appreciate the unique role of 
sureties in the payment and collection of AD/CVDs, and that sureties 
need timely access to information to assess the risk that they assume 
when underwriting bonds for imports of merchandise subject to AD/CVD 
orders. As such, in response to these comments, Commerce intends to 
consult with CBP and explore whether and how sureties may be notified 
of entries that are subject to suspension of liquidation for AD/CVD 
purposes in connection with a scope inquiry being conducted by 
Commerce. In the interim, we note that, under revised Sec.  
351.225(d)(2), Commerce will publish in the Federal Register a notice 
of a self-initiated scope inquiry and a monthly notice that lists 
recently-filed scope applications to provide notice to those that are 
not on the annual inquiry service list, as discussed above. Separately, 
we decline to modify the regulatory definition of ``interested party'' 
under Sec.  351.102(b)(29) to include a surety because such a change 
would be beyond the scope of this rulemaking. Furthermore, section 
771(9) of the Act provides the list of entities that qualify as an 
``interested party'' in AD/CVD proceedings, and sureties are not 
expressly included in that list. Commerce's regulations include a 
definition of the term ``interested party,'' but this definition does 
not differ from the statutory definition and was promulgated solely for 
purposes of addressing an issue that Commerce previously experienced in 
identifying and verifying the interested party status of an applicant 
that seeks access to BPI under an APO. As explained in the 2008 final 
rule that promulgated the regulatory definition of ``interested 
party,'' Form ITA-367 (Application for Administrative Protective Order 
in Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Proceeding) requires applicants 
who are not a petitioner or respondent to identify the section of 
Commerce's regulations that defines the applicant's interested party 
status and this was not possible under the regulations as they existed 
at the time because the regulations did not provide a definition of the 
term ``interested party.'' \109\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \109\ See Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings: 
Documents Submission Procedures; APO Procedures, 73 FR 3634, 3635-36 
(January 22, 2008).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. Section 351.225(m)--Applicability of Scope Rulings; Companion 
Orders

    Section 351.225(m) addresses the universe of products at issue to 
which Commerce may apply its scope rulings. In the proposed Sec.  
351.225(m)(1), Commerce included a sentence which stated that if it had 
previously issued a scope ruling for an order with respect to a 
particular product, it might apply that scope ruling to all products 
with the identical physical description from the same country of origin 
as the particular product at issue, regardless of producer, exporter, 
or importer, without initiating or conducting a new scope inquiry under 
this section. One commenter requests that Commerce delete much or all 
of that sentence. The commenter's request stems from the requirement of 
proposed Sec.  351.225(c)(2)(ii) for scope requestors to submit a 
concise public description of the product. The commenter argues that 
through this description, the applicant might unintentionally 
characterize the product in such a way publicly that interested parties 
might not realize they have an interest in the proceeding and should 
comment on the scope inquiry. The result, the commenter argues, would 
be that Commerce either might automatically apply its scope ruling to 
either too many or too few products, under this provision, without 
giving other parties an adequate opportunity to participate.
    More generally, several parties raise due process concerns about 
determinations being made under this provision without the opportunity 
for meaningful input.
    Finally, in accordance with paragraph (m)(2), which applies only to 
companion AD and CVD orders covering the same merchandise from the same 
country, one commenter requests that Commerce add a provision which 
applies its scope rulings not only to companion orders, but also to 
orders with identical scope language across multiple countries and 
multiple proceedings.
    Response:
    Upon consideration of the comments and further reflection, we have 
determined to remove the last two sentences of proposed paragraph 
(m)(1). Commerce agrees with the concerns expressed that if Commerce 
does not initiate or conduct a new scope inquiry based upon the filing 
of a scope application, but instead automatically issues a scope ruling 
that is applicable to all producers, exporter, or importers of that 
merchandise, such a procedure

[[Page 52335]]

would not provide potential interested parties with adequate procedures 
to protect their interests.
    Nonetheless, we believe a remedy still exists that largely 
addresses previously issued scope rulings covering ``identical 
physical'' products from the ``same country of origin,'' as described 
in those sentences. Specifically, as Commerce explained in the preamble 
to the Proposed Rule, Commerce may issue a scope clarification, post-
order, that addresses scope inquiry requests by multiple parties made 
``over and over covering the same or similar scope language.'' \110\ 
For this reason, we have determined to codify Commerce's authority to 
issue scope clarifications in a new paragraph, Sec.  351.225(q), which 
we describe in greater detail below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \110\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49480, n. 51.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the request of a commenter that Commerce add a 
provision to its regulations that automatically applies its scope 
rulings across AD and CVD orders from different countries, we have 
determined not to include such a provision in our regulations. Unlike 
companion orders from the same country, as described in Sec.  
351.225(m)(2), parallel orders from different countries have different 
records, different interested parties, and sometimes different 
procedural histories. Accordingly, such a provision would not be 
administrable or fair to those interested parties subject to different 
orders from different countries who never had the opportunity to 
comment on the original scope ruling.
    We note, however, that this does not mean that Commerce is unable 
to take action based upon a scope ruling applicable to an order 
covering one country with the same or similar scope language on the 
record of another order. Section 351.225(b) permits Commerce to self-
initiate a scope inquiry on the record of another proceeding where the 
products are similar or identical to that of a particular product 
subject to a scope ruling. Furthermore, interested parties to both 
proceedings can do the same by filing a scope application, in 
accordance with paragraph (c), and attaching the scope ruling at issue. 
In accordance with paragraph (k)(1), if the product at issue in the 
first scope ruling was physically identical to the product for which a 
new scope ruling is requested, the results of that first scope ruling 
would certainly carry a great deal of weight for Commerce in reaching a 
determination.
    Finally, we have determined to significantly revise and simplify 
the first sentence of paragraph (m)(1) to clarify that Commerce may 
apply a scope ruling on a country-wide basis to all products from the 
same country with the same relevant \111\ physical characteristics 
(including chemical, dimensional, and technical characteristics), as 
the product at issue, no matter the identity of the producers, 
exporters, or importers, or apply its scope ruling on a producer-
specific, exporter-specific, or importer-specific basis. Furthermore, 
the new language provides that Commerce may determine to apply its 
scope ruling to a combination of producers, exporters, and importers, 
depending on the remedy which Commerce determines is appropriate given 
the facts of a particular case. We believe this modified language 
provides a much clearer description of the options which Commerce has 
available to it in applying the results of a scope ruling.
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    \111\ Commerce has added the word ``relevant'' to this 
description because it is possible that two products may not be 
completely physically identical, but share the physical 
characteristics which Commerce considered in making its scope 
ruling. For example, the products might have different coloring or 
come in different designs or different sizes, but none of those 
factors were relevant to Commerce's determination in the scope 
ruling that the particular product was covered by the scope of an 
order. In that case, even if the similar products do not share 
exactly the same physical characteristics, Commerce could still 
apply its scope ruling to entries of those products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Likewise, we have changed the term ``merchandise at issue'' to 
``product at issue'' in paragraph (m)(2) to use the terminology as that 
used in paragraph (m)(1) and other provisions of these regulations.

14. Section 351.225(n)--Service of Scope Ruling Application; Annual 
Inquiry Service List; Entry of Appearance

    Section 351.225(n) covers Commerce's creation of a public annual 
inquiry service list and segment-specific service lists (both public 
and APO). As we have explained above, Commerce has determined to modify 
its notice requirements to publish self-initiations of scope inquiries 
and a monthly list of scope applications filed with Commerce in the 
Federal Register notice, as described in Sec.  351.225(b) and (d). 
Furthermore, after publication of the final rule, Commerce intends to 
provide additional instruction to interested parties on the procedures 
for the annual inquiry service list, as appropriate. We received many 
comments on this provision.
(a) Supportive Comments
    We received many comments in support of the Proposed Rule. 
Commenters expressed their belief that Commerce's current use of a 
comprehensive service list to notify parties has been an ``onerous 
task.'' Further, they argue that the new requirement that parties must 
affirmatively request participation on the annual inquiry service list 
may encourage importers to be more alert to AD/CVD issues and file 
scope applications when they are uncertain if the product they are 
importing is covered by the scope of an order, given that importers 
will be affirmatively receiving notifications of new scope inquiries 
throughout the year. Finally, they voice their approval that Commerce 
automatically place petitioners on the annual inquiry service list 
under this provision, because, in every case, the petitioners have an 
interest in the order which does not abate until the order is revoked.
    Response:
    We appreciate the support of the commenters in this regard and 
agree with each of the points they raised. We do not disagree that the 
use of the comprehensive service list has, indeed, been an onerous 
task. Further, we believe that this new system of annual service lists 
and segment-specific service lists will make interested parties more 
alert to potential scope issues and proceedings. In addition, we agree 
that petitioners are uniquely situated in that they filed the petition 
requesting trade remedies, and, therefore, have a unique continuing 
interest in AD and CVD orders for the life of the orders.
    That being said, upon consideration of the comments we received on 
this provision, we have concluded that foreign governments are also 
uniquely situated in that their interest in the products covered by the 
scope of AD and CVD orders does not diminish as foreign producers and 
exporters come and go during the life of an order. Accordingly, we 
have, therefore, modified Sec.  351.225(n) to reflect that after an 
initial request and placement on the annual inquiry service list, both 
petitioners and foreign governments will automatically be placed on the 
annual inquiry service list in the years that follow.
    As noted above, Commerce intends to provide additional instruction 
to interested parties on the procedures for the annual inquiry service 
list, as appropriate, with special instructions for petitioners and 
foreign governments. Specifically, once the petitioners and foreign 
governments have submitted their initial requests to be added to the 
first annual inquiry service list for a given proceeding, it is 
reasonable to automatically add them in each subsequent year to the 
list when the annual service list for the proceeding is

[[Page 52336]]

updated. To be clear, the first time a petitioner or foreign government 
wishes to be included on an annual inquiry service list, it will be 
incumbent upon the petitioner or foreign government to request Commerce 
to include them on the list. However, after that first time, inclusion 
for them will be automatic. Additionally, after initial inclusion on 
the annual inquiry service list, it is also incumbent upon the 
petitioner or foreign government to notify Commerce of any changes to 
its information.
(b) Comments Suggesting Changes
    We also received several comments with suggested changes or 
criticisms of Commerce's proposed Sec.  351.225(n).
    First, one commenter suggests that Commerce require scope 
applicants to file notice of their applications on foreign governments 
of countries from which the product at issue is exported.
    Second, some commenters request that all initiations, preliminary 
scope rulings, and final scope rulings be published in the Federal 
Register.
    Third, certain surety companies request that Commerce provide them 
with ``interested party'' status, so that they may receive notification 
of all scope inquiry requests and scope rulings.
    Finally, one commenter points out that Commerce currently 
automatically places foreign governments on the segment of a proceeding 
that commences under a CVD order, but under proposed paragraph (m)(2), 
all scope inquiries applicable to companion orders will be conducted on 
the record of the AD order. That commenter, therefore, requests that 
Commerce modify paragraph (n) to automatically place foreign 
governments on the segment of the AD proceeding in which the scope 
inquiry is conducted for both companion orders.
    Response:
    First, as noted above, we have determined that once a foreign 
government requests to be included on the annual inquiry service list 
for a particular AD or CVD order, it will automatically be placed on 
subsequent annual inquiry service lists. Once that occurs, because 
scope inquiry applicants will be required to file notice of their 
applications on all interested parties on the annual inquiry service 
list, the foreign government of the country of the order at issue in 
the inquiry will be sent copies of scope inquiry applications. For 
those foreign governments which elect not to request placement on the 
annual inquiry service list in the first instance, we believe the 
monthly list of scope applications in the Federal Register pursuant to 
paragraph (d) nonetheless provides sufficient notice in that regard.
    Second, we will not require that all initiations, preliminary scope 
rulings, and final scope rulings be published in the Federal Register 
in these regulations, as there is no requirement in the statute that 
Commerce take such additional actions, and we believe our procedures 
outlined herein provide appropriate opportunities for notice to 
interested parties.
    Third, we have not provided sureties ``interested party'' status 
because, as discussed above regarding Sec.  351.225(l), section 771(9) 
of the Act lists the parties who are ``interested parties'' under the 
AD and CVD laws, and surety companies are not included on that list. 
Nonetheless, as we explained earlier, we believe publication in the 
Federal Register of Commerce's scope self-initiations and the monthly 
list of scope applications will provide the public, including sureties, 
with notice that a scope inquiry may be commencing or underway, 
allowing those companies an opportunity to determine if they wish to 
follow and participate in the scope inquiry.
    Finally, we disagree with the commenter that requested that 
Commerce modify paragraph 225(n) to automatically place foreign 
governments on the segment-specific service list of the AD proceeding 
in which the scope inquiry is conducted for both companion orders. 
Because we have determined to automatically place foreign governments 
on the annual inquiry service list following their initial request for 
inclusion, there is no additional need to automatically place foreign 
governments automatically on segment-specific service lists. As we've 
explained, foreign governments on the annual inquiry service list will 
get notification of all scope inquiry requests. Like petitioners and 
all other interested parties, if the foreign government wishes to 
participate in a particular scope inquiry segment of the proceeding, 
that foreign government will have an opportunity to timely request 
placement on the segment-specific service list.
    In addition, in addressing comments on paragraph (n)(4), we 
realized that we had not included the self-initiation of scope 
inquiries in the description of determinations that lead to the 
establishment of a segment-specific service list. Such an exclusion was 
an oversight. Accordingly, we have added language to that effect in 
this final rule.

15. Section 351.225(o)--Publication of List of Final Scope Rulings

    In the Proposed Rule, Commerce amended current Sec.  351.225(o) to 
indicate that, in addition to the quarterly list of final scope rulings 
published in the Federal Register, Commerce may also include complete 
public versions of its scope rulings on its website should Commerce 
determine such placement is warranted. Numerous commenters encourage 
Commerce to create a single public repository on its website for all 
scope rulings to ensure that all parties have notice of all public 
scope rulings.
    Response:
    We agree with those commenters and Commerce has endeavored to 
create such a repository in an effort to assist interested parties to 
efficiently obtain scope ruling information. However, implementation 
and maintenance of such a repository requires resources and a 
significant amount of time. Commerce continues to update its website 
with copies of scope rulings that pre-date 2012, the year in which 
Commerce's electronic record system, ACCESS, went live.\112\ 
Additionally, Commerce updates the website regularly with the scopes of 
new orders and the ACCESS bar codes for newly issued scope rulings that 
can be obtained through ACCESS. Accordingly, because we agree that the 
pursuit of such a resource is worthwhile, we will continue to maintain 
the language from the Proposed Rule in paragraph (o) in that regard and 
work to continue to maintain this online repository in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \112\ Currently available at: https://www.trade.gov/us-antidumping-and-countervailing-duties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

16. Section 351.225(p)--Suspended Investigations; Suspension Agreements

    No comments were filed with respect to this paragraph. We have 
modified the provision, however, to clarify that the procedures of this 
regulation may be applied in determining whether a product at issue is 
covered by the scope of a suspended investigation or agreement.

17. Section 351.225(q)--Scope Clarifications

    As noted above, we removed certain language from proposed paragraph 
(m)(1), which addressed determinations made based on ``previously 
issued'' scope rulings ``without initiating or conducting a new scope 
inquiry,'' because of due process concerns raised by certain 
commenters. We believe that some of the scenarios which we wished to 
address in proposed paragraph (m)(1), however, can be addressed through 
a

[[Page 52337]]

different proceeding without those same due process concerns--scope 
clarifications. We discussed scope clarifications in the preamble to 
the Proposed Rule,\113\ and have concluded that in light of the removal 
of the aforementioned language from paragraph (m)(1), it would be 
beneficial to codify scope clarifications in the final regulations. For 
example, there are scenarios in which Commerce issues a scope ruling on 
a product covered by the scope of an order, and then later it is called 
upon again to conduct a scope ruling on a product nearly identical to 
that product, and then a third time a scope request is filed with the 
agency to address a product which is the same or very similar to the 
prior two products. As we explained in the preamble to the Proposed 
Rule, historically Commerce has been able to address this situation 
using scope clarifications instead of scope rulings. Accordingly, we 
are adding to the final regulations paragraph (q) to codify the use of 
scope clarifications in certain scenarios.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \113\ Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49480-81, n. 51.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Unlike scope rulings, which require a fulsome analysis under these 
regulations, scope clarifications either provide an interpretation of 
specific language in the scope of an order or address a particular 
scope matter which was already brought to Commerce's attention on a 
prior occasion. Scope clarifications may be issued either in underlying 
investigations or after an order has been issued. With respect to post-
order clarifications, specifically, Commerce explained in the preamble 
to the Proposed Rule that ``after an AD/CVD order has been in place for 
a period of time and Commerce has found that multiple parties have 
requested scope rulings over and over covering the same or similar 
scope language,'' Commerce has, at times, issued ``a scope 
clarification addressing that particular scope language'' and then 
memorialized ``that clarification in the form of an interpretive 
footnote to the scope of the order.'' \114\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \114\ See id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Post-order scope clarifications need not be issued in the context 
of a scope ruling, but can be conducted and applied in the course of 
different segments of a proceeding. Because Commerce conducts scope 
clarifications in a segment of the proceeding, parties to that segment 
have an opportunity to comment on the clarification, unlike the 
procedures set forth in the proposed (and now removed) language of 
paragraph (m)(1) of this section. Thus, the due process concerns we had 
with the removed paragraph (m)(1) language do not exist for scope 
clarifications. Subsequent to the issuance of a scope clarification, 
the resulting interpretive footnote will normally accompany the text of 
the scope itself when it is published in Commerce's administrative 
determinations, such as preliminary and final results of subsequent 
segments, and instructions to CBP.
    Given the importance of post-order scope clarifications, and the 
fact that we have removed certain remedies available under proposed 
paragraph (m)(1), we have concluded that it is reasonable to add a new 
regulatory provision, Sec.  351.225(q), which codifies Commerce's 
ability to issue such scope clarifications. Specifically, the new 
provision provides that Commerce may issue a scope clarification in any 
segment of a proceeding providing an interpretation of specific 
language in the scope of an order or addressing whether a product is 
covered or excluded by the scope of an order at issue based on previous 
scope determinations covering the same or similar products. Further, it 
explains that the scope clarification may take the form of an 
interpretive footnote to the scope when the scope is published or 
issued in instructions to CBP. We believe codifying post-order scope 
clarifications in Commerce's scope regulations will add clarity to 
Commerce's scope procedures under the factual scenarios set forth in 
the regulation.\115\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \115\ Section 351.225(q) addresses scope clarifications issued 
by Commerce following the publication of an AD or CVD order. As 
Commerce explained in the Proposed Rule, we continue to also have 
the authority to issue scope clarifications during an investigation. 
See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49480, at n. 51. Unlike post-order 
scope clarifications, investigation scope clarifications will 
usually not take the form of an interpretive footnote, but instead 
can be issued solely as a response to a comment on the record or as 
part of Commerce's determination of the language of the scope of the 
order itself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Circumvention--Sec.  351.226

    Section 351.226 covers procedures in which Commerce addresses 
potential circumvention of AD/CVD orders. Section 781 of the Act 
provides the four scenarios under which Commerce may inquire into 
alleged circumvention and, if it finds circumvention, may determine 
that a particular product should be considered subject to an order, 
even if that product would not otherwise be covered by the scope of an 
AD or CVD order under Sec.  351.225. We received many comments and 
rebuttal submissions on the proposed provisions under this regulation. 
Below, we briefly discuss each provision, address any comments 
received, and, where appropriate, explain any changes to the Proposed 
Rule in response to comments. In addition, we explain additional 
modifications to the Proposed Rule where we have determined that such 
amendments brought Sec.  351.226 into greater conformity with scope and 
covered merchandise regulations Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.227, or 
otherwise provided greater clarity to these regulations.

1. Section 351.226(a)--Introduction

    Section 351.226(a) summarizes the general principles of a 
circumvention inquiry under section 781 of the Act. Numerous commenters 
have expressed their support for these regulations and have requested 
that Commerce clarify that even if it determines that a particular 
product is determined to not be covered by the scope of an order under 
Sec.  351.225 of these regulations, Commerce may still conduct a 
circumvention inquiry of the product. Further, those commenters request 
that Commerce explain that if it concludes that the particular product 
has circumvented an order, it may, despite the negative scope ruling, 
find that the product should be treated as subject to the order.
    An additional commenter also expressed its support for Commerce's 
division of the scope and circumvention regulations, citing to Federal 
Circuit holdings in which the Court has recognized the differences 
between the two types of proceedings.\116\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \116\ See Deacero S.A. de C.V. v. United States, 817 F.3d 1332, 
1337-39 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (Deacero); Nippon Steel Corp. v. United 
States, 219 F.3d 1348, 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2000); see also Bell Supply, 
888 F.3d at 1230.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other commenters are critical of Commerce's proposed circumvention 
regulations in general, arguing that the proposed regulations treat 
parties who operate in good faith in the same manner as those who 
operate in bad faith, that the regulations would do nothing to address 
bad conduct of certain exporters, and that the regulations place too 
great of an obligation on importers.
    In rebuttal to those claims, other commenters disagree with the 
portrayal of U.S. importers as unknowing and unsuspecting with regard 
to circumvention or potential circumvention, especially when the 
importer is a subsidiary of a foreign producer. They argue that U.S. 
importers are in the best position to prevent circumvention because 
they can communicate with the foreign producer and, with proper due 
diligence, can request information directly from the foreign producer 
or exporter prior to

[[Page 52338]]

importing particular products to determine whether the product could be 
circumventing an AD/CVD order. These commenters suggest that the nature 
of circumvention typically requires an affirmative act by a foreign 
producer to change the location of production/assembly, alter the 
merchandise in minor respects, or develop a new product to circumvent 
the order, and a U.S. importer is usually well-situated to notice such 
changes and the risks that come with such changes.
    Response:
    We disagree that the new circumvention regulation places an 
excessive burden on importers and treats good faith importers the same 
as bad faith importers.
    As discussed above, although section 781 of the Act describes 
certain applicable procedures and standards for circumvention 
determinations, the Act does not provide direction to Commerce 
regarding the suspension of liquidation for entries subject to a 
circumvention inquiry. In the absence of any such statutory guidance, 
Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.226(l) to provide that affirmative 
circumvention determinations will normally apply to products entered on 
or after the date of initiation of the circumvention inquiry, with 
certain exceptions. With respect to issues concerning notice to 
exporters and importers, those issues are addressed below in response 
to comments under Sec.  351.225(l)). As discussed below, the purpose of 
the proposed modifications is not to penalize companies acting in good 
faith, but to ensure that circumvention determinations are properly 
applied to merchandise found to be circumventing an order. Also, as 
explained further below under Sec.  351.226(l), when an importer 
decides to import merchandise from a foreign country, it takes on the 
risk and the responsibility that the merchandise it imports might be 
subject to an AD and/or CVD order. If an importer is transparent and 
works with its exporters and producers to abide by the trade remedy 
laws, we do not believe these regulations will be excessively 
burdensome.
    Furthermore, we disagree that these regulations will have no effect 
on foreign exporters' behavior. An exporter which is found to be 
circumventing an order will be faced with customers having to pay 
additional cash deposits and duties on those exports when they are 
imported. As a result, an exporter may find that demand for its 
products declines in the United States as the cost to import its 
merchandise increases, which might, in turn, lead to the exporter 
altering its behavior with regard to circumvention.
    Finally, we agree that just because Commerce determines that a 
particular product is not covered by the scope of an order, pursuant to 
Sec.  351.225 of these regulations, such a determination does not 
preclude Commerce from also finding that the product should still be 
covered by the order if the product is found to be circumventing the 
order. Indeed, a product can only be determined to be circumventing an 
AD or CVD order under section 781 of the Act if the product does not 
fall within the description of the subject merchandise in the scope of 
the order in the first place. Sometimes, as part of its circumvention 
analysis, Commerce must first determine if the product at issue is 
covered by the description of subject merchandise in the scope of an 
order, and it is only after it determines that the product at issue 
does not match the description of merchandise covered by the scope that 
Commerce can then continue with its circumvention analysis and reach a 
determination. If Commerce ultimately finds that the merchandise is 
circumventing the order, such merchandise will be determined to be 
covered by the scope of the order for AD/CVD purposes despite not 
falling within the physical description of the subject merchandise of 
the scope of the order.

2. Section 351.226(b)--Self-Initiation of Circumvention

    Section 351.226(b) describes Commerce's authority to self-initiate 
a circumvention inquiry. One commenter requests that Commerce make it 
clear that when it determines under Sec.  351.225 of these regulations 
that a particular product is not covered by the scope of an order, the 
agency may self-initiate a circumvention inquiry of that product when 
information derived from the scope inquiry suggests that the product 
may be circumventing an AD or CVD order.
    Response:
    We agree that a determination that a product is not covered by the 
scope of an order does not preclude Commerce from conducting a 
circumvention inquiry. We further agree that Commerce may self-initiate 
a circumvention inquiry whenever it determines from available 
information that an inquiry is warranted into the question of whether 
the elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 
781 of the Act exist. This includes a situation where Commerce has 
reviewed information through the course of a scope inquiry that 
indicates that although the product is not covered by the scope of the 
order, circumvention of the order may, nonetheless, be taking place. In 
fact, the Federal Circuit explained this very scenario in Bell Supply, 
in which the court held that ``if Commerce applies the substantial 
transformation test and concludes that the imported article has a 
country of origin different from the country identified in an AD or CVD 
order'' (and is, therefore, not covered by the scope of the order) 
``then Commerce can include such merchandise within the scope of an AD 
and CVD order only if it finds circumvention under [section 781(b) of 
the Act].'' \117\ We have accounted for various related scenarios in 
both Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, which allow Commerce, for example, 
to issue a negative scope ruling on a product while a circumvention 
inquiry is pending (see Sec.  351.225(l)(4)), or to address scope 
issues in the context of a circumvention inquiry (see Sec.  
351.225(i)(1)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \117\ Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1230.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We note, however, that although Commerce may conduct a 
circumvention inquiry following the completion of a scope inquiry, such 
an analysis is not required by statute or Commerce's practice. 
Furthermore, in certain situations, self-initiating a circumvention 
inquiry at the conclusion of a scope inquiry may not be warranted, 
because, for example, Commerce does not have information concerning the 
elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 
of the Act. For these reasons, we are not codifying a process for 
automatic self-initiation of a circumvention inquiry following a 
negative scope determination. A determination to self-initiate a 
circumvention ruling is fact-based and, therefore, should be decided by 
Commerce on a case-by-case basis.

3. Section 351.226(c)--Circumvention Inquiry Request

    Section 351.226(c) sets forth the requirements for an interested 
party \118\

[[Page 52339]]

to request a circumvention inquiry. In many respects, they parallel 
much of the information required of a party filing a scope ruling 
application, pursuant to Sec.  351.225(c). Where we have modified the 
parallel language in Sec.  351.225(c), we have, therefore, incorporated 
the same modifications into Sec.  351.226(c). Accordingly, we have made 
the following modifications for the same reasons we made to those 
modifications in the scope regulations: (1) We focused on the physical 
characteristics of the product, which include the chemical, 
dimensional, or technical characteristics of the particular product in 
Sec.  351.226(c)(2)(i)(A); (2) we added the requirement that a 
requester identify the country or countries where the product is 
produced, the country from where the product is exported, and the 
declared country of origin in Sec.  351.226(c)(2)(i)(B); (3) we added 
the requirement that Customs rulings relevant to the product's tariff 
classifications be included in Sec.  351.226(c)(2)(i)(C); (4) we 
identified the information that a requester must include in its concise 
public summary of the product's description in Sec.  351.226(c)(2)(ii); 
(5) we removed the name and addresses of producers, exporters, and 
importers of the product from the public summary, and included that 
data request, instead, in the overall circumvention inquiry request in 
Sec.  351.226(c)(2)(iii); and (6) we removed the language that stated 
that the concise public description was not intended to restrict the 
inclusion of BPI, as that provision was not proposed for the scope 
regulations, and is unnecessary now that Commerce has listed the 
factors required for the public summary.
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    \118\ As noted above with respect to the discussion of Sec.  
351.225(c), the term ``interested party'' is defined in section 
771(9) of the Act, and pertains, for example, to ``foreign 
manufacturers,'' ``producers,'' ``exporters,'' or ``United States 
importers'' ``of subject merchandise.'' However, the nature of a 
circumvention proceeding is to determine whether the merchandise 
produced, imported by, or exported by a party is circumventing an AD 
or CVD order. Thus, in many cases, the question of whether a party 
is an ``interested party'' depends in part on whether the 
merchandise at issue is subject merchandise. Accordingly, for 
purposes of these circumvention regulations, the term ``interested 
party'' includes a party that would meet the definition of 
``interested party'' under section 771(9) of the Act, if the 
merchandise at issue in the circumvention inquiry is in fact 
circumventing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Several commenters express concern with the provisions that require 
``clear and legible photographs, schematic drawings, specifications, 
standards, marketing materials, and any other exemplars providing a 
visual depiction of the product'' and ``a description of parts, 
materials, and the production process employed in the production of the 
product,'' because they argue that domestic producers will frequently 
not have access to such information. They worry that such requirements 
would discourage petitioners from requesting circumvention inquiries 
due to lack of access to that data, and additional commenters filed 
rebuttal comments arguing that Commerce should eliminate those 
provisions on the exact same basis.
    Other commenters, in rebuttal to those claims, disagree with that 
request, stating that removing the proposed requirements would lower 
the bar too much. Those commenters claim that circumvention requests 
are a new ``petition light'' weapon for domestic industries, allowing 
them to avoid an expensive investigation process while basing their 
requests on vague, baseless, specious, and unsubstantiated allegations 
of circumvention. Instead, these commenters argue that Commerce should 
require even more robust information from parties filing a 
circumvention request under Sec.  351.226(c) than that put forward in 
the Proposed Rule.
    Another commenter requests that parties requesting a circumvention 
inquiry be required to serve the request upon all producers, exporters, 
and importers of the product, arguing that such service is necessary to 
provide adequate notice.
    Finally, one commenter suggests Commerce include a question under 
Sec.  351.226(c) that asks the requester whether, based on information 
available to the requestor at the time of the request, the 
circumvention inquiry, if initiated, should be conducted on a country-
wide basis.
    Response:
    We recognize that some of the information requested of a party 
requesting a circumvention inquiry might not be reasonably available, 
which is why we have included the restricting phrase ``to the extent 
reasonably available'' in Sec.  351.226(c)(2). We believe, however, 
that where the information, such as clear and legible photographs, 
schematic drawings, and the description of the parts and production 
process employed in producing the particular product, is available, 
that information should be provided and is important to Commerce's 
analysis. We, therefore, reject the request to remove this information 
request from our list of necessary information under Sec.  
351.226(c)(2). However, if a party can explain why certain information 
is not reasonably available to it, we will take that explanation into 
consideration in determining whether or not to reject a circumvention 
inquiry request, or initiate on the data submitted on the record.
    With respect to the argument that Commerce should require 
requestors to serve their circumvention inquiry request on all known 
producers, exporters, and importers of the product at issue, we 
disagree that such actions are necessary. As provided for under Sec.  
351.226(c) and (n), the requestor is required to serve parties on the 
annual inquiry service list. Therefore, parties wishing to be served 
with such requests must follow Commerce's procedures as detailed in 
Sec. Sec.  351.225(n) and 351.226(n) to be added to the list. 
Additionally, if Commerce determines to initiate a circumvention 
inquiry, it will publish that initiation in the Federal Register and 
the public will be made aware of the circumvention inquiry. Such 
notification will then allow parties to file a notice of appearance and 
participate in the circumvention inquiry, if they wish to do so, in 
accordance with Sec.  351.226(n).
    Finally, a finding that a circumvention determination should be 
addressed through a company-specific or country-wide application, or 
some combination thereof, pursuant to the remedies outlined in Sec.  
351.225(m), is a determination that Commerce will make based on the 
case-specific facts. In general, though, Commerce will consider the 
description of the product and any named companies in the circumvention 
request in issuing the initiation notice in the Federal Register. 
Absent evidence on the record of the inquiry that would lead the agency 
to apply its determination differently, this notice will indicate the 
scope of Commerce's inquiry, which will normally be tied to the remedy 
ultimately determined, if any, under Sec.  351.226(m). Therefore, 
although we will not require that a requestor provide a suggested 
remedy under Sec.  351.225(m), we expect that requestors likely will 
include a suggested remedy in their arguments in support of their 
request.

4. Section 351.226(d)--Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry and Other 
Actions Based on a Request

    Section 351.226(d) provides the deadline by which Commerce must 
reject or accept a request for a circumvention inquiry. One commenter 
argues that the 20-day deadline set forth in the Proposed Rule was too 
short a period of time to allow parties to correct any deficiencies in 
their submissions.
    Several other commenters argue in both comments and rebuttal 
comments that Commerce should automatically initiate a circumvention 
inquiry after the deadline for accepting the circumvention inquiry 
request, similar to the automatic initiation of a scope inquiry 
described in Sec.  351.225(d), or at least set a hard deadline in which 
Commerce must initiate following the receipt of a circumvention inquiry 
request to make certain that Commerce addresses circumvention in a 
timely fashion. Those commenters express frustration with Commerce's 
procedures under the current regulations in which Commerce has extended 
its decision to

[[Page 52340]]

initiate a circumvention inquiry at times by over one hundred days.
    Other commenters disagree that Commerce should automatically 
initiate circumvention inquiries because there will inevitably be cases 
in which a request to conduct a circumvention inquiry does not contain 
adequate information to warrant such initiation. Those commenters argue 
that automatic initiation based on circumvention inquiries which are 
meritless would force importers, exporters, and producers to 
participate in unnecessary proceedings, force them to unnecessarily pay 
cash deposits on their entries, and would undermine the necessity of 
the information required under Sec.  351.226(c). Those same commenters 
state that they approve of Commerce's proposed Sec.  351.226(d)(1), 
which describes Commerce's authority to reject an incomplete or 
otherwise unacceptable circumvention inquiry request.
    Finally, one commenter argues that Commerce should publish 
notification of the receipt of all circumvention inquiry requests in 
the Federal Register.
    Response:
    With respect to the argument that 20 days is too short a period of 
time in which Commerce must decide to accept or reject a circumvention 
inquiry request, we find that it would be reasonable to increase the 
deadline from 20 days to 30 days. As set forth in the text in the 
regulation, that deadline may be extended by Commerce by 15 days, 
making the maximum period 45 days in which Commerce must decide to 
accept or reject a circumvention inquiry. The unextended 30-day period 
also brings this provision more in alignment with the 30-day deadline 
for accepting or rejecting a scope application found in Sec.  
351.225(d).
    We believe that this new deadline will better enable Commerce to 
determine whether the circumvention request properly alleges that the 
elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 
of the Act exist and is accompanied by information reasonably available 
to the requestor supporting these allegations. Within this timeframe, 
Commerce may also send questionnaires to the requestor and gather 
additional information, if necessary. As provided for under Sec.  
351.226(d), Commerce may ultimately determine to reject the request and 
provide the requestor with the reasons for the rejection so that the 
requestor may cure the request and refile at a later date. In addition, 
Commerce may determine that the request is best addressed either by 
conducting a scope inquiry in the first instance or in another segment 
of the proceeding.
    To the extent certain commenters argue that Commerce should 
automatically accept requests for circumvention inquiries without 
seeking additional information that would otherwise be necessary, or 
that Commerce must initiate a circumvention inquiry by a hard deadline, 
even if it does not have the necessary information by that deadline to 
satisfy initiation standards, we disagree. In determining to accept a 
request and initiate a circumvention inquiry, it is vital that Commerce 
conclude that the request satisfies the standard for initiation of an 
inquiry and is supported by reasonably available information. If 
Commerce were to initiate a circumvention inquiry without having made 
such a determination, we agree with the commenters who argue that such 
an exercise would result in a waste of time and resources for both 
Commerce and the interested parties. It is imperative that Commerce 
have all the information which it needs to initiate a circumvention 
inquiry before it initiates. We recognize that this differs in some 
respects from the initiation procedures set forth in Sec.  351.225, but 
the information necessary to initiate a scope inquiry is different from 
that needed to initiate a circumvention inquiry.
    Further, we disagree that Commerce should publish notification of 
the receipt of circumvention inquiry requests in the Federal Register. 
Section 351.226(n) requires that those requesting a circumvention 
inquiry must serve a copy of the circumvention inquiry request on all 
persons on the annual inquiry service list. Furthermore, when Commerce 
determines to initiate a circumvention inquiry, Sec.  351.226(d)(3) 
requires that Commerce publish notice of initiation in the Federal 
Register. We believe that the initial service on persons on the annual 
inquiry service list, combined with the publication of initiation in 
the Federal Register, will provide more than enough notice to all 
interested parties that a circumvention inquiry has commenced.
    We have also made some additional revisions to paragraph (d) from 
that proposed in the Proposed Rule. Specifically, we have concluded 
that there may be situations in which, after a request for a 
circumvention inquiry has been filed, Commerce determines that the 
circumvention issue should be addressed in an ongoing segment of the 
proceeding, such as a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227. 
In that case, Commerce will inform the requestor of its intent to not 
initiate the circumvention inquiry, but instead to address the issue in 
that other segment.

5. Section 351.226(e)--Deadlines for Circumvention Determinations

    Section 351.226(e) sets deadlines of 150 days from the date of 
publication of the initiation notice for a preliminary circumvention 
determination and 300 days, to the maximum extent practicable, for the 
final circumvention determination. However, if Commerce determines that 
a circumvention inquiry is extraordinarily complicated, it may extend 
the 300-day deadline, but by no more than 65 days (for a fully-extended 
total of 365 days). Commerce received praise from commenters on these 
new regulatory deadlines, with commenters stating that such time limits 
will provide all interested parties with a better and more predictable 
understanding of the duration of a circumvention inquiry.
    We have, however, made some changes to this section. We have 
revised the heading of this section to ``Deadlines for circumvention 
determinations'' from ``Time limits,'' to better reflect the provisions 
covered by this section of the regulation, and we have moved the 
provision allowing for alignment of scope rulings with other segments 
of a proceeding from proposed paragraph (f)(7) to this section to 
clarify that all of the deadlines described in this section may be 
inapplicable or extended if the circumvention determination is aligned 
with another segment.

6. Section 351.226(f)--Circumvention Inquiry Procedures

    Section 351.226(f) sets forth Commerce's procedure for 
circumvention inquiries. Commerce received a number of comments for 
scope and circumvention that argued that the deadlines set forth in 
both sets of regulations were too short.
    In addition, one commenter expressed its concerns with the language 
in Sec.  351.226(f)(3) which states that Commerce may limit issuance of 
questionnaires to a reasonable number of respondents. The commenter 
states that Commerce does not set forth any standards as to how it 
would select respondents for this exercise and expresses concern for 
the due process rights of those respondents not selected.
    Response:
    Upon consideration of the various comments about Commerce's 
proposed deadlines, as well as consideration of our own practice in 
other circumstances, including scope rulings under Sec.  351.225(f), we 
have determined to modify our proposed deadlines under Sec.  351.226(f) 
accordingly, to allow

[[Page 52341]]

interested parties additional time to provide responses and new factual 
information as follows:
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(1) parties will have 30 days, 
rather than 20 days, to submit comments and factual information after 
Commerce self-initiates a circumvention inquiry;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(1) parties will have 14 days, 
rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted by the other 
parties;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(2) parties will have 30 days, 
rather than 20 days, to submit comments and factual information in 
response to the request after Commerce initiates a circumvention 
inquiry;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(2), the requestor will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information 
to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted by the 
interested parties;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(3), interested parties will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, to submit comments and factual information 
to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained in a 
questionnaire response;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(3), the original submitter will 
have 7 days, rather than 5 days, to submit comments and factual 
information to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted 
in the interested party's rebuttal, clarification or correction;
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(4), interested parties will have 14 
days, rather than 10 days, after the preliminary circumvention 
determination to submit comments; and
     Under Sec.  351.226(f)(4), interested parties will have 7 
days, rather than 5 days, to submit rebuttal comments thereafter.
    With respect to the argument about Commerce's ability to limit 
questionnaires, we do not disagree with the commenter that it would be 
preferable if Commerce could issue questionnaires to all potential 
respondents in all circumvention inquiries. However, in reality, 
Commerce normally conducts its administrative proceedings with limited 
resources and under specific time constraints. Accordingly, in 
consideration of Commerce's authority to limit respondents under 
section 777A(c)(2) of the Act, we continue to believe that it is 
appropriate to retain the language in our regulations that explains 
that we may limit the issuance of questionnaires to a reasonable number 
of respondents, if the record of the circumvention inquiry warrants 
such a limitation. In accordance with that provision, it is Commerce's 
normal practice to select the ``exporters and producers accounting for 
the largest volume of the'' particular product subject to the 
circumvention inquiry ``from the exporting country that can be 
reasonably examined.'' \119\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \119\ See section 777A(c)(2)(B) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, we have made some modifications to Sec.  351.226(f)(6) 
and (7), however, to provide clarity to this provision which are not 
directly responsive to comments. First, we explain that if Commerce 
determines it appropriate to do so, Commerce may rescind a 
circumvention inquiry, in whole or in part, and we explain that the 
list provided in the proposed regulations is not exhaustive, but merely 
contains examples of situations in which rescission might be warranted.
    Second, we have removed a reference to Commerce's ability to 
``forgo'' a circumvention inquiry, as that scenario is now set forth in 
paragraph (d) of this section.
    Furthermore, we have added a fourth example in which a covered 
merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227 has been initiated, and 
Commerce concludes that an inquiry into whether the elements necessary 
for a circumvention determination exist can be addressed in that 
segment of the proceeding instead.
    In addition, we have noted that if we rescind a circumvention 
inquiry, we will notify interested parties. We also have clarified that 
Commerce can both alter and extend time limits under this section, if 
it determines it appropriate to do so.
    Finally, we have moved proposed Sec.  351.226(m)(2), which 
addresses actions Commerce may take during the pendency of a 
circumvention inquiry or upon issuance of a final circumvention 
determination, to Sec.  351.226(f)(9). Not only does this change better 
conform with the structure of the scope and covered merchandise 
referral regulations, but it also logically fits more appropriately 
under the section labeled ``Circumvention inquiry procedures.''

7. Section 351.226 (g)--Circumvention Determinations

    We received no comments on this provision.

8. Section 351.226(h)--Products Completed or Assembled in the United 
States

    Section 351.226(h) addresses the situation in which an entity 
circumvents an order through further processing or assembly of its 
merchandise in the United States. Commerce's regulation provides that 
in determining the value of parts or components, or the value of 
processing, of the particular product under inquiry, Commerce may 
determine the value of the part or component on the basis of the cost 
of producing the part or component under section 773(e) of the Act--or, 
in the case of a nonmarket economy, through the use of surrogate values 
and the nonmarket economy methodology, as set forth in section 773(c) 
of the Act. One commenter expressed its support for this clarification, 
stating that it agreed with Commerce's revised regulation, and stating 
that Commerce's use of a constructed value or nonmarket economy 
methodology to value those parts or components in its circumvention 
analysis, as proposed, will improve the accuracy of its further 
processing or assembly circumvention methodology and analysis. We agree 
and have made no revisions to Sec.  351.226(h).

9. Section 351.226(i)--Products Completed or Assembled in Foreign 
Countries

    Section 351.226(i) addresses the situation in which an entity 
circumvents an order through further processing or assembly in a third 
country under section 781(b) of the Act. One commenter argues that 
Commerce should remove the country of origin provision, at Sec.  
351.225(j), from the scope regulations and conduct its substantial 
transformation analysis in a circumvention inquiry under this 
provision, or, in the alternative, provide greater explanation as to 
the similarities and differences between the two provisions. We have 
addressed some of these arguments above in response to comments 
specific to Sec.  351.225(j).
    However, with respect to the commenter's confusion over the 
situations in which Commerce will apply the substantial transformation 
factors set out in Sec.  351.225(j) and the situations in which 
Commerce will apply its third country processing and assembly analysis 
using the factors set out in Sec.  351.226(i), we respond below. The 
commenter argues that the factors which Commerce considers in both 
provisions are similar, but not exactly the same, and those differences 
may lead to confusion and impair predictability. The commenter, 
therefore, argues that Commerce should explain with greater specificity 
which factors apply in each situation.
    Response:

[[Page 52342]]

    Commerce's substantial transformation analysis under Sec.  
351.225(j) and the test for determining whether a product was completed 
or assembled in other foreign countries under Sec.  351.226(i) (and 
section 781(b) of the Act) are two distinct analyses used for different 
purposes, and there is no basis for Commerce to modify either the scope 
regulations or the circumvention regulations in response to this 
comment. Commerce has explained this distinction before in certain 
circumvention determinations, noting that its substantial 
transformation test is used in scope rulings and other proceedings to 
determine a particular product's country-of-origin, while the factors 
it considers to determine whether merchandise is being completed or 
assembled into a product in a third country are specific to a 
circumvention analysis under section 781 of the Act to determine if the 
product is circumventing an AD or CVD order.\120\ Because these 
analyses are distinct and serve different purposes, Commerce's 
application of a substantial transformation analysis does not preclude 
Commerce from also applying an analysis based on statutory criteria 
established in section 781(b) of the Act.\121\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \120\ See Certain Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from the 
Republic of Korea: Affirmative Final Determinations of Circumvention 
of the Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders, 84 FR 70934 
(Dec. 26, 2019) and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum 
(IDM) at Comment 9; Certain Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products from 
the People's Republic of China: Affirmative Final Determination of 
Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty 
Orders, 83 FR 23895 (May 23, 2018), and accompanying IDM at Comment 
1 and 2; Certain Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from the People's 
Republic of China: Affirmative Final Determination of Circumvention 
of the Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders, 83 FR 23891 
(May 23, 2018), and accompanying IDM at Comment 1 and 2.
    \121\ See Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1230 (``Although substantial 
transformation and circumvention inquiries are similar, they are not 
identical.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In determining whether merchandise is subject to an AD and/or CVD 
order, Commerce considers whether the merchandise is: (1) The type of 
merchandise described in the order; and (2) from the particular country 
the order covers.\122\ Thus, Commerce's determination on whether 
merchandise meets these parameters involves two separate inquiries, 
i.e., whether the product is of the type described in the order, and 
whether the country of origin of the product is that of the subject 
country.\123\ In determining the country of origin of a product, 
Commerce's usual practice has been to conduct a substantial 
transformation analysis.\124\ The substantial transformation analysis 
asks, essentially, ``whether, as a result of the manufacturing or 
processing, the product loses its identity and is transformed into a 
new product having a new name, character, and use'' \125\ and whether 
``[t]hrough that transformation, the new article becomes a product of 
the country in which it was processed or manufactured.'' \126\ Commerce 
may examine a number of factors when conducting its substantial 
transformation analysis, and the weight of any one factor can vary from 
case to case and depends on the particular circumstances unique to the 
products at issue.\127\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \122\ See Bell Supply Co., LLC v. United States, 179 F. Supp. 3d 
1082, 1091 (CIT 2016); see also Sunpower Corp. v. United States, 179 
F. Supp 3d 1286, 1298 (CIT 2016) (Sunpower).
    \123\ See Sunpower, 179 F. Supp. 3d at 1298; see also Final 
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: 3.5'' Microdisks and 
Coated Media Thereof from Japan, 54 FR 6433, 6435 (February 10, 
1989).
    \124\ See, e.g., Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less 
Than Fair Value: Glycine from India, 73 FR 16640 (March 28, 2008), 
and accompanying IDM at Comment 5; see also Stainless Steel Plate in 
Coils from Belgium: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative 
Review, 69 FR 74495 (December 14, 2004) (Plate Belgium Final), and 
accompanying IDM at Comment 4; see also Canadian Solar, 918 F.3d at 
918-20 (affirming Commerce's discretion to use other tests beyond 
the substantial transformation test when reasonable).
    \125\ See Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1230 (quotations and 
citations omitted).
    \126\ See Ugine and Alz Belgium N.V. v. United States, 571 F. 
Supp. 2d 1333, 1337 n.5 (CIT 2007) (quoting Notice of Final 
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Cold-Rolled 
Carbon Steel Flat Products from Argentina, 58 FR 37065 (July 9, 
1993) (Steel Argentina Final)).
    \127\ See Laminated Woven Sacks from the People's Republic of 
China: Final Results of First Antidumping Duty Administrative 
Review, 76 FR 14906 (March 18, 2011) (Sacks China Final), and 
accompanying IDM at Comment 1b.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section 781(b) of the Act provides that Commerce may include 
merchandise completed or assembled in foreign countries within the 
scope of an order if the ``merchandise imported into the United States 
is of the same class or kind as any merchandise produced in a foreign 
country that is the subject of'' an AD or CVD order, and such 
merchandise ``is completed or assembled . . . from merchandise which . 
. . is produced in the foreign country with respect to which such order 
[ ] applies. . . .'' To include such merchandise within the scope of an 
AD or CVD order, Commerce must determine and assess whether: The 
process of assembly or completion in the foreign country is minor or 
insignificant; the value of the merchandise produced in the country 
subject to the AD or CVD order is a significant portion of the 
merchandise exported to the United States; and, the action is 
appropriate to prevent evasion of such order or finding.\128\ As part 
of this analysis, Commerce also considers additional factors such as: 
Patterns of trade, including sourcing patterns; whether the 
manufacturer or exporter of the parts or components in the country of 
the order is affiliated with the person who assembles or completes the 
merchandise sold in the United States and, whether imports of the parts 
or components produced in such foreign country into the country in 
which they are assembled or completed have increased after the 
initiation of the investigation which resulted in the issuance of such 
order or finding.\129\ As such, the purpose of this circumvention 
inquiry under section 781(b) of the Act is to determine whether 
merchandise from the country subject to the AD and/or CVD orders that 
is processed, i.e., completed or assembled into a finished product, in 
a third country into a merchandise of the type subject to the AD and/or 
CVD order should be considered within the scope of the AD and/or CVD 
order at issue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \128\ See sections 781(b)(C)-(E) of the Act.
    \129\ See section 781(b)(3) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although an AD or CVD order would not normally cover merchandise 
that has a country of origin other than the country subject to the 
order, the Act expressly provides an exception to the general rule in 
the cases of circumvention because, in general, with regard to third 
country or U.S. further processing, ``[c]ircumvention can only occur if 
the articles are from a country not covered by the relevant AD or CVD 
orders.'' \130\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \130\ See Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1229.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    An interpretation of section 781(b) of the Act that requires the 
imported merchandise have the same country of origin as the merchandise 
subject to the AD/CVD order at issue would severely undermine section 
781(b) of the Act because the merchandise would already be subject to 
the order and there would be no need to engage in a circumvention 
analysis. Accordingly, Commerce interprets the requirement in section 
781(b) of the Act that the merchandise imported into the United States 
be of ``the same class or kind'' as the merchandise that is subject to 
the AD and/or CVD order to mean that the imported merchandise must be 
the same type of product as the subject merchandise. In other words, 
the imported merchandise meets the physical description of the subject 
merchandise and is only distinct because of its different country-of-
origin designation.

[[Page 52343]]

    With regard to the circumvention statute established by Congress, 
the language provided in the SAA supports Commerce's decision to not 
apply the substantial transformation test in third-country 
circumvention proceedings. The Federal Circuit has affirmed that 
``[t]the legislative history indicates that [section 781 of the Act] 
can capture merchandise that is substantially transformed in third 
countries, which further implies that [section 781 of the Act] and the 
substantial transformation analysis are not coextensive.'' \131\ When 
Congress passed the Omnibus and Trade Competitiveness Act in 1988, it 
explained that section 781 of the Act ``addresses situations where 
`parts and components . . . are sent from the country subject to the 
order to the third country for assembly and completion.'' \132\ 
Congress also stated that ``[t]he third country assembly situation will 
typically involve the same class or kind of merchandise, where Commerce 
has found that the de facto country of origin of merchandise completed 
or assembled in a third country is the country subject to the 
antidumping or countervailing duty order.'' \133\ Thus, Congress 
contemplated that where Commerce had made an affirmative circumvention 
determination, the imported merchandise found to be circumventing would 
be within the AD or CVD order at issue and would be treated as having 
the same country of origin as the country subject to the order. 
Subsequently, when implementing the URAA in 1994, Congress further 
recognized in the SAA the problem arising from foreign exporters 
attempting to ``circumvent an [ ] order by purchasing as many parts as 
possible from a third country'' and assembling them in a different 
country, such as the United States.\134\ Similarly, the SAA 
demonstrates that Congress was aware of Commerce's substantial 
transformation analysis and the potential interplay of such an analysis 
with a circumvention finding under section 781 of the Act. Further, as 
Congress noted in the SAA, ``outside of a situation involving 
circumvention of an antidumping duty order, a substantial 
transformation of a good in an intermediate country would render the 
resulting merchandise a product of the intermediate country rather than 
the original country of production.'' \135\ In sum, it is evident from 
the above that Congress anticipated that circumvention could result in 
a situation where, despite the merchandise undergoing some change that 
resulted in a new country of origin pursuant to a substantial 
transformation analysis, the merchandise could still be considered to 
be within the AD or CVD order at issue, if, pursuant to section 781(b) 
of the Act, Commerce determined the existence of circumvention. As 
such, Congress has already contemplated that substantial transformation 
did not preclude a finding of circumvention under the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \131\ See id. at 1231.
    \132\ S. Rep. No. 100-71, at 101.
    \133\ See H.R. Rep. No. 100-576, at 603 (1988) (Conference 
Report accompanying the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 
1988, Pub. L. 100-418, 102 Stat. 1107 (1988)) (emphasis added).
    \134\ See SAA at 893.
    \135\ Id. at 844 (emphasis added).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moreover, the Federal Circuit has stated that ``[i]n order to 
effectively combat circumvention of antidumping duty orders, Commerce 
may determine that certain types of articles are within the scope of a 
duty order, even when the articles do not fall within the order's 
literal scope.'' \136\ The Act ``identifies four articles that may fall 
within the scope of a duty order without unlawfully expanding the 
order's reach,'' \137\ including inter alia merchandise completed or 
assembled in foreign countries using merchandise produced in the 
country with respect to which the AD or CVD order applies.\138\ 
Similarly, the Federal Circuit has explained that ``if Commerce applies 
the substantial transformation test and concludes that the imported 
article has a country of origin different from the country identified 
in an AD or CVD order, then Commerce can include such merchandise 
within the scope of an AD and CVD order only if it finds circumvention 
under [section 781(b) of the Act].'' \139\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \136\ See Deacero, 817 F.3d at 1338 (emphasis added).
    \137\ Id.
    \138\ See section 781(b) of the Act. The other three articles 
are: (1) Merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign 
countries with respect to which the AD or CVD order applies; (2) 
merchandise altered in form or appearance in minor respects . . . 
whether or not included in the same tariff classification; and (3) 
later-developed merchandise. See section 781(a), (c)-(d) of the Act.
    \139\ See Bell Supply, 888 F.3d at 1230.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In short, the two analyses have distinct purposes. The substantial 
transformation test is focused on whether the input product loses its 
identity and is transformed into a new product having a new name, 
character, and use, and thus a new country of origin. On the other 
hand, section 781(b) of the Act focuses on the extent of processing 
applied to subject merchandise in a third country and whether such 
processing is minor or insignificant in comparison to the entire 
production process of the finished subject merchandise. Under section 
781(b) of the Act, we also examine whether the processing in a third 
country has resulted in ``evasion'' of the order, and, therefore, 
whether ``action is appropriate'' to prevent further evasion in the 
future. Thus, there is nothing contradictory in finding an input to be 
substantially transformed into a finished product, in terms of its 
physical characteristics and uses, while also finding the process of 
effecting that transformation to be minor vis-[agrave]-vis the 
manufacturing process of producing a finished product. Further, as the 
Federal Circuit has explained, ``even if a product assumed a new 
identity, the process of `assembly or completion' may still be minor or 
insignificant, and undertaken for the purpose of evading an AD or CVD 
order.'' \140\ The SAA illustrates this possibility in its discussion 
of the circumvention provisions of the Act through its references to 
``parts'' and finished products.\141\ It is evident from this 
discussion that the ``parts'' and the finished goods assembled are two 
different products. Nevertheless, the process of assembling such parts 
into a final product may be minor.\142\ Furthermore, section 781(b) of 
the Act requires that we examine other factors, e.g., patterns of trade 
including sourcing patterns, and whether imports into the third country 
have increased after initiation of the relevant AD or CVD 
investigation. These additional factors further emphasize the different 
purposes of the substantial transformation test and the analysis 
conducted under section 781(b) of the Act and Sec.  351.226(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \140\ See id.
    \141\ See SAA at 893.
    \142\ Id. (``Another serious problem is that the existing 
statute does not deal adequately with the so-called third country 
parts problem. In the case of certain products, particularly 
electronic products that rely on many off the shelf components, it 
is relatively easy for a foreign exporter to circumvent an 
antidumping duty order by establishing a screwdriver operation in 
the United States that purchases as many parts as possible from a 
third country.'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For these reasons, Commerce has neither removed the country of 
origin section from 351.225(j) nor modified the requirement as set 
forth in the newly created 351.226(i).

10. Section 351.226(j)--Minor Alterations of Merchandise

    Section 351.226(j) addresses the situation in which a particular 
product has been altered in form or appearance in minor respects before 
being exported to the United States. In the proposed modifications to 
the current regulation, Commerce included certain criteria

[[Page 52344]]

described in the legislative history of the provision to determine 
whether alterations are properly considered ``minor.'' \143\ One 
commenter states that it was pleased Commerce had included those 
factors in its revised regulation, as those factors are important to 
Commerce's minor alterations analysis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \143\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49487 (referencing S. 
Rep. No. 100-71, at 100).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    Commerce appreciates the comment and agrees that the inclusion of 
the factors from the legislative history in the regulation will provide 
greater clarity to Commerce's analysis of a minor alteration allegation 
in a circumvention inquiry.
    Upon further consideration of this provision, we have made one 
minor edit, clarifying that physical characteristics include chemical, 
dimensional, and technical characteristics, to bring that term into 
conformity with other provisions of the regulation. Otherwise, we have 
made no further changes from the provision as it appeared in the 
Proposed Rule.

11. Section 351.226(k)--Later-Developed Merchandise

    There were no comments on this provision.

12. Section 351.226(l)--Suspension of Liquidation

    As discussed in the Proposed Rule, in the context of a 
circumvention inquiry, current Sec.  351.225(l) allows for Commerce to 
direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of unliquidated 
entries not yet suspended which entered on or after the date of 
initiation of the inquiry, and collect applicable cash deposits, at the 
time of a preliminary or final affirmative determination, whichever is 
applicable. The current regulation does not address unliquidated 
entries not yet suspended which pre-date the date of initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry.\144\ Furthermore, the Act does not provide 
direction to Commerce regarding the suspension of liquidation for 
entries subject to a circumvention inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \144\ Id. at 49487-88.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Under Sec.  351.226(l) in the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed 
that, at the time of a preliminary or final affirmative circumvention 
determination, Commerce would direct CBP to begin suspension of 
liquidation for any unliquidated entries not yet suspended and collect 
applicable cash deposits.\145\ After consideration of comments on the 
Proposed Rule and corresponding changes to similar language in Sec.  
351.225(l), Commerce is adopting certain changes to Sec.  351.226(l) in 
this final rule both in response to comments and on its own initiative. 
For clarity, we describe all revisions made to Sec.  351.226(l) in 
these introductory paragraphs before summarizing and addressing 
comments below. Also discussed herein are the specific applicability 
dates for Sec.  351.226(l) as referenced in the Applicability Dates 
section of this preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \145\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Paragraph (l)(1), which describes Commerce's actions at the time of 
initiation of a circumvention inquiry, is slightly revised from the 
Proposed Rule and mirrors changes in Sec.  351.225(l)(1), which are 
described above in that section. Additionally, because Sec.  
351.226(l)(2) and (3) concerning Commerce's actions at the time of a 
preliminary or final circumvention determination largely mirror similar 
provisions in Sec. Sec.  351.225, with a few exceptions described 
below, we are adopting the same changes to paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) 
that are being made to Sec.  351.225(l)(2) and (3). Paragraph (l)(4), 
which we touch on briefly below, describes Commerce's actions in the 
event of a negative final circumvention determination, remains 
unchanged from the Proposed Rule. Lastly, Commerce is adding a new 
provision, paragraph (l)(5), to include specific reference to CBP's 
authority.
    Minor revisions have been made to paragraphs (l)(1), (l)(2)(i), and 
(l)(3)(i) from the Proposed Rule. Specifically, as explained above in 
the discussion of similar language in Sec.  351.226(l), paragraph 
(l)(2)(i) provides that, at the time of an affirmative preliminary 
circumvention determination, Commerce will direct CBP to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries, but removes 
express reference to entries previously suspended ``as directed under'' 
paragraph (l)(1). Under paragraph (l)(1), Commerce does not direct CBP 
to suspend liquidation at the time of initiation of the circumvention 
inquiry; rather, under paragraph (l)(1), Commerce directs CBP to 
continue the suspension of liquidation of entries subject to the 
inquiry (if any) that were already subject to the suspension of 
liquidation and to collect the applicable cash deposits.\146\ As noted 
above in the discussion of Sec.  351.225(l), CBP has independent 
authority to suspend liquidation, and, therefore, prior to a 
circumvention inquiry, it is possible that entries may be previously 
suspended for a number of reasons. Therefore, to avoid any unintended 
confusion regarding the underlying basis for suspension of liquidation 
of previously suspended entries, the reference to paragraph (l)(1) is 
removed from paragraph (l)(2)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \146\ The phrase ``until appropriate liquidation instructions 
are issued'' from the Proposed Rule is removed in paragraph (l)(1) 
(which refers to continued suspension of liquidation) as such 
language is unnecessary and redundant. The relevant language is 
retained in paragraph (l)(3) as discussed below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Similar edits have been made to paragraph (l)(3)(i) by removing a 
reference to entries previously suspended ``as directed under'' (l)(1) 
and/or (l)(2). Under paragraph (l)(2)(ii) (as further discussed below), 
if Commerce issues a preliminary affirmative circumvention 
determination, Commerce will direct CBP to begin the suspension of 
liquidation of certain entries. Therefore, at the time of a final 
circumvention determination, entries may be previously suspended as 
described above, or because of Commerce's instruction to CBP to begin 
the suspension of liquidation of certain entries at the time of the 
preliminary affirmative circumvention determination. To avoid confusion 
regarding the underlying basis for suspension of liquidation of 
previously suspended entries, the reference to paragraph (l)(1) and/or 
(l)(2) is removed from paragraph (l)(3)(i).
    Revised paragraph (l)(3)(i) also eliminates potentially confusing 
language regarding entries subject to suspension of liquidation as a 
result of another segment of a proceeding, and revised paragraphs 
(l)(3)(i) and (ii) eliminate reference to liquidation instructions 
issued pursuant to Sec. Sec.  351.212 and 351.213. There may be a 
number of reasons why entries remain subject to suspension of 
liquidation in any given circumvention inquiry in which Commerce issues 
an affirmative final circumvention determination, and Commerce cannot 
immediately instruct CBP to lift suspension of liquidation and assess 
final duties. This includes, for example, an ongoing administrative 
review. Therefore, we find that a simple reference to the continued 
suspension until appropriate liquidation instructions are issued in 
paragraph (l)(3) will account for various scenarios. In addition, the 
language in new paragraph (l)(5) will provide added clarification 
regarding CBP's authority in relation to the framework established by 
Commerce under paragraph (l). Commerce intends to provide more details, 
as needed, in its individual instructions to CBP for a given case.
    On the other hand, we note that we have retained language in 
paragraph (l)(4) to provide that when Commerce

[[Page 52345]]

issues a final negative circumvention determination, entries subject to 
suspension of liquidation as a result of another segment of a 
proceeding, if any, will remain suspended until that other segment of 
the proceeding has concluded. Although perhaps less common in the 
circumvention context, it is possible that there could be a scenario in 
which it would not be appropriate to immediately direct CBP to 
liquidate entries without regard to duties. Therefore, to avoid 
confusion in this particular scenario, this language is retained in 
paragraph (l)(4).
    Paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii) clarify and maintain the 
status quo of the current regulation to provide that, at the time of a 
preliminary or final affirmative circumvention determination, Commerce 
will direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of any 
unliquidated entries not yet suspended, which entered on or after the 
date of initiation of the inquiry, and collect applicable cash 
deposits. Paragraphs (l)(2)(ii) and (l)(3)(ii) also retain language 
from the current regulation regarding entries entered, or withdrawn 
from warehouse, for consumption, to maintain consistency with this 
long-standing language and to avoid confusion. Additionally, this 
language also clarifies that the relevant date is the date of 
publication of the notice of initiation in the Federal Register.
    New paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A) provide that, at 
the time of a preliminary or final affirmative circumvention 
determination, if Commerce determines that it is appropriate to do so, 
Commerce may direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of 
certain unliquidated entries not previously suspended, which entered 
before the date of publication of notice of initiation of the inquiry, 
and collect applicable cash deposits. Under this framework, Commerce 
may consider upon timely request of an interested party or at its own 
discretion whether such suspension of liquidation and application of 
cash deposits, also referred to as retroactive suspension, should be 
applied to certain entries which pre-date the date of initiation, i.e., 
to a specific alternative retroactive suspension date. In response to a 
timely request from an interested party, Commerce will only consider an 
alternative date based on a specific argument supported by evidence 
establishing the appropriateness of that alternative date. These 
provisions are further explained below in response to comments. 
Additionally, new paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(B) and (l)(3)(iii)(B) provide 
an exception that, if Commerce has determined to address a covered 
merchandise referral under Sec.  351.227 in a circumvention inquiry, 
the rules of Sec.  351.227(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) will apply. This 
provision is explained below under the discussion of Sec.  351.227(l). 
New paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) also retain language from 
the current regulation regarding entries entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption, to maintain consistency with this long-
standing language and avoid confusion. Additionally, this language also 
clarifies that the relevant date is the date of publication of the 
notice of initiation in the Federal Register.
    Lastly, new paragraph (l)(5) provides language to clarify CBP's 
authority to take related action. Specifically, this language clarifies 
that the revised framework established by Commerce in Sec.  351.226 do 
not affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect 
to the suspension of liquidation or related measures. This is identical 
language to the language for Sec.  351.225(l), which is explained above 
and not repeated here.
    There is one clarification to this revised regulatory framework, as 
noted in the DATES section and in the Applicability Dates section of 
this preamble, and as discussed in detail above regarding Sec.  
351.225(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) for scope inquiries, regarding the 
effective date and applicability dates. As stated above, amendments to 
Sec.  351.225 apply to scope inquiries for which a scope ruling 
application is filed, as well as any scope inquiry self-initiated by 
Commerce, on or after the effective date for the amendments to Sec.  
351.225 identified in the DATES section. Likewise, amendments to Sec.  
351.226 apply to circumvention inquiries for which a circumvention 
request is filed, as well as any circumvention inquiry self-initiated 
by Commerce, or after the effective date for the amendments to Sec.  
351.226 identified in the DATES section. However, for Sec.  351.226(l), 
like for Sec.  351.225(l), Commerce will not apply paragraphs 
(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) in a way that would direct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation of unliquidated entries not yet suspended, 
entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, prior to this 
effective date. These issues are fully described above for Sec.  
351.225(l) and are not repeated here. In addition, we clarify that as 
expressly stated in paragraph (l)(5), this revised framework does not 
affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect to 
the suspension of liquidation or related measures. Nor will this 
framework apply to circumvention requests filed or circumvention 
inquiries self-initiated by Commerce before the effective date 
identified in the DATES section.
    As noted above, Commerce received numerous comments on paragraph 
(l). Summaries of those comments, and responses to those comments, are 
provided below.
(a) Retroactive Suspension of Liquidation
    As described above, in the Proposed Rule, among other changes, 
Commerce proposed that, at the time of a preliminary or final 
affirmative circumvention determination, Commerce would direct CBP to 
begin suspension of liquidation for any unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended and collect applicable cash deposits. Therefore, the key 
distinction between the current regulation and what was proposed is 
that the current regulation imposes a ``cut-off'' of the initiation 
date of the inquiry. The proposed regulation would have removed this 
limitation so that the affirmative circumvention determination would 
apply to any unliquidated entries of the product at issue, not just 
those that entered after the initiation date.
    Thirteen commenters support the proposal to apply affirmative 
circumvention determinations to all unliquidated entries dating back to 
the first date of suspension under the order. A few of these commenters 
generally support the adoption of proposed new Sec.  351.226, with no 
comments specific to paragraph (l). Another group of these commenters 
discuss their first-hand experiences in dealing with circumvention and 
explain that such practices undermine the import relief granted to the 
domestic industry. In their view, companies engaging in circumvention 
contravene the remedial purpose of the AD/CVD law, and Commerce's 
experience over the past 20 years has made it evident that strong 
enforcement of the trade remedy laws is necessary to level the playing 
field, prevent circumvention, and eliminate opportunities to elude the 
payment of AD/CVDs.
    Several of these commenters disagree that imports that circumvent 
an AD/CVD order can enter without the payment of duties unless and 
until a domestic interested party alerts Commerce that circumvention is 
occurring. These commenters argue that importers should be exercising 
due diligence (as part of the concept of shared responsibility and the 
statutory duty to exercise reasonable care when entering merchandise) 
and it is

[[Page 52346]]

incumbent upon them to take proactive measures to reduce any duty risk 
exposure. One of these commenters notes that the Federal Circuit has 
also recognized the risk of duty evasion and the declared policy in the 
Act to protect AD/CVD revenue to the maximum extent practicable, which 
is consistent with the curative purpose and remedial intent of the 
statute.\147\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \147\ See Guangdong Wireking, 745 F.3d at 1203; and Sunpreme, 
946 F.3d at 1321-22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Eleven commenters oppose the proposal to apply affirmative 
circumvention determinations to all unliquidated entries dating back to 
the first date of suspension under the order. These commenters argue 
that by applying suspension of liquidation to the earliest date of 
suspension, the Proposed Rule unfairly expands the scope of an order 
prior to making a circumvention determination. In particular, they 
argue that there is a significant duty liability risk to importers that 
are genuinely unaware their products may be covered by the scope of an 
order. They state that, as Commerce acknowledges, these products do not 
fall within the literal scope language; thus, it is impossible for 
importers to predict what products may be circumventing an order when 
they are not covered by the literal scope language. Certain of these 
commenters also argue that attaching duty liability when the language 
of the orders does not cover the product is a violation of due process 
and the fair notice doctrine. They note that a circumvention request is 
the first time an importer has notice of a potential circumvention 
inquiry; retroactively applying orders to unliquidated entries does not 
constitute fair notice to importers.
    Additional commenters oppose the Proposed Rule and raise notice and 
due process issues. In particular, they argue that the proposal 
requires notification to those on the annual inquiry service list, but 
does not clearly establish how producers and importers will be informed 
if circumvention is taking place via third countries. One of these 
commenters proposes that circumvention inquiries be published in the 
Federal Register so that all interested parties affected have the same 
level of information and can defend their interests. Another commenter 
also expressed support for providing notice via the Federal Register, 
either at the time of the circumvention allegation or the time of the 
initiation. This commenter also notes that the Proposed Rule implicates 
due process issues, stating that importers should not be held 
responsible for duties on entries that pre-date any notice of the 
extension of the order to cover the merchandise.
    Another group of commenters argues that Commerce has expressly 
recognized in the 1997 Final Rule that notice and fairness are key 
factors in a circumvention case. These commenters argue that the issue 
regarding the apparent unfairness associated with retroactively 
imposing duties on merchandise prior to initiation of an inquiry was 
expressly addressed in Fasteners, where the Federal Circuit held that 
Commerce exceeded its regulatory authority.\148\ The commenters also 
argue that the court's reasoning was based on the 1997 Final Rule and 
Commerce has failed to provide an adequate explanation as to why it is 
no longer extremely unfair to respondents to subject entries to duty 
assessment with no prior notice based on nothing more than a domestic 
party's allegation. Further, these commenters argue that the Federal 
Circuit's decision in Sunpreme cannot justify retroactive assessment 
because that case concerned CBP's suspension authority, not Commerce's 
authority to reach all unliquidated entries prior to the initiation of 
a circumvention inquiry.\149\ Finally, they state that the proposal is 
even more blatantly unfair in the circumvention context with third 
country completion, where there has been no AD/CVD investigation, no 
injury finding, no suspension, and no notice of findings in the Federal 
Register. They also state that it is unreasonable to assume importers 
can make a prediction concerning merchandise produced in a separate 
country.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \148\ See Fasteners, 947 F.3d at 803.
    \149\ See Sunpreme, 946 F.3d at 1316-18.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    As discussed above, after consideration of these comments, Commerce 
is adopting a revised framework under paragraph (l) with respect to 
entries that pre-date the date of initiation of a circumvention 
inquiry. First, under paragraph (l)(1), Commerce is clarifying that, at 
the time of initiation of a circumvention inquiry, Commerce will direct 
CBP to continue the suspension of liquidation of entries subject to the 
inquiry (if any) that were already subject to the suspension of 
liquidation and to collect the applicable cash deposits. Second, 
Commerce is clarifying its treatment of unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended which entered before the date of initiation of the inquiry. 
Specifically, paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A) provide 
that, at the time of a preliminary or final affirmative circumvention 
determination, if Commerce determines that it is appropriate to do so, 
Commerce may direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation of 
certain unliquidated entries not previously suspended, which entered 
before the date of publication of notice of initiation of the inquiry, 
and collect the applicable cash deposits. This includes any 
unliquidated entries back to the first date of suspension under the 
order that remain unliquidated at the time of the preliminary or final 
circumvention determination.\150\ Under this framework, Commerce may 
consider upon timely request of an interested party or at its own 
discretion whether such suspension of liquidation and application of 
cash deposits, also referred to as retroactive suspension, should be 
applied to certain entries which pre-date the date of initiation, i.e., 
to a specific alternative retroactive suspension date. In response to a 
timely request from an interested party, Commerce will only consider an 
alternative date based on a specific argument supported by evidence 
establishing the appropriateness of that alternative date. In addition, 
as explained further below, because this is a determination separate 
from a determination as to whether the elements for circumvention 
exist, the evidence required to support retroactive suspension must go 
beyond the evidence required to establish circumvention of the order 
under the relevant criteria. Further, Commerce may consult with CBP as 
necessary under this provision to determine if suspension of 
liquidation should fall on the date of initiation or to entries 
preceding that date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \150\ As stated above in the discussion of new paragraph (l)(5), 
consistent with current practice and in accordance with CBP's 
statutory and regulatory authorities, CBP may stay its action on 
entries of products that CBP has liquidated but for which 
liquidation is not yet final pending the outcome of a circumvention 
inquiry. Additionally, any instructions issued by Commerce directing 
CBP to ``lift suspension of liquidation'' and assess duties at the 
applicable AD/CVD rate would not limit CBP's ability to (1) suspend 
liquidation/assess duties/take any other measures pursuant to CBP's 
EAPA investigation authority under section 517 of the Act 
specifically, or (2) suspend liquidation/assess duties/take any 
other action within CBP's or HSI's authority with respect to AD/CVD 
entries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In establishing this framework, which differs from the scope 
framework applied under Sec.  351.225(l), we recognize that neither 
section 781 of the Act nor any other provision of the Act contains 
specific guidance regarding when merchandise found to be circumventing 
an AD and/or CVD order should be subject to suspension of liquidation 
and cash deposit requirements. When Congress passed the Omnibus and 
Trade

[[Page 52347]]

Competitiveness Act of 1988, it explained that the purpose of the 
circumvention statute ``is to authorize the Commerce Department to 
apply antidumping and countervailing duty orders in such a way as to 
prevent circumvention and diversion of U.S. law.'' \151\ Congress also 
recognized that ``aggressive implementation of [the circumvention 
statute] by the Commerce Department can foreclose these practices.'' 
\152\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \151\ See S. Rep. No. 100-71, at 101.
    \152\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In light of this language, we are cognizant of the purpose of the 
AD/CVD law generally and the circumvention provisions, in particular, 
to prevent parties from undermining the effectiveness of these trade 
remedies through circumvention measures. Congress, and the courts, have 
long recognized that Commerce has the vested authority to administer 
the trade remedy laws in accordance with their intent, and has the 
discretion to take appropriate enforcement measures to ensure the 
effectiveness of its AD/CVD orders by preventing duty evasion and 
circumvention.\153\ Weighing in favor of retroactive suspension are 
Commerce's objectives to promote the effectiveness and remedial purpose 
of AD/CVD orders; to provide the requisite relief to domestic 
industries suffering from attempts by others to undermine that relief; 
to deter parties from engaging in the circumvention practices in the 
first instance; and to encourage parties to maintain a reasonable 
awareness whether the product they are producing, exporting, or 
importing is subject to an AD/CVD order, and also to scrutinize the 
parties with which they do business (for example, to determine whether 
a supplier is a respondent in a U.S. AD/CVD proceeding, which could 
indicate possible circumvention activity depending on the 
circumstances). Therefore, based on these objectives, we agree, to an 
extent, with commenters in favor of the Proposed Rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \153\ See generally section 781 of the Act; SAA at 892-95; Tung 
Mung, 219 F. Supp. 2d at 1343 (``Commerce has a duty to avoid the 
evasion of antidumping duties. [Commerce] `has been vested with 
authority to administer the antidumping laws in accordance with the 
legislative intent. To this end, [Commerce] has a certain amount of 
discretion [to act] . . . with the purpose in mind of preventing the 
intentional evasion or circumvention of the antidumping duty law.' 
'') (quoting Mitsubishi I, 700 F. Supp. at 555; see also Torrington 
Co. v. United States, 745 F. Supp. 718, 721 (CIT 1990), aff'd 938 
F.2d 1276 (Fed. Cir. 1991).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On the other hand, we also agree to some degree with arguments 
raised by the commenters opposed to the Proposed Rule that retroactive 
application of circumvention determinations may not be appropriate in 
all instances. Depending on the circumstances of a given case, prior to 
the notice of initiation of the circumvention inquiry, certain 
exporters, producers, and/or importers of products alleged to be 
circumventing may not be aware that Commerce could apply AD/CVDs to 
such products--which ``do not fall within the order's literal scope'' 
\154\--through an affirmative circumvention determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \154\ See Deacero, 817 F.3d at 1337-38 (``In order to 
effectively combat circumvention of antidumping duty orders, 
Commerce may determine that certain types of articles are within the 
scope of a duty order, even when the articles do not fall within the 
order's literal scope. The Tariff Act identifies four articles that 
may fall within the scope of a duty order without unlawfully 
expanding the order's reach[.]'' (internal citations omitted)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In light of the concerns raised by those opposed to the Proposed 
Rule, and the need to effectively administer and enforce the 
circumvention laws under section 781 of the Act, we have therefore 
modified paragraphs (l)(2)(iii)(A) and (l)(3)(iii)(A) as described 
above. In determining whether to suspend liquidation of entries 
preceding initiation, Commerce will consider its objectives described 
above (e.g., to promote the effectiveness and remedial purpose of AD/
CVD orders; to provide the requisite relief to domestic industries; to 
deter parties from engaging in circumvention; and to encourage parties 
to maintain a reasonable awareness of their business activities) in 
light of the circumstances set forth on the administrative record. This 
framework recognizes that although merchandise may not fall within the 
literal terms of the order, this does not mean, depending on the 
circumstances, that parties are completely unaware of an existing order 
or previous circumvention determinations relevant to their product, or 
even unaware that their products are or may be circumventing the order. 
Thus, in certain instances, we disagree that it would be unfair to all 
parties or that all parties would have ``no notice'' or lack due 
process in every case before potential duty liability attaches to 
entries that pre-date the date of initiation of the inquiry pursuant to 
an affirmative circumvention determination. In fact, we believe that 
there are scenarios in which parties will certainly have notice before 
potential duty liability attaches to entries that pre-date the date of 
initiation. Therefore, the appropriateness of applying duty liability 
to pre-initiation entries pursuant to an affirmative circumvention 
determination must be determined by Commerce on a case-by-case basis.
    For example, Commerce has published hundreds of AD/CVD orders on 
numerous types of products covering multiple countries and issued 
numerous circumvention determinations. The Federal Circuit has 
recognized that Federal Register documents are treated as legally 
effective notices in a wide range of circumstances.\155\ In certain 
cases, the courts have determined that a party that did not receive 
actual notice nonetheless received constructive notice of an event 
through the publication of a Federal Register document.\156\ These 
published documents and accompanying memoranda would put parties on 
notice that circumvention occurred in previous instances under the same 
order by the same or different companies, or that the same pattern of 
circumvention occurred in previous instances involving the same product 
for a different country. This type of evidence could serve as the 
evidence needed to consider retroactive suspension appropriate under 
paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii), because, as noted above, such 
evidence would go beyond the evidence required to establish 
circumvention of the order under the relevant criteria.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \155\ Suntec, 857 F.3d at 1370.
    \156\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Allowing for retroactive suspension in such instances would 
encourage parties to maintain a reasonable awareness of whether the 
product they are producing, exporting, or importing is subject to an 
AD/CVD order, and also to scrutinize the parties with whom they do 
business (as stated above). As a general matter, importers are expected 
to perform their due diligence and exercise reasonable care in 
conducting their business. Certain importers are also required to 
provide or maintain relevant information for their product; and, 
depending on the type of product, more detailed information may be 
mandated based on requirements established by CBP, Commerce, or other 
Federal agencies.\157\ In light of these existing obligations and 
requirements, a reasonable importer may be expected to know, at a 
minimum, the identity of

[[Page 52348]]

certain parties in the transaction chain, understand the imported 
product, including where it was made, how it was made, and the 
components of the product (and, in some instances, the source of those 
components). Furthermore, an importer of a product under an HTSUS 
category that is associated with an AD/CVD order would be faced with a 
particular responsibility to ensure whether the product is subject to 
an AD/CVD order. And, as described above, an importer would generally 
be charged with reviewing prior Federal Register notices relevant to 
its product and to the producers and exporters of its products.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \157\ For example, importers of steel products are required to 
obtain a steel import license through Commerce's Steel Import 
Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) online license system. See 19 CFR 
part 360. In their license application, importers are required to 
report, among other requirements, the country of origin of the 
product, along with the country where the steel used in the mill 
product is melted and poured (which may differ from the claimed 
country of origin). Steel importers must also furnish steel mill 
test certificates that provide detailed information regarding the 
imported steel product. See Steel Import Monitoring Analysis System, 
85 FR 56162 (Sept. 11, 2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Moreover, in determining whether to apply retroactive suspension, 
certain evidence, apart from the evidence required to establish 
circumvention of the order under the relevant criteria, may be 
considered in light of Commerce's objective to deter parties from 
engaging in the circumvention practices in the first instance.\158\ 
Just as there is no right to import,\159\ there is no right to 
circumvent the order with impunity until or unless a party gets caught 
in the circumvention scheme. In practice, in individual circumvention 
inquiries, Commerce will have to balance its various objectives in 
ensuring the effectiveness of all AD/CVD orders, along with case-
specific considerations. For example, Commerce must consider its 
objective to deter parties from engaging in the circumvention practices 
in the first instance in light of the facts surrounding an importer's 
classification of an entry as not subject to AD/CVDs. Exactly how to 
strike this balance should emerge over time, through Commerce's 
practice and consideration of case-specific issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \158\ We note that the AD/CVD statute on the whole, as well as 
the circumvention provisions in particular, do not contain intent 
elements. See, e.g., Nippon Steel Corp. v. United States, 337 F.3d 
1373, 1382 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (explaining that, in the context of an 
adverse facts available determination under section 776(b) of the 
Act, [w]hile intentional conduct, such as deliberate concealment or 
inaccurate reporting, surely evinces a failure to cooperate, the 
statute does not contain an intent element.''). However, evidence 
demonstrating intentional conduct may support retroactive suspension 
because such evidence could indicate that there was no lack of 
notice about the order or the fact that the particular product might 
be circumventing the order before the date of initiation, thereby 
undermining arguments regarding fairness, notice, and due process in 
a given case.
    \159\ See GPX International Tire Corporation v. United States, 
893 F. Supp. 2d 1296, 1313 (CIT 2013) (``[T]he court notes that 
customs duties are to an extent unique from other government 
assessments in that there is no right to import, and where unfair 
trade remedies apply, those with goods that may be imported rarely 
can predict with accuracy what the duty will be.'') (citing 
Norwegian Nitrogen Prods. Co. v. United States, 288 U.S. 294, 318 
(1933) (recognizing that as with tax rates `[n]o one has a legal 
right to the maintenance of an existing rate or duty.')).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lastly, to the extent parties argue that it is unfair to apply AD/
CVDs retroactively to merchandise which may not fall within the literal 
terms of the order without adequate notice, this final rule provides 
additional notice to parties that AD/CVDs may be applied retroactively 
because of a subsequent affirmative circumvention determination, 
depending on the circumstances described above.
    In response to arguments regarding notice of circumvention 
inquiries, we note that, as provided under Sec.  351.226(b) or (d), 
Commerce publishes notice of initiation of a circumvention inquiry in 
the Federal Register. In addition, Commerce publishes notice of its 
preliminary and final circumvention determinations as well, as provided 
under Sec.  351.226(g)(1) and (2).
    In light of the above, Commerce may consider whether retroactive 
suspension should be applied to entries prior to the date of 
initiation, based upon available information on the record, at the time 
of the first affirmative (preliminary or final) circumvention 
determination. In exercising its discretion under this provision, 
Commerce will consider whether there is information on the record 
supporting retroactive suspension, which goes beyond the evidence 
required to establish circumvention of the order under the relevant 
criteria.
(b) Suspension of Liquidation and Cash Deposits at Initiation
    Several commenters generally agree with Commerce's proposal under 
Sec.  351.226(l)(1) to instruct CBP upon initiation of a circumvention 
inquiry to continue to suspend liquidation of products that are already 
subject to suspension. Some commenters oppose Commerce's proposal under 
Sec.  351.226(l)(1) to require cash deposits at the time of initiation 
of a circumvention inquiry, arguing that it is contrary to statute, 
unreasonable, and unfair. These commenters argue that, under current 
practice, cash deposits are not required until Commerce makes a 
preliminary determination of circumvention.
    As with proposed Sec.  351.225(l)(1), in the context of 
circumvention, several commenters argue Commerce should instruct CBP to 
begin suspending liquidation of entries not already suspended by CBP at 
an earlier stage in a circumvention inquiry. Specifically, these 
commenters request that Commerce instruct CBP upon initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry to suspend liquidation of entries which are not 
already subject to suspension of liquidation, and to require cash 
deposits. Likewise, we received similar comments and rebuttal comments 
to those described above regarding Sec.  351.225(l)(1), both supporting 
and opposing this proposal, which we incorporate herein.
    In the context of circumvention, several commenters further argue 
that unless CBP suspends liquidation under its own authority, in most 
cases products subject to a circumvention inquiry will not have 
liquidation suspended when Commerce initiates a circumvention inquiry, 
and thus, certain circumventing products will liquidate without duty 
liability. These commenters argue that waiting until a preliminary 
determination of circumvention to begin suspension of liquidation 
undermines the relief to the domestic industries, and that suspending 
liquidation and requiring cash deposits upon initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry is consistent with Congress's intent to 
aggressively implement the circumvention statute. These commenters 
argue that Commerce's concerns in the 1997 Final Rule do not apply in 
circumvention because the proposed regulations clearly outline the 
factors necessary to allege a prima facie case of circumvention. These 
commenters further argue that circumvention typically requires an 
affirmative act by foreign producers, so it is unlikely foreign 
producers will be unaware that their actions potentially circumvent an 
order. Additionally, these commenters argue there is no economic harm 
when entries are suspended at initiation and cash deposits are set to 
zero, but that doing so preserves potentially circumventing entries for 
duty assessment.
    As noted above, in rebuttal, certain commenters oppose the proposal 
that Commerce direct CBP, upon initiation of a circumvention inquiry, 
to suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries not previously suspended 
and to require cash deposits. In addition to rebuttal comments 
described under Sec.  351.225(l)(1), one commenter points out that 
petitioning parties have inconsistently argued that Commerce should 
lower the threshold for initiating a circumvention inquiry while also 
arguing that these same criteria establish a prima facie case of 
circumvention and support their proposal that suspension of liquidation 
for entries not already suspended should begin upon initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.226(l)(1), which states that, upon

[[Page 52349]]

initiation of a circumvention inquiry, Commerce will direct CBP to 
continue the suspension of liquidation (if any) of previously suspended 
entries and to apply the applicable cash deposit rate. In addition, we 
have considered the proposal by some commenters that Commerce should 
instruct CBP upon initiation of a circumvention inquiry to begin the 
suspension of liquidation of unliquidated entries not previously 
suspended and to require cash deposits on such entries (either at zero 
or at the rate in effect at the time of entry). We have also considered 
the arguments in opposition to this proposal. As noted above, the 
statute does not provide direction to Commerce on the suspension of 
liquidation of entries subject to a circumvention inquiry. Therefore, 
after consideration of the parties' arguments and based on current 
practical and administrability concerns, we have decided to continue to 
order suspension of liquidation and collection of cash deposits for 
such entries only after Commerce's first (preliminary or final) 
affirmative circumvention determination. As a result, and for many of 
the same reasons described in detail above under the discussion of 
Sec.  351.225(l), we have not accepted the proposal.
    In particular, during the 45-day period in which Commerce has to 
decide whether to initiate an inquiry based on a circumvention request, 
Commerce must consider whether the request alleges the elements 
necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 of the 
Act and is accompanied by information reasonably available to the 
interested party supporting these allegations. During this time, 
Commerce may receive comments from other interested parties, and may 
issue questionnaires to the requestor to seek clarification or 
additional information. Although Commerce may seek clarification of the 
description of the product at issue, it would likely be difficult for 
Commerce to fully analyze the description of the product at issue, such 
that it would be appropriate to direct CBP to begin suspension of 
liquidation for entries not previously suspended. We recognize that 
once initiated, paragraph (l)(1) provides that Commerce will direct CBP 
to continue the suspension of liquidation of previously suspended 
entries and to apply the applicable cash deposit rate. However, for the 
reasons discussed above under Sec.  351.225(l), we find it acceptable 
for Commerce to incorporate the description of the product in the 
circumvention request ``as is'' in such instructions to CBP, even if 
Commerce has not had a great deal of time to fully analyze the 
description, because Commerce is seeking to maintain the status quo 
with respect to this group of previously suspended entries.
    On the other hand, we find that ordering suspension for the first 
time on merchandise which was not previously suspended, based only on 
the description of the product at issue in the circumvention request, 
raises practical and administrability concerns. Specifically, before 
initiation, Commerce may not have adequate time to analyze the 
description of the product at issue to ensure that when such a 
description is provided in CBP instructions, CBP is able to administer 
and enforce those instructions without difficulty. Notably, there may 
be instances in which Commerce finds that the record and product 
descriptions are sufficient and clear enough to warrant combining 
initiation with a concurrent affirmative preliminary circumvention 
determination. However, in the cases in which Commerce just initiates a 
scope inquiry, Commerce will not have reached any sort of determination 
on the merits that the product at issue is circumventing the order.
    Further, we are also concerned with the significant administrative 
burden that would result if we were to instruct CBP to begin suspension 
of liquidation and collection of cash deposits of all entries at 
initiation, regardless if they are determined later to be circumventing 
an AD/CVD order. For example, under one possible scenario, such 
suspension could result in a multi-step process of Commerce: (1) 
Directing CBP to convert all non-AD/CVD type entries meeting the 
description of the product at issue to AD/CVD type entries and 
directing CBP to suspend liquidation without any cash deposits at the 
time of initiation; (2) directing CBP subsequently, upon the event of 
an affirmative preliminary determination, to collect cash deposits at 
the rate to be determined applicable retroactively; and (3) directing 
CBP, in the event of a negative final determination, to lift suspension 
and liquidate entries without regard to AD/CVDs. This is just one 
sequence of circumvention inquiry proceedings and determinations, among 
several, that reflects the additional administrative burden that 
suspension of liquidation of all entries of the product described in a 
circumvention request at initiation would require of Commerce and CBP.
    We are cognizant of the concerns expressed by some commenters that 
certain entries that entered prior to an affirmative preliminary 
determination may liquidate without being assessed AD/CVDs, and that 
parties later found to be circumventing the order may benefit from this 
arrangement. We have also considered the suggestion of some commenters 
to begin the suspension of liquidation of not yet liquidated entries at 
the time of initiation, with a cash deposit rate of zero, which they 
argue means there would be no economic harm to importers. However, 
Commerce believes that this balance between enforcement concerns and 
practical and administrability considerations described above weighs in 
favor of maintaining its current practice of not imposing either 
suspension of liquidation and/or cash deposit requirements until making 
either an affirmative preliminary or final affirmative determination, 
whichever occurs first.
    That said, although we are not adopting the suggestions that we 
suspend liquidation of all entries described in circumvention requests 
at initiation, we note that we have made numerous other changes 
throughout these regulations, such as the remedy provisions found in 
Sec.  351.226(m) and the certification process addressed in Sec.  
351.228, in addition to the changes discussed above for paragraph (l), 
that we believe significantly strengthen the administration and 
enforcement of AD/CVD laws, and, overall, these changes minimize the 
opportunities for gamesmanship and evasion of AD/CVD orders while also 
mitigating the harm to importers that may be acting in good faith.
    With respect to the comment that Commerce should not require cash 
deposits upon initiation of a circumvention inquiry, it is unclear 
whether these commenters believe that under Sec.  351.226(l)(1), 
Commerce would be directing CBP to begin suspension of liquidation and 
require cash deposits of all unliquidated entries (including entries 
not previously suspended by CBP), or whether the commenter disagrees 
that Commerce should inform CBP that it has initiated a circumvention 
inquiry and direct CBP to continue any suspension of liquidation and 
collection of cash deposits already in place. As noted in response to a 
similar comment regarding Sec.  351.225(l), CBP has independent 
authority to suspend liquidation. Thus, at the time Commerce initiates 
a circumvention inquiry, although perhaps less common in the 
circumvention context, CBP may have already suspended liquidation for 
entries of products subject to the circumvention inquiry. We clarify 
that, under Sec.  351.226(l)(1), when Commerce initiates a 
circumvention inquiry, it

[[Page 52350]]

does not intend to direct CBP to suspend liquidation and collect cash 
deposits in the first instance. Rather, Commerce will inform CBP that 
it has initiated a circumvention inquiry and direct CBP to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of any unliquidated entries of products 
subject to the circumvention inquiry that have already been suspended 
by CBP. This is consistent with current Sec.  351.225(l)(1), the 
existing regulation governing suspension of liquidation in 
circumvention inquiries, in the sense that both the current and revised 
regulation require suspension of liquidation to continue at the 
applicable cash deposit rate for previously suspended entries after 
initiation of a circumvention inquiry. Although it has not been 
Commerce's practice under the existing regulations to direct CBP upon 
initiation of a circumvention inquiry to continue any suspension of 
liquidation already subject to suspension and collect cash deposits, 
current Sec.  351.225(l)(1) provides that any such suspension by CBP 
will continue when Commerce initiates a circumvention inquiry. 
Consistent with the noted policy objectives of the AD/CVD law 
(including the protection of revenue),\160\ Commerce has revised Sec.  
351.226(l)(1) to require the issuance of instructions to ensure that 
entries previously suspended by CBP continue to be suspended during the 
pendency of the circumvention inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \160\ See Guangdong Wireking, 745 F.3d at 1203; and Sunpreme, 
946 F.3d at 1321-22.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

(c) Action Pursuant to a Negative Preliminary Circumvention 
Determination
    Certain commenters oppose the proposal not to include a requirement 
for Commerce to notify CBP of a negative preliminary circumvention 
determination that the product at issue is not circumventing the 
relevant order along with instructions to terminate the suspension of 
liquidation for any entries previously suspended by CBP and to refund 
cash deposits of estimated duties. These commenters argue that the 
proposal is contrary to the statute and would be manifestly unfair to 
importers because entries for which liquidation has already been 
suspended by CBP may have been in error or based on a misunderstanding 
of the scope. According to these commenters, to continue to collect 
cash deposits following a negative preliminary circumvention 
determination is unlawful, especially where the product is entering 
from a country different from the country to which an order applies and 
for which no injury determination has been made. These commenters also 
argue that, in the context of investigations, provisional measures are 
not imposed following a negative preliminary determination.
    In rebuttal, several commenters responded with arguments supporting 
the proposal not to include a requirement for Commerce to notify CBP of 
a negative preliminary circumvention determination. Many of these 
commenters argue that duty collection is a guiding principle for this 
rulemaking and notifying CBP at the time of a final circumvention 
determination ensures that any duties collected are preserved in the 
event Commerce reverses its position after a negative preliminary 
circumvention determination. These same commenters believe that this 
particular aspect of the suspension of liquidation rules applicable to 
circumvention inquiries will encourage importers to seek scope rulings 
earlier in the proceeding or risk having entries suspended by CBP. 
Another group of commenters agreed that the proposal ensures the 
appropriate application of AD/CVD orders in the event of an affirmative 
final circumvention determination. These commenters believe the 
proposal is consistent with the overall objective of addressing serious 
enforcement concerns and the very real risk of duty evasion.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged proposed Sec.  351.226(l)(2) with respect to 
this issue. Under the existing regulations, if Commerce issues a 
preliminary circumvention determination that the product at issue is 
not circumventing the order, Commerce is required to notify CBP and 
direct CBP to terminate the suspension of liquidation for any entries 
previously suspended by CBP with refunds of any cash deposits paid as 
estimated duties. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed not to 
include this requirement so that Commerce would no longer issue 
instructions to CBP at the time of a negative preliminary circumvention 
determination. Instead, by not including this requirement, any entries 
previously suspended by CBP pursuant to its own authority would remain 
suspended pending completion of the circumvention inquiry and a final 
determination on the matter. We believe that adoption of the proposal 
is necessary to preserve the status quo for the duration of the 
circumvention inquiry and ensure the appropriate application of AD/CVDs 
in the event of an affirmative final circumvention determination. 
Consistent with the aforementioned underlying policy objectives of the 
Act, including the protection of the revenue,\161\ Commerce has decided 
that it is not appropriate to require notifying CBP of negative 
preliminary circumvention determinations with instructions to terminate 
the suspension of liquidation for any entries previously suspended by 
CBP and to refund any cash deposits paid as estimated duties.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \161\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the argument that provisional measures are not 
imposed following a negative preliminary determination in an 
investigation, Commerce will not direct CBP to suspend liquidation of 
entries not already suspended by CBP following a negative preliminary 
circumvention determination. However, any suspension of liquidation 
ordered by CBP pursuant to its own authority will be left undisturbed 
to preserve the status quo until the conclusion of the circumvention 
inquiry. We disagree with the commenters that argue the proposal is 
contrary to the statute. As discussed above, Congress enacted section 
781 of the Act to combat certain forms of circumvention of AD/CVD 
orders; however, neither section 781 of the Act nor any other provision 
of the Act contains specific guidance regarding suspension of 
liquidation and cash deposit requirements in the context of 
circumvention inquiries. The rules adopted herein are a reasonable 
exercise of Commerce's discretion in light of the statutory aims to 
prevent circumvention and evasion. Moreover, Commerce's final 
circumvention determination and any subsequent instructions to CBP will 
clarify the appropriate status of such entries.
    Consistent with Congress's intent when enacting the circumvention 
statute, the proposal not to require Commerce to notify CBP of a 
negative preliminary circumvention determination will help prevent 
companies from eluding the payment of duties if Commerce ultimately 
concludes in a final determination that the merchandise is 
circumventing an order.
(d) Clarifying the Product at Issue
    One commenter opposes the proposal to suspend liquidation of 
unliquidated entries of the ``product at issue'' without any limitation 
as to when the entries occurred. The commenter states that the proposed 
regulations are vague because the language does not limit any new 
suspension of liquidation instructions to only apply to unliquidated 
entries made on or after the underlying case order's

[[Page 52351]]

earliest suspension of liquidation. The commenter asserts that language 
must be added to Sec. Sec.  351.226(l)(2) and (3) that restricts the 
imposition of suspension of liquidation and cash deposit requirements 
to the entries of the applicable manufacturer or exporter. The 
commenter claims that the United States is not entitled to AD/CVDs on 
entries that are not covered by or subject to the order.
    Response:
    We have left paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) unchanged from how they were 
proposed with respect to this issue. First, we agree with the commenter 
that Commerce does have the authority to direct CBP to impose AD/CVDs 
on entries that are not subject to an order by virtue of pre-dating the 
first date of suspension associated with that order. Accordingly, such 
retroactive suspension of liquidation and collection of cash deposits 
would not be imposed on entries that predate the first date of 
suspension in the relevant AD and/or CVD proceeding. Second, the 
reference to the ``product at issue'' in paragraphs (l)(2) and (3) 
refers to the product that is the subject of the inquiry, and that for 
purposes of (l), the appropriate scope of products impacted, either on 
a country-wide or company-specific basis, are discussed under revised 
Sec.  351.226(m), discussed below. Third, we do not disagree that AD/
CVDs or cash deposits may not be applied on entries not covered by or 
subject to the order; however, the commenter's assertion that Commerce 
must limit the imposition of suspension of liquidation and cash deposit 
requirements to the entries of the applicable manufacturer or exporter 
is incorrect. If Commerce determines that a product is subject to the 
order following an affirmative circumvention determination, then it has 
the authority to impose antidumping and/or countervailing duties to 
entries of that product. Additionally, as Commerce explains below in 
response to comments made on Sec.  351.226(m), Commerce has the ability 
to apply a remedy which is producer-specific, exporter-specific, 
importer-specific, or a combination of any of those remedies Commerce 
also has the ability to apply its circumvention determination on a 
country-wide basis to all products from the same country as the 
particular product at issue and with the same relevant physical 
characteristics, and even to apply its circumvention determination to 
physically similar products as well (i.e., not physically identical in 
all relevant characteristics). Therefore, Commerce need not limit its 
ability to suspend liquidation for imports of merchandise found to be 
circumventing an AD/CVD order under Sec.  351.226(l)(2) and (3).
(e) Notification to Sureties
    One commenter requests that sureties be notified, either by 
Commerce or CBP, at the time CBP is instructed to begin the suspension 
or continue the suspension of liquidation of entries for AD/CVD 
purposes in the context of a circumvention inquiry. This commenter 
argues that the duties demanded from sureties may be in amounts which 
exceed the bond and without any prior notice to the surety to allow for 
participation in administrative proceedings and communication with the 
bond principal, i.e., the importer, to address or satisfy AD/CVD 
requirements. This commenter believes providing notice of any 
suspension of liquidation ordered in the context of circumvention 
inquiries will help sureties manage risk.
    Response:
    For the reasons discussed above regarding Sec.  351.225(l), comment 
12(f), in the context of scope, we have not modified paragraph (l) in 
Sec.  351.226 to include a requirement to notify the involved surety or 
sureties that Commerce has instructed CBP to suspend or to continue to 
suspend liquidation of entries for AD/CVD purposes. However, we note 
that, under Sec.  351.226(b) and (d)(3), sureties will be notified of 
Commerce's self-initiation of a circumvention inquiry or initiation of 
a circumvention inquiry based on a request through publication in the 
Federal Register.

13. Section 351.226(m)--Applicability of Circumvention Determinations; 
Companion Orders

    Section 351.226(m) is the provision through which Commerce applies 
circumvention determinations. Commerce received several comments on 
this proposal, with some commenters expressing satisfaction that 
Commerce indicated under the proposed Sec.  351.226(m)(1) that it would 
consider, based on the available record evidence, whether the 
circumvention determination should be applied on a country-wide basis, 
while others expressed concern with that language. For those commenters 
advocating a country-wide application, they emphasize that a such an 
analysis avoids repeated requests for circumvention inquiries on the 
same product against exporters from the same country, thereby 
conserving Commerce resources and ensuring the effectiveness of trade 
remedies. They further suggest that Commerce take the additional step 
in the final regulations of making a country-wide application the 
default remedy for most circumvention determinations, with an exception 
only in rare cases for the application of a company-specific remedy.
    Other commenters express concerns over the use of the country-wide 
remedy, asking Commerce to clarify the bases or criteria it would use 
to determine when the use of a country-wide remedy versus when a 
company-specific remedy is appropriate. Some commenters even oppose it 
outright, arguing that the country-wide remedy is too harsh when the 
majority of producers in a foreign country have not sought to 
circumvent the United States' AD and CVD orders. Those commenters argue 
that a company-specific remedy is more balanced, targeting only those 
participating in bad behavior.
    Still other commenters suggest that Commerce limit a country-wide 
circumvention remedy to cases of repeated action and not apply the 
country-wide remedy to circumvention determinations in the first 
instance. They emphasize that the facts surrounding most circumvention 
allegations and findings are often exporter-specific, and only in rare 
cases do they involve repeated activity.
    In addition, some commenters suggest that if Commerce does make a 
country-wide remedy the default remedy, that it also create a mechanism 
by which exporters may request exemption from that remedy. In rebuttal, 
other commenters agree with this suggestion and emphasize that because 
many exporters of the same merchandise have not engaged in any 
circumventing activities, the creation of an exemption mechanism would 
be a practical alternative when Commerce cannot individually analyze 
all companies willing to participate in circumvention proceedings or 
make a circumvention determination on a company-specific basis.
    Several other commenters argue that Commerce should, in fact, 
expand the remedies available to it in Sec.  351.226(m) to include not 
only country-wide remedies, company-specific remedies, and the use of 
certifications, as described in greater detail in Sec.  351.228 of 
these regulations, but also a remedy which takes into consideration the 
possibility of future circumvention and is applied to imports of 
products similar to, but not the same as, the particular product 
subject to the circumvention inquiry. Specifically, those commenters 
cite to the remedy Commerce applied in

[[Page 52352]]

Wire Rod from Mexico.\162\ In that case, Commerce determined that to 
prevent the repeated circumvention by a company of the AD order, it 
found that all wire rod under 4.75 mm in diameter, including wire rod 
with a diameter less than 4.4. mm, produced and/or exported by that 
company, to be merchandise altered in minor respects and within the 
class or kind of merchandise subject to the order. The commenters argue 
that because discovering circumvention normally requires significant 
resources and time, Commerce should not have to wait for a company to 
circumvent an order in the same general manner again, as that could 
result in the repetitive undermining of U.S. trade remedy laws. They 
argue that Commerce should be able to foreclose predictable, potential 
circumvention schemes by applying a country-wide remedy that applies 
not only to identical products, but similar products, as well. 
Furthermore, they rebut the claims that Commerce should have any 
``default'' remedy under Sec.  351.225(m), because the appropriateness 
of a remedy should be one that is determined on a case-by-case basis.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \162\ Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Mexico: Final 
Affirmative Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty 
Order, 84 FR 9089 (Mar. 13, 2019), and accompanying Issues and 
Decision Memorandum (Wire Rod from Mexico); see also Carbon and 
Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Mexico: Preliminary Affirmative 
Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order, 83 FR 
53030 (Oct. 19, 2018), and accompanying Preliminary Decision 
Memorandum (Wire Rod from Mexico Preliminary Memorandum).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another commenter rebuts the arguments from some commenters that 
country-wide remedies should be applied only to parties who have 
repeatedly been found to circumvent an order. It notes that producer-
specific circumvention findings are often ineffective because parties 
merely rearrange and shift operations to continue circumventing after 
Commerce has issued a circumvention finding. It highlights the 
importance of country-wide remedies to ensure relief from 
circumvention, when record evidence supports such an application.
    Finally, one commenter expresses its support for Commerce's ability 
in Sec.  351.226(m)(2) to request information concerning the product 
that is the subject of the circumvention inquiry for purposes of an 
administrative review under Sec.  351.213.
    Response:
    Upon consideration of the various arguments on this provision, we 
have determined to revise Sec.  351.226(m)(1). We agree with the 
commenters that Commerce has multiple potential remedies available to 
it upon an affirmative finding of circumvention, each of those listed 
in the final rule which may be combined with certain others listed if 
the facts warrant such an application. There may be other options for 
remedies, as well, so it is important to emphasize that this list is 
not exhaustive. Further, although the rule applies to products ``from 
the same country,'' this language is not meant to delineate only the 
country of export. It could mean the country of export, but it could 
also mean the country of production or country of further processing, 
depending on the product at issue and the facts in a given case. It is 
not uncommon for products produced or further processed in one country 
to be transshipped and exported to the United States through another 
country. In that scenario, regardless of the reported country of export 
to the United States, if a product at issue was found to be 
circumventing an AD and/or CVD order, that merchandise could be 
considered ``from'' the country of production or further processing, 
and remedies under this provision could apply to those imported 
products.
    Commerce has the ability to apply a remedy which is producer-
specific, exporter-specific, importer-specific, or a combination of any 
of those remedies, such as applying a circumvention determination to 
merchandise produced and exported by a particular company, or 
merchandise produced by one company, exported by a second, and imported 
by a third. We have, therefore, included all of these options in the 
regulation.
    Furthermore, Commerce has the ability to apply its circumvention 
determination on a country-wide basis to all products from the same 
country as the product at issue and with the same relevant physical 
characteristics. When Commerce uses the term ``relevant'' here, it 
means that if Commerce's circumvention determination focused on 
particular physical characteristics, such as the height and width of 
the particular product, then those are the physical characteristics 
which are the ``same'' and ``relevant'' for purposes of a country-wide 
application, regardless of producer, exporter, or importer.\163\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \163\ In other words, two products with the same height or width 
might be considered the ``same,'' despite different colors or 
weights, if those additional physical characteristics are not 
relevant to Commerce's circumvention determination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We agree with commenters who argue that Commerce has an additional 
practice, as reflected in Wire Rod from Mexico, where it may determine 
that based on record evidence and to prevent future evasion concerns, 
the appropriate remedy should include products which are similar to the 
circumventing merchandise. We have incorporated that option into the 
regulation as Sec.  351.226(m)(1)(iii), and also provided that Commerce 
may apply that option on a country-wide basis.
    Commerce frequently uses certifications in conjunction with other 
remedies in response to affirmative circumvention determinations. Thus, 
we have added reference to that remedy as well in Sec.  351.226(m)(1). 
Further, we have used the conjunction ``and'' between these remedies, 
rather than ``or,'' because Commerce also has the authority to apply a 
remedy which is a combination of two or more of these remedies, such 
as, for example, the use of certifications under Sec.  351.228 and the 
country-wide remedy under Sec.  351.226(m)(1)(i).
    Additionally, Commerce has determined not to make any of these 
options a ``default'' option. We agree with the commenters who argue 
that Commerce should maintain flexibility in applying remedies to 
address its circumvention determinations on a case-by-case basis. For 
example, there may be cases in which Commerce finds that the 
circumvention of an order by a particular product was unique to a 
particular exporter, producer, or importer, and that it is unlikely 
that other producers or exporters would or could engage in the same or 
similar forms of circumvention in the future. In that situation, 
Commerce might determine that the most appropriate remedy to apply in 
that case is a company-specific application. On the other hand, 
Commerce might conclude that the observed circumvention could be 
replicated by other producers, exporters, or importers of the same 
product, and, therefore, determine that the application of a country-
wide remedy is appropriate.
    The remedy which Commerce may apply with potentially the greatest 
impact, however, is that of the remedy used in Wire Rod from Mexico. In 
that case, Commerce had initially determined in an earlier 
circumvention determination that a producer and exporter had 
circumvented the Wire Rod from Mexico order through its production and 
export of wire rod with actual diameters between 4.75 mm and 5.00 
mm.\164\ Commerce, therefore, expanded the scope of the order through 
its circumvention determination to cover those products. Subsequently, 
the

[[Page 52353]]

same company produced and exported wire rod with a 4.4 mm diameter, 
which Commerce found was a minor alteration to circumvent, yet again, 
the Wire Rod from Mexico order. In determining the appropriate remedy, 
Commerce considered the fact that the producer/exporter had now been 
determined twice to have circumvented the Wire Rod from Mexico order, 
engaging in efforts to evade the payment of AD duties. Further, there 
was evidence on the record that at least one other producer made wire 
rod with a diameter less than 4.4 mm. Commerce concluded that the 
record reflected that a remedy was necessary to ensure that the 
exporter/producer at issue in that case would not engage in further 
circumvention of the Wire Rod from Mexico order in the future. Thus, 
Commerce concluded that the ``history of the proceeding'' indicated 
that ``limiting'' the ``affirmative circumvention finding in this 
inquiry to wire rod with a diameter greater than or equal to 4.4 mm and 
less than 4.75 mm could allow for further circumvention of the Order'' 
if the exporter/producer were permitted ``to again make another 
marginal change to the diameter of its wire rod.'' \165\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \164\ See Carbon and Certain Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Mexico: 
Affirmative Final Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping 
Duty Order, 77 FR 59892 (Oct. 1, 2012), and accompanying Issues and 
Decision Memorandum.
    \165\ See Wire Rod from Mexico Preliminary Memorandum (emphasis 
in original).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In reaching that decision, Commerce explained the legal basis for 
its determination that it should apply this particular remedy under 
these specific facts. Citing to the legislative history accompanying 
the Omnibus and Trade Competitiveness Act in 1988, Commerce explained 
that Congress was concerned about preventing ``circumvention and 
diversion'' of United States trade laws, and the undermining of the 
effectiveness of trade remedies through ``'loopholes,' i.e., foreign 
companies evading orders by making slight changes in their method of 
production, because such scenarios ``seriously undermine the 
effectiveness of the remedies provided by the antidumping and 
countervailing duty proceedings. . . .'' \166\ Accordingly, Commerce 
explained that as the agency ``vested with authority to administer the 
antidumping laws in accordance with the legislative intent'' and, it 
``has a certain amount of discretion [to act] ... with the purpose in 
mind of preventing the intentional evasion or circumvention of the 
antidumping duty law.'' \167\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \166\ Id. (citing S. Rep. No. 100-71, at 101 and H.R. Rep. No. 
100-576, at 600). Commerce also noted that in the SAA, Congress 
recognized that ``aggressive implementation of [the circumvention 
statute] by the Commerce Department can foreclose these practices.'' 
See id. (citing the SAA at 892-95).
    \167\ See id. (citing Tung Mung, 219 F. Supp. 2d at 1343 
(quoting Mitsubishi I, 700 F. Supp. at 555), aff'd in Mitsubishi II, 
898 F.2d at 1583).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, Commerce explained that in ``enacting the 
circumvention provisions, Congress did not intend to allow foreign 
companies to avoid antidumping duties by advantageously modifying their 
manufacturing process to produce merchandise altered in minor respects 
in form or appearance from that which is covered by the order. In 
similar circumstances, Commerce has found it appropriate to implement 
measures necessary to prevent future circumvention.'' \168\ Commerce, 
therefore, concluded that the ``circumstances of this proceeding 
require Commerce to exercise its discretionary authority under the 
antidumping duty law in a manner that is tailored to prevent future 
evasion or circumvention of the Order by'' the producer/exporter at 
issue.\169\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \168\ See id. (citing to Affirmative Final Determination of 
Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order on Certain Cut-to-Length 
Carbon Steel Plate from the People's Republic of China, 76 FR 50996, 
50997 (August 17, 2011), which was an affirmative circumvention that 
was applied to all producers in the subject country where 
circumvention occurred repeatedly by multiple parties producing and 
importing different specifications of cut-to-length plate that used 
boron).
    \169\ Id. (citing also to Appleton Papers, Inc. v. United 
States, 929 F. Supp. 2d 1329, 1337 (CIT 2013) (``Commerce has a 
certain amount of discretion to act in order to `prevent [] the 
intentional evasion or circumvention' of the Act. To that end, 
Commerce may impose measures . . . where it believes they will be 
effective in preventing future circumvention of its orders.'') 
(internal citations omitted)).
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    In drafting the remedies listed in paragraph (m), we have 
determined that there may be situations in which Commerce applies its 
circumvention determinations to similar products not only on an 
exporter/producer basis, as it did in Wire Rod from Mexico, but also on 
country-wide basis. For example, if Commerce determines that more than 
one producer or exporter has consistently altered merchandise related 
to a single case, such a conclusion might lead Commerce to apply a 
``similar product'' remedy to the country as a whole, regardless of 
producers, exporters, or importers. Likewise, Commerce might decide to 
apply a certification requirement under Sec.  351.228 alongside a 
country-wide determination that covers the same products or a country-
wide determination that covers similar products. As we have indicated, 
the most important factor is that Commerce has the flexibility to apply 
a remedy in accordance with a circumvention determination on a case-by-
case basis which it finds to be appropriate given the facts on the 
record and its policies and practices.
    In light of these changes to our regulations, we have not adopted 
the suggestion by multiple parties to create a new procedure by which 
to review additional exporters or producers to determine if parties 
that have not engaged in any circumventing activities should be exempt 
from country-wide determinations. Still, we recognize that, in some 
circumstances, Commerce uses the certification program, as described in 
Sec.  351.228 of these regulations, to allow parties who have not 
engaged in the practices which Commerce determined were circumventing 
an order to certify that they did not participate in such conduct. 
Additionally, as discussed below under Sec.  351.228, parties can seek 
a changed circumstances review or raise issues regarding ongoing 
certification requirements in the context of an administrative review, 
as appropriate.
    Finally, we have changed the term ``merchandise at issue'' to 
``product at issue'' in paragraph (m)(2) to use the same terminology as 
that used in Sec.  351.226(m)(1) and other provisions of these 
regulations.

14. Section 351.226(n)--Service of Circumvention Inquiry Request; 
Annual Inquiry Service List; Entry of Appearance

    Section 351.226(n) Provides the service procedures for the 
circumvention regulation. We received two comments on this provision.
    First, one commenter requests that Commerce provide sureties 
``interested party'' status and allow them to receive notice under this 
provision.
    Second, another commenter points out that currently, Commerce 
automatically places foreign governments on the segment of a proceeding 
that commences under a CVD order, but under proposed Sec.  351.226(m), 
all circumvention determinations applicable to companion orders will be 
conducted on the record of the AD order. That commenter, therefore, 
requests that Commerce modify Sec.  351.226(n) to automatically place 
foreign governments on the segment of the AD proceeding in which the 
circumvention inquiry is conducted for both companion orders.
    Response:
    In response to the surety issue, as discussed in response to this 
same commenter under Sec.  351.225(l) and (n) and other provisions, we 
have not provided sureties with ``interested party'' status because, 
among other

[[Page 52354]]

reasons, section 771(9) of the Act lists the parties who are 
``interested parties'' under the AD and CVD laws, and surety companies 
are not included on that list.
    On the other hand, as we explained above, we have modified Sec.  
351.225(n) to automatically include foreign governments on the annual 
inquiry service list for AD or CVD proceedings after the foreign 
governments' first request to be on that list; meaning that if they are 
on that list they will receive copies of all circumvention inquiry 
requests. In light of the fact that foreign governments will get 
notification of all such requests, we disagree that they should also 
automatically be placed on the service list of particular segments of 
AD or CVD proceedings. Like petitioners and all other interested 
parties, if they decide to participate in the circumvention inquiry 
segment of the proceeding, foreign governments will have an opportunity 
to timely request placement on a segment-specific service list.
    In addition, in addressing comments on proposed Sec.  
351.226(n)(2), we realized that we had not included the self-initiation 
of circumvention inquiries in the description of determinations which 
lead to the establishment of a segment-specific service list in the 
Proposed Rule. Such an exclusion was an oversight. Accordingly, we have 
added language to that provision to that effect in these final 
regulations.

15. Section 351.226(o)--Suspended Investigations; Suspension Agreements

    Commerce received no comments on this provision. We have made minor 
modifications to this paragraph, however, to bring it into conformity 
with the similar provisions of Sec. Sec.  351.225(p) and 351.227(o).

Covered Merchandise Referrals--Sec.  351.227

    Section 351.227 addresses procedures when Commerce receives a 
covered merchandise referral from CBP under section 517 of the Act. As 
explained in the Proposed Rule,\170\ Commerce and CBP each have their 
own independent authorities under the AD/CVD statutory framework to 
address the circumvention and evasion of AD/CVD orders. Section 517 of 
the Act establishes a formal process for CBP to investigate potential 
duty evasion of AD/CVD orders. During an EAPA investigation, if CBP is 
unable to determine whether the merchandise at issue is ``covered 
merchandise'' within the meaning of section 517(a)(3) of the Act, 
pursuant to section 517(b)(4)(A) of the Act, CBP shall refer the matter 
to Commerce to make a covered merchandise determination (covered 
merchandise referral). In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed adopting 
new Sec.  351.227 to address procedures and standards specific to 
covered merchandise referrals that Commerce receives from CBP in 
connection with an EAPA investigation.\171\ To summarize, in proposing 
this new regulation, Commerce took into account considerations relating 
to flexibility in requesting the information that Commerce needs in 
making a covered merchandise determination, the timeliness of 
Commerce's covered merchandise determination in response to a CBP 
referral, and the need to afford parties opportunities to submit 
evidence and argument for Commerce's consideration and allow Commerce 
sufficient time to consider such evidence and argument for purposes of 
reaching a well-reasoned determination.\172\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \170\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49489.
    \171\ Id. at 49489-91.
    \172\ Id. at 49489-90.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Proposed Rule also explained that there is a potential 
significant overlap between the inquiry that Commerce undertakes in 
response to a covered merchandise referral through a covered 
merchandise inquiry, a scope inquiry conducted under Sec.  351.225, and 
a circumvention inquiry conducted under Sec.  351.226. Congress has 
directed Commerce to make covered merchandise determinations pursuant 
to its existing authority under the Act,\173\ and, thus, Commerce has 
utilized its authority and procedures for issuing scope and 
circumvention determinations to determine whether a product is 
``covered merchandise.'' Accordingly, many provisions in Sec.  351.227 
were crafted to mirror the corresponding provisions in Sec. Sec.  
351.225 and 351.226, which have been further revised in this final 
rule.
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    \173\ See section 517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act (providing that, 
upon referral from CBP, Commerce shall ``. . . determine whether the 
merchandise is covered merchandise pursuant to the authority of 
[Commerce] under subtitle IV [of the Act.]'').
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    We received numerous comments and rebuttal submissions on the 
proposed adoption of Sec.  351.227, some in favor and some in 
opposition. Below, we briefly discuss each provision, address any 
comments received, and, where appropriate, explain any changes to the 
Proposed Rule in response to comments. In addition, we explain 
additional modifications to the Proposed Rule where we have determined 
that such amendments brought Sec.  351.227 into greater conformity with 
scope and circumvention regulations Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, or 
otherwise provided greater clarity to these regulations.

1. Section 351.227(a)--Introduction

    Paragraph (a) is an introductory provision to Sec.  351.227, which 
briefly describes the framework of CBP's EAPA investigations and 
covered merchandise referrals under section 517 of the Act and the 
procedures for Commerce's covered merchandise inquiries and 
determinations. We received no comments on Sec.  351.227(a) and no 
changes are being made to this provision in this final rule.

2. Section 351.227(b)--Actions With Respect to Covered Merchandise 
Referral

    Under Sec.  351.227(b) of the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed 
taking one of the following three actions within 15 days after 
receiving a covered merchandise referral that Commerce determines to be 
sufficient:\174\ (1) Initiate a covered merchandise inquiry; (2) self-
initiate a circumvention inquiry in accordance with Sec.  351.226(b); 
or (3) address the referral in an ongoing segment of a proceeding 
(e.g., a scope inquiry under Sec.  351.225 or a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226). After consideration of comments on the Proposed 
Rule, Commerce is adopting certain changes to Sec.  351.227(b) in this 
final rule.
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    \174\ As explained in the Proposed Rule, in determining whether 
a covered merchandise referral is sufficient, Commerce may consider, 
among other things, whether the referral has provided the name and 
contact information of the parties to CBP's EAPA investigation, 
including the name and contact information of any known 
representative acting on behalf of such parties; an adequate 
description of the alleged covered merchandise; identification of 
the applicable AD and/or CVD orders; and any necessary information 
reasonably available to CBP regarding whether the merchandise at 
issue is covered merchandise. See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 
49490.
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    First, upon further consideration, we find it reasonable to 
increase the time period during which Commerce must decide what action 
to take upon receipt of a sufficient covered merchandise referral from 
15 days to 20 days. In the Proposed Rule, we explained that, although 
the EAPA does not prescribe timing requirements for Commerce, we took 
timeliness into account in drafting the proposed deadlines and 
procedures in Sec.  351.227.\175\ While timeliness continues to be a 
significant consideration in drafting this final rule, increasing the 
proposed 15-day deadline to 20 days will give Commerce the time it 
needs at this initial stage while also ensuring that Commerce takes 
swift action after receiving a sufficient covered merchandise referral. 
This 20-

[[Page 52355]]

day deadline remains shorter than the deadlines at similar stages in 
scope inquiries under Sec.  351.225(d) (30 days with an inquiry deemed 
initiated on day 31) and circumvention inquiries under Sec.  351.226(d) 
(30 days with the possibility of a 15-day extension).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \175\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49489.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Second, we are removing one of the three actions in Sec.  351.227 
that Commerce proposed to take upon receiving a sufficient covered 
merchandise referral--paragraph (b)(2) that had provided that Commerce 
may self-initiate a circumvention inquiry in accordance with Sec.  
351.226(b). To be clear, Commerce retains the authority and discretion 
to self-initiate a circumvention inquiry pursuant to Sec.  351.226(b) 
if it determines from available information that an inquiry is 
warranted. However, we are adopting an approach which will allow 
Commerce to immediately initiate a covered merchandise inquiry within 
20 days of receipt of a sufficient referral and conduct a circumvention 
analysis in reaching a covered merchandise determination. Specifically, 
under Sec.  351.227(b)(1), when read in conjunction with paragraph (f), 
Commerce may initiate a covered merchandise inquiry and rely on either 
the scope analysis described under Sec.  351.225(j) or (k), or the 
circumvention criteria under section 781 of the Act (as reflected in 
paragraphs (h), (i), (j), and (k) of Sec.  351.226), in issuing a 
covered merchandise determination. Importantly, initiation of a covered 
merchandise inquiry simply allows Commerce to begin its inquiry into 
the appropriate analysis to use for its covered merchandise 
determination. In other words, Commerce does not need to have 
identified, at this early stage of the proceeding, before the benefit 
of evidence and argument presented by interested parties, whether to 
conduct a scope or circumvention analysis. Rather, Commerce will 
consider the appropriate analysis on a case-by-case basis.
    This framework, coupled with the expedited deadlines for completion 
of a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227(c) (a maximum 
deadline of 270 days, rather than a maximum deadline of 365 days under 
Sec.  351.226(e) for completion of a circumvention inquiry), means that 
Commerce can still apply the same analysis and reach the same 
determination it would if it self-initiated a circumvention inquiry, 
but on an expedited basis. An additional consideration informing this 
approach is that, although a covered merchandise referral may be found 
sufficient for purposes of initiating a covered merchandise inquiry, a 
referral likely will not have all the information needed regarding the 
elements necessary for a circumvention determination under section 781 
of the Act, as required for self-initiation of a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226(b).\176\ Thus, under this preferred approach 
described in Sec.  351.227(b)(1), Commerce can initiate its covered 
merchandise inquiry, collect information and arguments from interested 
parties regarding either a scope analysis or the elements necessary for 
a circumvention determination (or both), and issue a determination on 
an expedited basis. For these reasons, we have removed reference to 
Sec.  351.226(b) in Sec.  351.227(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \176\ This is because, for example, the information CBP provides 
with its referral may pertain only to a single company, may rely 
heavily on BPI, or may not provide the kind of detail Commerce might 
need to self-initiate a circumvention inquiry.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The one alternative to Sec.  351.227(b)(1) is provided in Sec.  
351.227(b)(2) (paragraph (b)(3) in the Proposed Rule). Under this 
alternative, Commerce envisions that a scope or circumvention inquiry 
may already be underway at the time Commerce receives a sufficient 
covered merchandise referral. In this scenario, Commerce may elect to 
address the referral in an ongoing segment of the proceeding, rather 
than starting at the beginning of a new inquiry. Under such a scenario, 
as provided under Sec.  351.227(e)(3), Commerce would transmit a copy 
of the final action in that segment to CBP in accordance with section 
517(b)(4)(B) of the Act.
    These changes simplify the procedures for covered merchandise 
referrals and still provide for the flexibility that Commerce 
endeavored to create in the Proposed Rule. The remaining changes to 
Sec.  351.227(b) consist of minor revisions to the text of the two 
remaining subparagraphs and conforming changes required after removal 
of proposed Sec.  351.227(b)(2).
(a) Authority To Self-Initiate a Circumvention Inquiry and To Integrate 
Covered Merchandise Referrals Into Other Segments
    One commenter asserts that Commerce is not authorized to use scope 
or circumvention tools to address covered merchandise referrals. This 
commenter opposes the covered merchandise regulations on the basis that 
CBP's EAPA investigations are largely conducted in secret and these 
investigations do not conform to Commerce's unfair trade practice or 
the AD Agreement. This commenter appears to argue that Commerce should 
not pursue any additional fact-finding inquiries in addition to CBP's 
own inquiry, claiming that the legislative history of section 517 of 
the Act has made it clear that either Commerce or CBP was intended to 
conduct investigations of evasion, but not both. This commenter argues 
that Commerce's own factual inquiry is a waste of resources and a 
burden on the parties in an EAPA investigation. This commenter further 
argues that EAPA-covered merchandise referrals should not be 
intertwined with a circumvention inquiry or any other ongoing segment 
of a proceeding. In the alternative, this commenter argues that 
Commerce should not be permitted to self-initiate a circumvention 
inquiry unless it can meet the requirements set forth under proposed 
Sec.  351.226(c)(2). This commenter also argues that Commerce should 
refrain from conducting a circumvention inquiry within the framework of 
an EAPA investigation because of the harsh consequences of EAPA 
investigations. The commenter claims that the proposed regulatory 
provision requiring that Commerce merely believe that an inquiry is 
``warranted'' to initiate invites an abuse of Commerce's self-given 
authority to self-initiate a circumvention inquiry. The commenter 
asserts that if Commerce cannot resolve the scope issue that is the 
basis of CBP's covered merchandise referral within a reasonable time, 
then CBP's EAPA investigation should be concluded with no finding of 
evasion. After such a conclusion, Commerce could then conduct its 
circumvention inquiry within the framework of its own statutory 
authority. This commenter also made general comments about the 
differences between CBP's and Commerce's authority and claimed that 
Commerce does not have the authority to intertwine EAPA-covered 
merchandise referrals and AD/CVD proceedings.
    A few commenters assert that the Proposed Rule does not explain why 
a referral from CBP should be treated differently, nor does the 
Proposed Rule justify Commerce's authority to do so. Another commenter 
argued that Commerce needs to distinguish between its different 
proceedings, including scope, circumvention, and covered merchandise 
inquiries, in order to ensure predictability and legal certainty for 
stakeholders. This commenter requested clarification on the implication 
that, in its response to CBP on covered merchandise referrals, Commerce 
may rely on varying analyses regarding country of origin, scope 
rulings, or circumvention.
    Several commenters rebut the assertion that Commerce cannot self-
initiate a circumvention inquiry or

[[Page 52356]]

integrate covered merchandise referrals into other segments of the 
proceeding. They argue that Congress authorized CBP to make a covered 
merchandise referral to Commerce so that Commerce may determine whether 
the products are covered by the scope of an order. They note that 
nothing precludes Commerce from relying on information from an EAPA 
investigation to initiate an inquiry under its own authority. They 
state that U.S. government agencies must take a coordinated approach to 
enforce trade laws and protect domestic industries. They also state 
that arguments that EAPA investigations and Commerce's proceedings 
should never be intertwined are irrelevant, legally flawed, and should 
be dismissed.
    Response:
    We disagree with the commenters that argue Commerce should not 
conduct a covered merchandise inquiry in response to a covered 
merchandise referral from CBP. As explained in the Proposed Rule,\177\ 
pursuant to section 421 of the TFTEA/EAPA, section 517 was added to the 
Act and establishes a formal process for CBP to conduct an EAPA 
investigation. If CBP is unable to determine whether the merchandise at 
issue is covered merchandise within the meaning of section 517(a)(3) of 
the Act, then section 517(b)(4) of the Act requires CBP to make a 
covered merchandise referral to Commerce. Pursuant to section 
517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, Commerce determines whether merchandise is 
covered by the scope of an order ``pursuant to the authority of the 
administering authority under title VII.'' Title VII of the Act 
provides the basis for Commerce's authority to administer the AD/CVD 
laws, including making class or kind determinations.\178\ Thus, 
Congress expressly provided that, in answering a covered merchandise 
referral, Commerce should use its existing authority to determine 
whether the merchandise at issue is covered by the scope of the order. 
In doing so, Congress did not limit Commerce in the procedures that it 
may use to determine whether the merchandise at issue is covered by the 
scope of an order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \177\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49489.
    \178\ Id. at 49475, 49484; see also section 701(a) of the Act; 
section 706(a)(2) of the Act; section 731(a) of the Act; section 
736(a)(2) of the Act; and section 771(25) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The commenter's arguments regarding the legislative history and 
whether Commerce should be pursuing any fact-finding inquiry in 
relation to a covered merchandise referral from CBP are contrary to 
Congress's intent as expressed in the language of section 517 of the 
Act. When CBP submits its referral to Commerce, Commerce is charged 
with determining if the merchandise at issue is subject to the scope of 
an order. If Commerce could not request information from parties, and 
conduct its own fact-finding inquiry, then it would be unable to 
perform its function under the statute to answer CBP's referral. 
Commerce's existing authority allows it to conduct its own fact-finding 
inquiry to make a class or kind determination and, as explained in the 
Proposed Rule, Sec.  351.227 allows for flexibility in relying on the 
standards for scope issues under Sec.  351.225 or circumvention issues 
under Sec.  351.226, as appropriate, in issuing a covered merchandise 
determination. While Commerce has only received a limited number of 
these referrals to date, analyzing a covered merchandise referral under 
these criteria is consistent with how Commerce has answered covered 
merchandise referrals.\179\ For further clarity, as provided in adopted 
Sec.  351.227(b)(2), Commerce may also address a covered merchandise 
referral in the context of an ongoing segment of the proceeding. 
Furthermore, as discussed below under Sec.  351.227(d)(5)(ii), Commerce 
may also rescind a covered merchandise inquiry and address a covered 
merchandise referral in another segment of the proceeding, as 
appropriate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \179\ Commerce has addressed covered merchandise referrals using 
both scope and circumvention analyses. See, e.g., Wooden Bedroom 
Furniture From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Covered 
Merchandise Referral, 83 FR 9272 (March 5, 2018) (Wooden Bedroom 
Furniture); Hydrofluorocarbon Blends From the People's Republic of 
China: Notice of Covered Merchandise Referral, 83 FR 9277 (March 5, 
2018) (HFC Blends); and Diamond Sawblades and Parts Thereof From the 
People's Republic of China: Notice of Covered Merchandise Referral, 
83 FR 9280 (March 5, 2018) (Diamond Sawblades).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nor do we agree with commenters' argument that Commerce does not 
have the authority to self-initiate a circumvention inquiry in the 
context of a covered merchandise referral. As explained above, Congress 
authorized Commerce to determine whether the merchandise at issue is 
covered by the scope of an order, and Congress did not limit Commerce's 
discretion in determining the appropriate procedures to make a covered 
merchandise determination. In any event, as explained above, Commerce 
has removed the express reference to self-initiation of a circumvention 
inquiry under Sec.  351.227(b) for purposes of streamlining its 
procedures because a circumvention analysis can be performed, on an 
expedited basis, in a covered merchandise inquiry as provided for under 
Sec.  351.227(b) and (f). Nor do we find persuasive the argument that 
Commerce must refrain from conducting a circumvention inquiry within 
the framework of an EAPA investigation because of the ``harsh 
consequences'' of an EAPA investigation. Notably, while Commerce's and 
CBP's duties and responsibilities under the AD/CVD statutory framework 
are often related, Commerce and CBP are U.S. government agencies that 
operate independently and pursuant to distinct statutory mandates and 
authorities. CBP's EAPA investigation and Commerce's segment answering 
a covered merchandise referral are two separate proceedings and each 
proceeding addresses different issues. CBP's EAPA investigation 
addresses evasion concerns as outlined under section 517 of the Act. 
This is distinct from, but aided by, Commerce's covered merchandise 
inquiry (or another segment of the proceeding used to address a covered 
merchandise referral), which determines whether merchandise is subject 
to the scope of an order.
    Additionally, the adoption of Sec.  351.227 is intended to fit into 
the current statutory scheme and the revised regulatory framework 
adopted in this final rule, under which Commerce may already request 
participation of interested parties and issue a substantive 
determination whether certain merchandise is covered by the scope of an 
AD/CVD order.
    We also disagree with a commenter's argument that if Commerce 
cannot resolve the scope issue that is the basis of CBP's referral 
within a reasonable time, then CBP's EAPA investigation should be 
concluded with no finding of evasion, and that Commerce can then 
examine whether the merchandise is circumventing an order. First, as 
Commerce noted in the Proposed Rule, Congress did not prescribe timing 
requirements for Commerce to reach its covered merchandise 
determination. As contemplated in the Proposed Rule, there may be a 
need for Commerce to seek further information to establish a more 
detailed description of the merchandise at issue, or engage in a 
complex analysis, before determining whether the merchandise is covered 
merchandise. Commerce is mindful that section 517(b)(4)(B) of the Act 
instructs Commerce to promptly transmit its determination to CBP, and 
that CBP's deadlines to complete its EAPA investigation will be stayed 
pending completion of Commerce's covered merchandise determination. At 
the same time, as explained further below in response to comments on 
proposed paragraph (c), Commerce requires

[[Page 52357]]

sufficient time to request necessary information, allow parties an 
opportunity to comment and submit factual information, analyze the 
issues and record evidence, and to issue a covered merchandise 
determination. The deadlines established in paragraph (c) ensure that 
Commerce will issue a covered merchandise determination within a 
reasonable timeframe and are more expedient than the deadlines 
established for scope and circumvention inquiries.
    Second, this commenter's argument conflates the two different 
proceedings. Under section 517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, Commerce is 
tasked with determining whether the merchandise at issue is covered by 
the scope of the order, not determining whether covered merchandise has 
entered the United States through evasion.
    Finally, as noted above, Commerce is not precluded from conducting 
a covered merchandise referral in a circumvention inquiry as a means to 
address CBP's covered merchandise referral. The commenter's argument to 
the contrary suffers from the misconception that unliquidated entries 
of products that circumvent an AD/CVD order and enter without the 
payment of duties are beyond the reach of trade remedies unless and 
until a domestic interested party alerts Commerce that circumvention is 
occurring and Commerce actually initiates a circumvention inquiry. 
Congress enacted section 781 of the Act to combat certain forms of 
circumvention of AD and CVD orders; however, neither section 781 of the 
Act nor any other provision of the Act contains specific guidance 
regarding when merchandise found to be circumventing an AD and/or CVD 
order should be subject to the order. As discussed in great detail 
above in our analysis under Sec.  351.226(l), merchandise not covered 
by the literal terms of an order may, under certain factual scenarios, 
be subject to the imposition of AD/CVDs prior to the date a 
circumvention inquiry is initiated. Moreover, Commerce's regulations do 
not address CBP's independent authority to suspend liquidation for 
purposes of its EAPA investigation under section 517 of the Act.
(b) Participation of Interested Parties and Opportunity to Comment 
Prior to Initiation
    We received a few comments on proposed Sec.  351.227(b) requesting 
clarification on the participation of interested parties in the segment 
of the proceeding used to address a covered merchandise referral, as 
well as whether parties will have an opportunity to comment on a 
covered merchandise referral prior to Commerce initiating a covered 
merchandise inquiry. One commenter noted that in the Proposed Rule, 
Commerce stated it will decide whether to initiate an inquiry in 
response to a covered merchandise referral from CBP within 15 days. 
This commenter requested that Commerce modify proposed Sec.  351.227(b) 
to notify interested parties on the annual inquiry service list of the 
referral from CBP within 7 days of receipt of the referral. This 
commenter also requested that Commerce provide parties an opportunity 
to comment on the referral prior to initiating a covered merchandise 
inquiry.
    Another commenter rebutted the request to provide notice to 
petitioners and other interested parties on the annual inquiry service 
list when Commerce receives a covered merchandise referral from CBP. 
This commenter requested that we not allow these parties an opportunity 
to comment on the covered merchandise referral prior to initiating a 
covered merchandise referral.
    Response:
    Commerce is not adopting the recommendation to notify interested 
parties on the annual inquiry service list when Commerce receives a 
covered merchandise referral from CBP. Nor is Commerce adopting the 
recommendation to allow parties to comment on the covered merchandise 
referral prior to initiating a covered merchandise inquiry. As 
explained above, Congress authorized CBP to investigate evasion of AD/
CVD orders. If CBP cannot determine whether the merchandise at issue is 
covered merchandise, then it is required to refer the inquiry to 
Commerce and Commerce is required to make a covered merchandise 
determination. Given this statutory directive, Commerce will not notify 
parties or allow parties the opportunity to comment on the covered 
merchandise referral prior to taking action in response to a referral. 
Instead, Commerce will publish notice of its intent to address the 
covered merchandise referral pursuant to Sec.  351.227(b) in the 
Federal Register, allow parties the opportunity to enter an appearance 
on the segment-specific service list, submit an APO application, and 
review and comment on the referral in accordance with its outlined 
procedures.
    Additionally, Commerce disagrees with one commenter's claim that it 
cannot allow any party that is not an interested party in CBP's EAPA 
investigation to participate in a covered merchandise inquiry. As 
explained above, pursuant to section 517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act, 
Commerce determines whether merchandise is covered by the scope of an 
order ``pursuant to the authority of the administering authority under 
title VII.'' Title VII of the Act provides the basis for Commerce's 
authority to administer the AD/CVD laws, including making class or kind 
determinations.\180\ Thus, Congress expressly provided that Commerce 
should use its existing authority in responding to a covered 
merchandise referral from CBP. By statute, Commerce provides interested 
parties the opportunity to comment and participate in AD/CVD 
proceedings.\181\ Commerce has provided additional explanation below 
under proposed Sec.  351.227(n) in response to this comment regarding 
interested party participation in Commerce's segment of the proceeding 
addressing a covered merchandise referral.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \180\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49475, 49484; see also 
section 701(a) of the Act; section 706(a)(2) of the Act; section 
731(a) of the Act; section 736(a)(2) of the Act; and section 771(25) 
of the Act.
    \181\ See section 782(g) of the Act (``Information that is 
submitted on a timely basis to the administering authority . . . 
during the course of a proceeding under this title shall be subject 
to comment by other parties to the proceeding within such reasonable 
time as the administering authority . . . shall provide.''); see 
also Mid Continent Nail Corp. v. United States, 712 F. Supp. 2d 
1370, 1375 (CIT 2010) (``Congress has provided a fair process for 
commenting within the statutory language of [section 782(g) of the 
Act].'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Section 351.227(c)--Deadlines for Covered Merchandise Determinations

    Section 351.227(c) of the Proposed Rule provided the deadline for 
Commerce to conduct covered merchandise inquiries and also set forth 
that Commerce could only extend the deadline if it determines that the 
inquiry is extraordinarily complicated. After consideration of the 
comments on the Proposed Rule, detailed below, and in light of changes 
to Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, Commerce is adopting certain changes 
to Sec.  351.227(c) in this final rule. For clarity, we first describe 
the revisions to Sec.  351.227(c) in these introductory paragraphs, 
before discussing comments and responses to comments below.
    To conform with similar provisions in Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 
351.226, we have revised the heading of proposed Sec.  351.227(c) from 
``Time limits'' to ``Deadlines for covered merchandise 
determinations,'' which better reflects the nature of this. Similarly, 
as with Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, we have moved and made minor 
revisions to the provision allowing for alignment of the deadlines for 
a covered merchandise

[[Page 52358]]

determination with the deadlines in another segment of a proceeding 
from proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(6) to Sec.  351.227(c)(3). Placing the 
alignment provision within Sec.  351.227(c) clarifies that the deadline 
for a covered merchandise determination will no longer apply if the 
deadline for the covered merchandise inquiry is aligned with the 
deadlines of another segment of the proceeding.
    While we are adopting Sec.  351.227(c)(1) and the initial 120-day 
deadline for a covered merchandise determination as proposed in the 
Proposed Rule, as further explained below, we are changing Sec.  
351.227(c)(2) in this final rule to increase the number of days that 
Commerce may extend the deadlines for issuing a final covered 
merchandise determination from an additional 60 days to up to an 
additional 150 days (for a fully-extended total of 270 days). 
Additionally, we are changing the standard for an extension under Sec.  
351.227(c)(2) from ``extraordinarily complicated'' to ``good cause,'' 
and have provided examples of situations in which good cause exists to 
warrant an extension. One example of good cause specific to covered 
merchandise inquiries that we have added in Sec.  351.227(c)(2)(iii) 
refers to a situation where Commerce has determined to address a scope 
or circumvention issue from another segment of the proceeding (such as 
a scope or circumvention inquiry) involving the same or similar 
products in the covered merchandise inquiry. These changes provide 
Commerce with flexibility as it continues to gain experience in this 
new area of the law, establish procedures that remain more expedient 
than those provided for scope inquiries under Sec.  351.225 and 
circumvention inquiries under Sec.  351.226, and ensure that Commerce 
will have sufficient time to consider all evidence and arguments 
submitted and reach a well-reasoned determination that may be subject 
to judicial review.
    As noted above, Commerce received numerous comments on Sec.  
351.227(c). Summaries of those comments, and responses to those 
comments, are provided below.
(a) Clarification of Applicable Deadlines
    We received several comments asking for clarification of the 
applicable deadlines when Commerce receives a covered merchandise 
referral, or otherwise proposing alternative deadlines. Several 
commenters generally request that Commerce complete covered merchandise 
inquiries on an expedited basis. One group of commenters proposes that 
Commerce complete a covered merchandise inquiry within 45 days of the 
initiation notice publication date, with an extension possibility of an 
additional 45 days if the covered merchandise inquiry is 
extraordinarily complicated. This group of commenters argues that an 
expedited timeframe is appropriate and fair because parties have 
already participated in the EAPA investigation for up to 360 days. Two 
other commenters propose that the expedited timeframes in proposed 
Sec.  351.227(c) should apply to circumvention inquiries self-initiated 
under proposed Sec.  351.227(b)(2). One commenter requests 
clarification of what time limits apply when Commerce addresses a 
covered merchandise referral in an ongoing segment under proposed Sec.  
351.227(b)(3). Another commenter proposes that Commerce revise proposed 
Sec.  351.227(b)(3) to state that Commerce will address a covered 
merchandise referral in an ongoing segment only if Commerce determines 
it can do so ``without undue delay.''
    Response:
    We have not adopted the proposed modifications to further expedite 
the deadlines in Commerce's covered merchandise inquiries. As explained 
further below, we have made changes to Sec.  351.227(c) to maintain 
flexibility and to provide Commerce additional time to complete a 
covered merchandise inquiry. Specifically, although we are adopting the 
initial 120-day period under Sec.  351.227(c)(1), we are increasing the 
number of days that Commerce may extend the deadlines for issuing a 
final covered merchandise determination under paragraph (c)(2) from an 
additional 60 days to up to an additional 150 days (for a fully-
extended total of 270 days). Additionally, we are changing the standard 
for an extension from ``extraordinarily complicated'' to ``good 
cause,'' and have provided examples of situations in which good cause 
exists to warrant an extension. We believe an ``extraordinarily 
complicated'' standard would unduly restrict Commerce's ability to 
extend the deadline and, although the same standard is provided under 
new Sec.  351.226(e)(2), that heightened standard applies only to an 
extension that goes beyond the 300-day deadline referenced in the 
statute for a final circumvention determination.\182\ We believe that 
applying the same standard in covered merchandise inquiries at the 120-
day mark is unworkable and fails to recognize that covered merchandise 
referrals will often present complex scope and circumvention issues.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \182\ See section 781(f) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As we stated in the Proposed Rule, in proposing Sec.  351.227, 
Commerce has taken into account considerations relating to flexibility 
in Commerce's ability to request information necessary for its analysis 
in reaching a covered merchandise determination, timeliness, and 
scheduling that allows Commerce sufficient time to analyze the issues 
and the record evidence and issue a determination that may be subject 
to judicial review.\183\ Although the EAPA does not prescribe timing 
requirements for Commerce to reach its covered merchandise 
determinations, Commerce is mindful that section 517(b)(4)(B) of the 
Act instructs Commerce to promptly transmit its determination to CBP, 
and that CBP's deadlines to complete its EAPA investigation will be 
stayed pending completion of Commerce's covered merchandise 
determination. Upon further consideration, Commerce believes additional 
time may be necessary to allow Commerce sufficient time to request 
necessary information, allow parties an opportunity to comment and 
submit factual information, analyze the issues and record evidence, and 
to issue a covered merchandise determination. As explained below in our 
discussion of Sec.  351.227(d), we have increased the time periods for 
parties to comment and submit factual information. While these 
increases provide interested parties with additional time to comment 
and submit factual information to Commerce, they further shorten the 
time Commerce has to consider and analyze such information, and to 
subsequently issue a timely and well-reasoned covered merchandise 
determination that may be subject to judicial review.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \183\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49489-90.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, Commerce is cognizant that covered merchandise 
inquiries are a new type of segment, and, to date, the limited number 
of covered merchandise referrals Commerce has received have presented 
novel or complex issues. Thus, Commerce believes it is important to 
maintain flexibility to ensure sufficient time for Commerce to complete 
a covered merchandise determination. Nonetheless, Commerce continues to 
be mindful of timeliness considerations and notes that even with the 
additional extension days, the deadline to complete a fully extended 
covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227(b)(1) is shorter than 
the deadlines to complete a fully extended scope or circumvention 
inquiry under Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226. Moreover, it is not 
necessarily the case that Commerce

[[Page 52359]]

will always extend the deadline for a covered merchandise inquiry, 
especially when the inquiry is fairly simple, straightforward, and/or 
uncontested. In such cases, Commerce might issue a covered merchandise 
determination within the initial 120-day period provided under Sec.  
351.227(c)(1). Nor is it necessarily the case that Commerce will extend 
the deadline of a covered merchandise inquiry the full 150 days allowed 
under Sec.  351.227(c)(2) if Commerce is able to issue a covered 
merchandise determination within a shorter timeframe.
    In response to the comment that the expedited time frames in Sec.  
351.227(c) should apply to circumvention inquiries self-initiated under 
proposed Sec.  351.227(b)(2), as discussed above, we have removed this 
proposed subparagraph. However, to be clear, Commerce maintains its 
authority to self-initiate a circumvention inquiry under Sec.  
351.226(b) if it determines from available information that an inquiry 
is warranted. If Commerce self-initiates a circumvention inquiry, Sec.  
351.226 would govern and the deadlines under Sec.  351.226(e) would 
apply.
    In response to the comment asking for clarification of what 
deadlines apply when Commerce addresses a covered merchandise referral 
in an ongoing segment of the proceeding, we clarify that, in that 
situation, the deadlines in the ongoing segment would continue to 
apply. By contrast, if Commerce initiates a covered merchandise inquiry 
under Sec.  351.227(b)(1), the expedited deadlines of Sec.  351.227(c) 
apply.
    In response to the comment that Commerce should only address a 
covered merchandise referral in an ongoing segment if it determines it 
can do so ``without undue delay,'' we disagree that it is necessary to 
revise the regulation to include this language. As noted above, 
however, Commerce is mindful of timeliness considerations and will 
continue to take these considerations into account when it receives a 
covered merchandise referral from CBP.
(b) Deadline for Issuance of Preliminary Covered Merchandise 
Determinations
    One commenter argues that Commerce should also have a deadline for 
preliminary covered merchandise determinations when not issued 
concurrently with the initiation of a covered merchandise inquiry. 
According to this commenter, this would allow for greater certainty and 
clarity because interested parties would know when to expect a 
preliminary covered merchandise determination.
    Response:
    We have not adopted changes establishing a deadline for preliminary 
covered merchandise determinations. As with scope inquiries, Commerce 
is not required to issue a preliminary covered merchandise 
determination in every case. When Commerce determines that a 
preliminary covered merchandise determination is warranted, we do not 
believe Commerce should be restricted by a specific deadline in the 
regulations. Instead, we believe that Commerce should have the 
flexibility to determine whether to issue a preliminary covered 
merchandise determination. Furthermore, it would be unreasonable to 
require Commerce to issue a preliminary covered merchandise 
determination when the facts on the record are simple enough for 
Commerce to issue a final covered merchandise determination on or 
before 120 days after the date of notice of initiation of a covered 
merchandise inquiry is published in the Federal Register. Therefore, we 
have not modified the deadlines in Sec.  351.227(c) to mandate the 
issuance of a preliminary covered merchandise determination.

4. Section 351.227(d)--Covered Merchandise Inquiry Procedures

    Section 351.227(d) of the Proposed Rule provides the procedures for 
covered merchandise inquiries, including the deadlines for comments and 
the submission of factual information, in the event such an inquiry is 
initiated pursuant to paragraph (b)(1). Much of this provision tracks 
the procedures provided for scope inquiries under Sec.  351.225(f) and 
circumvention inquiries under Sec.  351.226(f). As discussed above, we 
have considered the comments submitted regarding these procedures and 
have determined to modify the proposed deadlines to allow interested 
parties additional time to submit comments and factual information from 
20 to 30 days under Sec.  351.227(d)(1), from 10 to 14 days under Sec.  
351.227(d)(1) through (3), and from five to seven days under Sec.  
351.227(d)(2) and (3). This follows the same modifications to the 
deadlines for comments and factual information in scope and 
circumvention inquiries under Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226. We have 
also made a minor revision to the text of Sec.  351.227(d)(3) to add 
language that was inadvertently omitted in the Proposed Rule. Within 
proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(4), one commenter identified an incorrect 
reference to ``paragraphs (e)(1) through (3),'' which we are correcting 
to make reference to ``paragraphs (d)(1) through (3)'' as intended in 
the Proposed Rule.
    Additionally, in line with the changes to similar provisions in 
Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, we have made changes to Sec.  
351.227(d)(5) to provide clarity and to establish more streamlined 
procedures in covered merchandise inquiries. Specifically, we have 
limited this provision to provide that Commerce may rescind a covered 
merchandise inquiry in a variety of situations and removed language 
indicating that Commerce may ``forgo'' such an inquiry. As established 
under Sec.  351.227(b)(2), Commerce may determine not to initiate a 
covered merchandise inquiry if it determines to address the issue in 
another segment of the proceeding. With respect to rescission, Sec.  
351.227(d)(5) provides that, if Commerce determines it appropriate to 
do so, Commerce may rescind, in whole or in part, a covered merchandise 
inquiry. We have also included an express requirement for Commerce to 
notify interested parties when a covered merchandise inquiry has been 
rescinded.
    Proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(5) further provided a non-exhaustive list 
of three situations in which Commerce may rescind a covered merchandise 
inquiry. In this final rule, we have adopted the first situation listed 
in Sec.  351.227(d)(5)(i) (i.e., rescission when CBP withdraws its 
covered merchandise referral). We have removed proposed Sec.  
351.227(d)(5)(ii) and (iii), which, upon reflection, may have led to 
some confusion about the interplay between covered merchandise 
inquiries and other segments of a proceeding. Therefore, we are 
adopting a new Sec.  351.227(d)(5)(ii) to describe a situation where, 
after initiation of a covered merchandise inquiry, Commerce may rescind 
the inquiry if it determines that it can address the covered 
merchandise referral in an ongoing scope or circumvention inquiry. 
Under such a scenario, as provided under Sec.  351.227(e)(3), Commerce 
would transmit a copy of the final action in that segment to CBP in 
accordance with section 517(b)(4)(B) of the Act. These changes also 
reflect that we do not consider it appropriate to rely on a prior scope 
or circumvention determination to serve as the basis for a covered 
merchandise determination without conducting an inquiry (whether a 
covered merchandise inquiry or an ongoing scope or circumvention 
inquiry) and affording interested parties an opportunity to 
participate.
    Lastly, we have made modifications to proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(6) 
to conform to the changes being made to similar provisions in 
Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226 discussed above. In addition to minor 
revisions to the text of proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(6), we have moved 
and

[[Page 52360]]

made minor revisions to the provision allowing for alignment of the 
deadlines for a covered merchandise determination with the deadlines in 
another segment of a proceeding from proposed Sec.  351.227(d)(6) to 
Sec.  351.227(c)(3), as explained above. We have also moved the 
provision explaining that Commerce may request information concerning 
the product that is the subject of a covered merchandise inquiry with 
respect to another segment of the proceeding, such as an administrative 
review, from proposed Sec.  351.227(m)(2) to Sec.  351.227(d)(7). The 
changes we have made are reflected in the regulatory text adopted in 
this final rule.
    Several commenters propose that Commerce allow interested parties 
an opportunity to comment and provide factual information prior to any 
decision to rescind a covered merchandise inquiry under proposed Sec.  
351.227(d)(5). These commenters indicate that there may be instances 
where Commerce decides to address its covered merchandise determination 
in a separate segment of the proceeding, but an interested party 
believes that the separate segment does not cover the product that is 
the subject of the referral. These commenters suggest that Commerce 
provide a period for interested parties to comment and provide factual 
information on a decision that a determination in another segment 
negates the need to conduct a covered merchandise inquiry, and further 
claim that this would serve as a procedural safeguard before 
rescission.
    One commenter submitted rebuttal comments generally arguing that 
EAPA covered merchandise referrals and Commerce's AD/CVD proceedings 
should be kept separate, and that Commerce should not allow parties 
that are not a party to CBP's EAPA investigation to participate in 
covered merchandise inquires whatsoever.
    Response:
    Commerce is not adopting the proposal to allow interested parties 
an opportunity to comment and provide factual information prior to a 
decision to rescind a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  
351.227(d)(5). As stated in the Proposed Rule, Commerce recognizes the 
potential significant overlap between a covered merchandise inquiry, 
scope inquiry, circumvention inquiry, and any other segments of a 
proceeding that may address scope issues.\184\ There may be situatiIns 
in which it may not be apparent that Commerce can address a covered 
merchandise referral in another segment of a proceeding until after 
Commerce initiates a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  
351.227(b)(1). Additionally, there may be situations in which CBP 
withdraws its request for a covered merchandise inquiry. In such 
situations, Commerce maintains its flexibility to rescind the covered 
merchandise inquiry. Although Commerce appreciates the concern that 
interested parties may not agree with a decision to rescind a covered 
merchandise inquiry, Commerce disagrees that it should provide a period 
for comment and submission of factual information in these instances. 
Commerce notes that it already provides interested parties multiple 
opportunities to comment and provide factual information under Sec.  
351.227(d), including after initiation of a covered merchandise 
inquiry. To the extent interested parties believe that Commerce should 
proceed with a covered merchandise inquiry after initiation, parties 
may provide comments to that effect at that time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \184\ Id. at 49490.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We disagree with the comment that Commerce should not allow parties 
that are not a party to CBP's EAPA investigation to participate in 
covered merchandise inquiries whatsoever. As also explained in response 
to similar comments submitted regarding proposed Sec.  351.227(b) and 
(n), section 517 of the Act provides that Commerce should use its 
existing authority to determine whether the merchandise at issue is 
covered merchandise in responding to a covered merchandise referral 
from CBP.\185\ By statute, Commerce provides interested parties the 
opportunity to comment and participate in AD/CVD proceedings.\186\ 
Commerce believes that this authority equally applies when it makes 
covered merchandise determinations, which may apply more broadly to 
merchandise that is produced, exported, or imported by interested 
parties that are not a party to CBP's EAPA investigation itself. Thus, 
Commerce disagrees that it should not allow parties that are not a 
party to CBP's EAPA investigation to participate in Commerce's covered 
merchandise inquiries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \185\ See section 517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act.
    \186\ See section 782(g) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Section 351.227(e)--Covered Merchandise Determinations

    Section 351.227(e) addresses covered merchandise determinations 
issued by Commerce either in connection with a covered merchandise 
inquiry or another segment of the proceeding under which Commerce 
addresses a covered merchandise referral. Apart from a minor revision 
to the text in Sec.  351.227(e)(3), no changes are being made to this 
provision in this final rule.
    One commenter notes that in proposed Sec.  351.227(e)(2) and (3), 
Commerce specifies that a final determination as to whether merchandise 
is covered by the scope of an order shall be ``promptly'' transmitted 
to Commerce. This commenter requests that the term ``promptly'' be 
expressly defined to mean no later than seven days after publication of 
a final determination in the Federal Register. This commenter notes 
that defining ``promptly'' will provide additional clarity and 
consistency, and support transparency.
    Response:
    We are not adopting the proposal to define ``promptly'' in Sec.  
351.227(e)(2) and (3) to mean no later than seven days after 
publication of a final determination. As Commerce stated in the 
Proposed Rule, the term ``promptly'' is not defined in section 
517(b)(4)(B) of the Act.\187\ However, consistent with the use of the 
same term in revised Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, it is Commerce's 
expectation that prompt conveyance and transmittal of a copy of the 
final covered merchandise determination to CBP normally would occur no 
more than five business days from the publication of the determination 
in the Federal Register. We further clarify that to the extent 
Commerce's covered merchandise determination is addressed through an 
ongoing scope inquiry, which would not generally result in a final 
scope ruling that is published in the Federal Register,\188\ we expect 
that prompt conveyance and transmittal of the covered merchandise 
determination would normally occur no more than five business days from 
the date of issuance of the final scope ruling.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \187\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49490.
    \188\ Although final scope rulings are not published in the 
Federal Register, under Sec.  351.225(o)), on a quarterly basis, 
Commerce publishes in the Federal Register a list of final scope 
rulings issued within the previous three months. Under Sec.  
351.225(o), Commerce may also include complete public versions of 
scope rulings on its website should it determine such placement is 
warranted.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Section 351.227(f)--Basis for Covered Merchandise Determination

    Section 351.227(f) in the Proposed Rule provided that Commerce may 
rely on the standards under Sec.  351.227(j) and (k) of Sec.  351.225, 
or the provisions of section 781 of the Act (paragraphs (h), (i), (j), 
or (k) of Sec.  351.226), in reaching a covered merchandise 
determination. We have made minor revisions to clarify that Commerce 
may utilize the analyses described in any of the aforementioned

[[Page 52361]]

provisions when conducting a covered merchandise inquiry.
(a) Circumvention Analysis To Address Covered Merchandise Referrals
    One commenter argues that Commerce should refrain from conducting a 
circumvention inquiry within the framework of an EAPA investigation 
because of the harsh consequences parties may face in EAPA 
investigations. The commenter asserts that if Commerce cannot resolve 
the scope issue that is the basis of CBP's covered merchandise referral 
within a reasonable time, then CBP's EAPA investigation should be 
concluded with no finding of evasion. After such a conclusion, Commerce 
could then conduct its circumvention inquiry within the framework of 
its own statutory authority.
    Response:
    We disagree with this commenter. We have already addressed this 
commenter's arguments on proposed Sec.  351.227(b) in relation to 
Commerce's authority to address a covered merchandise referral in 
another segment of the proceeding (i.e., an ongoing circumvention 
inquiry), and incorporate our response herein. However, we are also 
addressing this commenter's arguments in our analysis of Sec.  
351.227(f) to the extent the commenter objects to Commerce's ability to 
use the circumvention criteria under section 781 of the Act (paragraphs 
(h), (i), (j), or (k) under Sec.  351.226) when conducting a covered 
merchandise inquiry. Consistent with our analysis of comments under 
Sec.  351.227(b) above, we believe that we have the authority to 
conduct an analysis for circumvention under section 781 of the Act and 
Sec.  351.226, as appropriate, in the context of a covered merchandise 
inquiry. Congress expressly provided that Commerce should use its 
existing authority in responding to a covered merchandise referral from 
CBP. This includes the authority to bring circumventing merchandise 
within the scope of an AD/CVD order. Finally, as noted above, Commerce 
is not limited from examining a covered merchandise referral in the 
context of a circumvention proceeding, as appropriate.
(b) Application of Facts Available and Facts Available With an Adverse 
Inference in Covered Merchandise Inquiries
    One commenter requests that, as Commerce stated with regard to 
Sec.  351.225 in the Proposed Rule, Commerce should clarify that it may 
apply facts available or facts available with an adverse inference, 
pursuant to section 776 of the Act, where a party fails to provide 
information requested in a covered merchandise inquiry, or in a 
circumvention inquiry or other segment of the proceeding that Commerce 
uses to address a covered merchandise referral. This commenter states 
that this change is necessary to align Sec.  351.227 with Sec.  
351.225, and to avoid adverse decisions based on the view that the two 
provisions are not parallel and must mean different things.
    Response:
    We agree and clarify herein that, just as with a scope ruling under 
Sec.  351.225 and a circumvention determination under Sec.  351.226, 
Commerce has the authority to apply facts available, including facts 
available with an adverse inference, pursuant to section 776 of the 
Act, to covered merchandise inquiries under Sec.  351.227.

7. Sections 351.227(g)-(k)

    As explained in the Proposed Rule, proposed Sec. Sec.  351.227(g) 
through (k) in Sec.  351.227 have been reserved to maintain consistency 
with Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226.

8. Section 351.227(l)--Suspension of Liquidation

    Section 351.227(l) provides the rules for the suspension of 
liquidation and the requirement of cash deposits for entries of the 
product at issue in covered merchandise inquiries. The Act does not 
provide direction to Commerce regarding the suspension of liquidation 
for entries subject to a covered merchandise inquiry. Under Sec.  
351.227(l) in the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed that, at the time of 
an affirmative preliminary or final covered merchandise determination, 
Commerce would direct CBP to begin the suspension of liquidation for 
any unliquidated entries not yet suspended and collect applicable cash 
deposits. Commerce received numerous comments on Sec.  351.227(l) for 
Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226 but received only one comment on 
proposed Sec.  351.227(l) concerning notice to sureties, which has 
already been addressed elsewhere in this final rule (see discussion 
regarding Sec.  351.225(l)). After consideration of corresponding 
changes to similar language in Sec. Sec.  351.225(l) and 351.226(l), 
Commerce is adopting certain changes to Sec.  351.227(l) in this final 
rule, which are briefly described below. Also discussed herein are the 
specific applicability dates for Sec.  351.227(l) as referenced in the 
Applicability Dates section of this preamble.
    Section 351.227(l)(1), which describes Commerce's actions at the 
time of initiation of a covered merchandise inquiry, is slightly 
revised from the Proposed Rule to mirror changes in Sec. Sec.  
351.225(l)(1) and 351.226(l)(1), which are described above. 
Additionally, because Sec.  351.227(l)(2) and (3) concerning Commerce's 
actions in the event of an affirmative preliminary or final covered 
merchandise determination largely mirror similar provisions in 
Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, with a few exceptions described below, 
we are adopting the same changes to paragraphs (l)(2) and (l)(3) in 
Sec.  351.227 that are being made to the paragraphs (l)(2) and (l)(3) 
in Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226. Section 351.227(l)(4), which we 
touch on briefly below, describes Commerce's actions in the event of a 
negative final covered merchandise determination, remains unchanged 
from the Proposed Rule. Lastly, Commerce is adding a new provision, 
paragraph (l)(5), to include specific reference to CBP's authority, 
described below.
    New Sec.  351.227(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) provide that, at the 
time of an affirmative preliminary or final covered merchandise 
determination, Commerce normally will direct CBP to begin the 
suspension of liquidation of certain unliquidated entries not 
previously suspended, which entered before the date of publication of 
the notice of initiation of the inquiry, and apply the applicable cash 
deposit rate. Under this framework, Commerce maintains the flexibility 
in covered merchandise inquiries to apply, depending on the nature of 
the product at issue in the covered merchandise referral, rules for the 
suspension of liquidation and cash deposits in a manner appropriate to 
the situation. This includes establishing a specific alternative 
retroactive suspension date. If Commerce considers an alternative date 
for not yet suspended entries pre-dating the date of initiation, 
Commerce may consult with CBP.
    These rules differ in significant ways from the scope and 
circumvention suspension of liquidation rules under Sec. Sec.  351.225 
and 351.226, which reflects the unique nature of a covered merchandise 
inquiry. Specifically, in contrast to scope and circumvention 
inquiries, covered merchandise inquiries are a new type of proceeding 
and stem from a referral from CBP concerning potential evasion. 
Therefore, we find it appropriate to exercise our discretion on a case-
by-case basis and may consult with CBP on whether to adopt an 
alternative date in light of the facts of a given case, including the 
circumstances which led to the referral. This will allow our practice 
to develop on a case-by-case basis, rather than

[[Page 52362]]

adopt more detailed procedures in this final rule.
    With respect to Sec.  351.227(l)(4), we have retained language to 
provide that when Commerce issues a final negative covered merchandise 
determination, entries subject to suspension of liquidation as a result 
of another segment of a proceeding, if any, will remain suspended until 
the other segment of the proceeding has concluded. Although perhaps 
less common in this context, it is possible that there could be a 
scenario in which it would not be appropriate to immediately direct CBP 
to liquidate entries without regard to duties. Therefore, to avoid 
confusion in this particular scenario, this language is retained in 
Sec.  351.227(l)(4).
    Lastly, new Sec.  351.227(l)(5) provides language to clarify CBP's 
authority to take related action. Specifically, this language clarifies 
that the rules established by Commerce in Sec.  351.227 do not affect 
CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect to the 
suspension of liquidation or related measures. This is identical 
language to the language for Sec. Sec.  351.225(l) and 351.226(l), 
which is explained above and not repeated here.
    Finally, there is one clarification to this revised framework, as 
noted in the DATES section and the Applicability Dates section of this 
preamble, and as discussed in great detail above regarding Sec.  
351.225(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) for scope inquiries and Sec.  
351.226(l)(2)(iii) and (l)(3)(iii) for circumvention inquiries, 
regarding the effective date and applicability dates. For the reasons 
explained above, Commerce will not apply paragraphs (l)(2)(iii) and 
(l)(3)(iii) of Sec.  351.227 in a way that would direct CBP to begin 
the suspension of liquidation of unliquidated entries not yet 
suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption, prior 
to the effective date identified in the DATES section. However, as 
discussed above, the framework established in Sec.  351.227 does not 
affect CBP's authority to take any additional action with respect to 
the suspension of liquidation or related measures.

9. Section 351.227(m)--Applicability of Covered Merchandise 
Determination; Companion Orders

    Section 351.227(m) addresses the effect and application of covered 
merchandise determinations. We received no comments on proposed Sec.  
351.227(m). However, because certain changes are being made to 
Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 351.226, as discussed above, we have made 
conforming changes to paragraph (m) in Sec.  351.227, as reflected in 
the regulatory text adopted in this final rule.

10. Section 351.227(n)--Service List

    Section 351.227(n) provides the service procedures for covered 
merchandise inquiries. Given the unique nature of a covered merchandise 
referral, which originates from another agency, and is placed on the 
record of the relevant segment by Commerce once deemed sufficient, 
there is no need to adopt similar language from Sec. Sec.  351.225(n) 
and 351.226(n) concerning the annual inquiry service list. Rather, as 
provided under Sec.  351.227(b), once Commerce determines the referral 
is sufficient, Commerce will publish notice of its intent to address 
the covered merchandise referral in either a covered merchandise 
inquiry or another segment of a proceeding in the Federal Register, 
allow parties the opportunity to enter an appearance on the segment-
specific service list, submit an APO application, and review and 
comment on the referral in accordance with its outlined procedures.
    Several commenters generally support interested party participation 
in Commerce's segment of the proceeding used to address a covered 
merchandise referral, while a few commenters argue that Commerce should 
not allow a party that is not a party in CBP's EAPA investigation to 
participate in Commerce's segment of the proceeding, raising the same 
arguments raised regarding other provisions under Sec.  351.227.
    Response:
    For the reasons discussed above, we disagree that Commerce should 
not allow a party that is not a party in CBP's EAPA investigation to 
participate in a segment of the proceeding used to address a covered 
merchandise referral. Consistent with the statute and Commerce's 
practice, parties that may have an interest in a determination of 
whether a product is covered by the scope of an order will have the 
opportunity to participate in that segment of the proceeding to address 
a covered merchandise referral.

11. Section 351.227(o)--Suspended Investigations; Suspension Agreements

    Section 351.227(o) allows the covered merchandise referral 
procedures set forth in Sec.  351.227 to apply to suspended 
investigations and suspension agreements. We received no comments on 
proposed Sec.  351.227(o). However, we have made minor revisions to 
reflect that Commerce may, in general, use the procedures under Sec.  
351.227 in determining whether the product at issue is covered 
merchandise with respect to a suspended investigation or a suspension 
agreement.

Certifications--Sec.  351.228

    Section 351.228, a new provision proposed in the Proposed Rule, 
sets out procedures for complying with certification requirements that 
Commerce may impose on interested parties in the context of AD and CVD 
proceedings.\189\ It also sets out consequences for a party's failure 
to satisfy certification requirements. We received comments from 
various parties regarding Sec.  351.228. After consideration of 
comments, we are adopting Sec.  351.228 as proposed in the Proposed 
Rule with clarifying edits. Specifically, we are modifying Sec.  
351.228 to reflect updated paragraph numbering and to mirror similar 
language regarding the suspension of liquidation, application of cash 
deposits, and assessment of AD/CVDs in other parts of Commerce's 
regulations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \189\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR 49472 at 49491.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. General Comments

    Several commenters generally support adopting Sec.  351.228, 
because it codifies Commerce's existing practice to require 
certifications, for various reasons, in certain proceedings. 
Particularly, these commenters referred to certifications in Commerce's 
circumvention determinations, such as where Commerce has required 
parties to certify that the importer did not import, and the exporter 
did not ship, merchandise from a third country to the United States 
that originates from the country that is subject to the AD and/or CVD 
order. One party also explained that such certification requirements 
will allow Commerce to target merchandise circumventing an order with 
``greater precision'' and finely tune scope language to correspond with 
a scope's intent. Another commenter expressed approval of Commerce's 
imposition of cash deposits if certifications are not provided or are 
false or fraudulent. Other commenters generally oppose Sec.  351.228. 
Several commenters contend that additional certifications, such as 
those proposed in Sec.  351.228, have little benefit towards Commerce's 
AD/CVD goals, are unnecessary, and are burdensome.
    Response:
    Commerce agrees with the comments supporting Sec.  351.228. As 
discussed in the Proposed Rule, Sec.  351.228 is a codification of 
existing practice, although it may also be applicable in contexts where 
it has not yet been applied, as well. For this reason,

[[Page 52363]]

because Sec.  351.228 merely codifies existing practice, we disagree 
with comments in opposition.
    Section 351.228 itself does not impose any additional requirements 
on parties. Instead, this provision adopts existing practice and 
enhances that practice to clarify the consequences for failure to 
provide certifications to all parties subject to any current or future 
certifications. To the extent that parties are faced with any 
additional burdens pursuant to such certifications, such potential 
burdens are directly related to the proceeding itself in which Commerce 
adopted the certification and relevant requirements. Furthermore, as 
detailed below, Commerce considers the benefit that certifications 
afford the agency as well as CBP, including the flexibility to create 
certification processes in various proceedings for various reasons, to 
outweigh the burden on the parties. Specifically, certifications 
strengthen Commerce's enforcement of the AD/CVD laws, including taking 
steps to prevent evasion and circumvention of AD and CVD orders by 
producers, exporters, and importers.
    In a given case, Commerce considers the burden on parties to 
complete the certification requirements while also taking into 
consideration the information that Commerce and CBP need in their 
respective roles in administering and enforcing AD/CVD orders. 
Furthermore, each certification is narrowly tailored to the particular 
situation--for example, allowing Commerce to target merchandise 
circumventing an order with ``greater precision'' and finely tune scope 
language to correspond with a scope's intent.
    Additionally, the certifications and related requirements currently 
in effect and codified pursuant to Sec.  351.228 serve a different 
purpose from CBP's existing requirements for importers regarding the 
``reasonable care'' standard. As explained below, certifications are an 
additional tool for Commerce and CBP to evaluate whether entries should 
be filed as either not subject to an AD and/or CVD order (e.g., Type 
01) or subject to an AD/CVD order (e.g., Type 03), beyond current 
requirements. In instances in which certifications are required, 
parties would not be able to file an entry as not subject to an AD and/
or CVD order without having the information or knowledge required of 
the certification, in light of Commerce's determination at issue. 
Although this information and knowledge may be inherent in a party's 
entry summary paperwork, the benefit of the certification is to ensure 
the party exercises reasonable care when determining the proper entry 
type.

2. Administrability and Vagueness

    One commenter believes that Sec.  351.228 is vague and not 
administrable. Specifically, the commenter requests that Commerce 
provide a list of proceedings in which certifications will be required 
and propose language that parties must use to certify their 
merchandise. Other commenters contend that Commerce requires 
flexibility in identifying proceedings where certification is 
appropriate. These commenters identify that Commerce has used 
certifications in circumvention inquiries, scope inquiries, and changed 
circumstances reviews, and Commerce should not limit its certification 
practice to specific proceedings because doing so would undermine its 
ability to address evasion. One commenter also contends that Sec.  
351.228 is unclear regarding to whom interested parties must transmit 
electronic certifications or how a party may demonstrate that it has 
complied.
    Response:
    Commerce is not providing an exhaustive list of every proceeding in 
which it intends to impose a certification requirement consistent with 
Sec.  351.228. Rather, Commerce intends to evaluate proceedings on a 
case-by-case basis and determine whether a certification requirement 
under Sec.  351.228 is necessary due to the specific circumstances of 
an individual proceeding. As explained above, Commerce has implemented 
a certification requirement as a result of circumvention 
determinations,\190\ but it has also instituted certification 
requirements to carry out the terms of certain suspension agreements 
and for various AD and CVD orders.\191\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \190\ See, e.g., Carbon Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from the 
People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Determination of 
Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order, 84 FR 29164 (June 21, 
2019) (Butt-Weld Pipe from China Final) (where Commerce instituted a 
certification requirement for parties to certify that their 
merchandise was not circumventing an existing order); and Steel 
Concrete Reinforcing Bar from Mexico: Final Affirmative 
Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty Order, 85 FR 
34705, 34706 (June 8, 2020) (where Commerce required certifications 
from importers to exclude a category of merchandise produced for an 
identified construction project and produced according to an 
engineer's structural design consistent with an industry standard).
    \191\ See, e.g., Sugar from Mexico: Suspension of Countervailing 
Duty Investigation, 79 FR 78044 (December 29, 2014) (where Commerce 
required importers, exporters, and producers to certify certain 
requirements with respect to entries of subject merchandise subject 
to the agreement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Further, because Commerce intends to evaluate the circumstances of 
each case individually and determine whether a certification 
requirement is appropriate, it has provided several methods by which a 
party may be required to satisfy a certification requirement under 
Sec.  351.228. For example, under Sec.  351.228(a)(1), Commerce may 
require an interested party to maintain a completed certification, and, 
under Sec.  351.228(a)(2), provide a certification electronically at 
the time of entry or entry summary. Additionally, under Sec.  
351.228(a)(3), where Commerce requires a party to maintain a completed 
certification, it may require the party to provide the certification, 
to whatever agency inquires, upon request. Section 351.228 also states 
that Commerce may require a party to otherwise demonstrate compliance 
with a certification requirement. Because Commerce is implementing 
certification requirements under Sec.  351.228 on a case-by-case basis, 
it intends to issue specific instructions, if necessary, in the context 
of each proceeding where it implements certification requirements. 
Finally, Commerce is not providing certification language generally 
applicable in all relevant cases, but as it has done in the past, if 
necessary, Commerce intends to issue the relevant certification 
language in the context of specific proceedings.\192\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \192\ See, e.g., Butt-Weld Pipe from China Final; Carbon Steel 
Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings from the People's Republic of China: 
Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Circumvention of the 
Antidumping Duty Order, 83 FR 35205 (July 25, 2018). In both, its 
preliminary and final Federal Register notices in some circumvention 
cases, Commerce has provided certification language as an appendix.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Relationship to CBP Measures

    Several commenters claim that, because CBP already has measures in 
place requiring parties to properly classify entries and mechanisms to 
address missing or fraudulent certifications, Sec.  351.228 is 
redundant or infringes CBP's existing authority. One commenter affirms 
that CBP already requires importers to exercise reasonable care in 
filing entries as Type 01 (e.g., not subject to an AD/CVD order), or 
Type 03 (e.g., subject to an AD/CVD order), and Sec.  351.228 is, 
therefore, redundant. Several commenters take issue with the language 
in Sec.  351.228 pertaining to missing certifications, or false or 
fraudulent certifications, asserting that there are already procedures 
in place for CBP to address missing and fraudulent certifications.\193\ 
Additionally, some

[[Page 52364]]

commenters claim that Sec.  351.228 infringes on CBP's authority to 
enforce collection of import documents and address fraud.\194\ The same 
parties also raised the possibility that, where both CBP and Commerce 
investigate certifications, under Sec.  351.228, both agencies could 
reach opposing or contradictory conclusions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \193\ According to the commenter, importers that improperly 
declare goods face penalties under 19 U.S.C. 1592, 31 U.S.C. 3729, 
and they are also subject to EAPA, under 19 U.S.C. 1517.
    \194\ The commenter cites to 19 U.S.C. 1509 and 19 CFR 151.11, 
regarding CBP's authority to collect missing certifications, and 19 
CFR 101.9(b), regarding CBP's procedure for parties to file post 
summary correction. Commenters also cite to 19 U.S.C. 1592, which 
prohibits importation, or attempted importation by false documents 
or material omission, and 19 CFR 171, Appendix B, which provide CBP 
with a mechanism to determine whether fraud has occurred.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Response:
    We disagree. Although CBP may already require parties to exercise 
reasonable care in filing their entries as not subject to an AD and/or 
CVD order (e.g., Type 01) or subject to an AD and/or CVD order (e.g., 
Type 03), the certifications and related requirements currently in 
effect and adopted pursuant to Sec.  351.228 serve a different purpose, 
and, furthermore, are intended to complement, not supplant, CBP's 
existing authority. We note that Commerce frequently imposes 
certifications in instances in which CBP may not be able to ascertain 
certain identifying details relevant to the product's classification as 
either subject to or not subject to an AD and/or CVD proceeding through 
physical inspection or the relevant sales documentation accompanying 
the entry summary, and, thus, could not confirm through these means 
alone whether a particular entry has been properly designated as, for 
example, Type 01.\195\ In such instances, both CBP and Commerce would 
rely on the certifications as an additional tool to ascertain whether 
the entry correctly was filed as an entry type not subject to an AD 
and/or CVD proceeding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \195\ For example, in the circumvention inquiry on certain 
corrosion-resistant steel products (CORE) from Vietnam, Commerce 
explained that CBP could not identify whether an entry of a CORE 
product from Vietnam contained substrate from China based on 
physical inspection. In addition, Commerce explained that ``sales 
documentation provided along with the entry package may not be 
helpful, as the source of the substrate may not be apparent from 
invoices, bills of lading, etc., especially for steel that has 
passed through multiple hands (producer, exporter, trading company) 
obscuring the source of the substrate.'' See Certain Corrosion-
Resistant Steel Products from the People's Republic of China: 
Affirmative Final Determination of Anti-Circumvention Inquiries on 
the Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders, 83 FR 23895 
(May 23, 2018) and accompanying IDM at 27-28.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, as stated in the Proposed Rule, Commerce recognizes 
that CBP has its own independent authority to address import 
documentation related to negligence, gross negligence, or fraud.\196\ 
However, enforcement of the AD/CVD laws, including taking steps to 
prevent evasion and circumvention of AD and CVD orders by producers, 
exporters, and importers, is well within Commerce's authority and is of 
paramount importance to Commerce. The addition of a certification 
requirement, where necessary based on a given case, strengthens the 
administration and enforcement of the AD and CVD orders by reducing the 
possibility that entries may be inaccurately filed by importers. Given 
the complex supply chains that may be involved with certain types of 
subject merchandise (which may involve input producers, intermediate 
processors, producers, exporters, trading companies, importers, etc.), 
certifications provide additional assurance that the producer, 
exporter, and/or importer sought adequate information regarding the 
relevant product in order to accurately certify a particular entry as 
not subject to an order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \196\ Additionally, HSI has the authority to investigate 
criminal violations related to illegal evasion of payment of 
required duties, including payment of AD/CVDs. See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. 
542.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, as stated in the Proposed Rule, Sec.  351.228 is not 
intended to supplant CBP's authority, nor is a formal finding by CBP 
required for Commerce to determine, within its own authority, that the 
certification is deficient and unreliable. Whether a certification 
contains ``material'' or ``fraudulent'' information is a determination 
that would be made by Commerce pursuant to its own authority and 
consideration of the normal meaning of those terms (although 
determinations by other agencies may be informative). As noted, CBP has 
its own individual authority and would continue to exercise that 
authority as appropriate, as well.
    In sum, certifications are imposed on a case-specific basis in 
numerous contexts; such certifications do not infringe on CBP's 
authority and operate in a manner that is consistent with the broader 
framework pertaining to CBP's requirements for importers.

4. Certification in Entry Summaries

    Several commenters suggested that certifications could be a 
recordkeeping requirement, submitted with a party's entry summary, or 
some other means to implement the certification scheme. Parties 
requested that Commerce require certifications as part of the entry 
summary processes, as opposed to a recordkeeping requirement. These 
parties argued that certification at entry would be relevant where 
certification is tied to end-use.
    Response:
    Commerce disagrees with the commenters that Commerce should 
restrict its discretion in this manner. Generally, Commerce's current 
certifications impose a recordkeeping requirement. The regulation as 
drafted provides Commerce the flexibility, on a case-by-case basis, to 
determine whether a recordkeeping requirement, filing upon entry 
summary, or some other means is an appropriate mechanism to enforce the 
certification scheme.

5. Other Comments

    Numerous commenters recommended various additional changes to Sec.  
351.228. First, one commenter noted that certification requirements 
should not be unduly burdensome on importers/foreign producers and 
should not limit legitimate market access. Second, other commenters 
proposed that Commerce review certifications as a ``meaningful and 
regular part'' of annual reviews and/or implement an appeal process to 
allow for revisions to the certification scheme. Third, one commenter 
also proposes that Commerce articulate a notice requirement in the form 
of specific instructions to CBP, which would be available to all 
parties handling the entry to ensure that they are aware of the 
certification requirement. Fourth, one commenter requests that notice 
should be provided to an importer's surety when the importer has not 
properly certified its entries and CBP has begun suspending and 
collecting cash deposits on the entries. This commenter argues that 
this will help the surety manage its risk and protect the revenue and 
integrity of the AD/CVD process. Fifth, one commenter also points to 
Commerce's existing requirement to provide an annual non-reimbursement 
statement for goods covered by AD/CVD orders and states that Commerce 
has not explained the benefit of requiring additional certifications or 
an estimate for the cost of the additional paperwork burden. Sixth, one 
commenter requested that Commerce require parties to affirmatively 
state a product's country of origin, or if applicable country/countries 
of processing in its certification.
    Response:
    First, in Commerce's view, the regulations as drafted are necessary 
and do not limit legitimate market access.
    Second, Commerce already provides parties with a mechanism whereby 
it may reconsider a determination

[[Page 52365]]

underlying a certification requirement as part of a changed 
circumstances or administrative review.\197\ This process also allows 
Commerce flexibility to meaningfully review certifications and does not 
preclude Commerce from reviewing an existing certification in the 
context of an administrative review. However, Commerce intends to 
continue evaluating how it may incorporate a review of certifications 
in additional proceedings if it determines that such action is 
necessary and feasible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \197\ See, e.g., Butt-Weld Pipe from China Final; see also 
Glycine from the People's Republic of China: Final Partial 
Affirmative Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty 
Order, 77 FR 73426 (December 10, 2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Third, generally, where relevant, Commerce has provided notice in 
its preliminary and final determinations, as well as providing 
certification language in its customs instructions.\198\ Commerce, 
therefore, intends to determine whether notice is relevant on a case-
by-case basis and does not find it necessary to add a notice 
requirement to the existing language of Sec.  351.228.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \198\ See, e.g., Certain Cold-Rolled Steel Flats Products from 
the People's Republic of China: Affirmative Preliminary 
Determination of Anti-Circumvention Inquiries on the Antidumping 
Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders, 82 FR 58178 (December 11, 
2017); see also Certain Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from the 
People's Republic of China: Affirmative Final Determination of 
Circumvention of the Antidumping Duty and Countervailing Duty 
Orders, 83 FR 23891 (May 23, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Fourth, as discussed above regarding Sec.  351.225(l), (comment 
12(f)), in the context of scope, we recognize and appreciate the unique 
role of sureties in the payment and collection of AD/CVDs, and that 
sureties need timely access to information to assess the risk that they 
assume when underwriting bonds for imports of merchandise subject to 
AD/CVD orders. As such, in response to these comments, Commerce intends 
to consult with CBP and explore whether and how sureties may be 
notified with respect to any certification requirement.
    Fifth, we disagree with the commenter regarding the existing 
reimbursement certification for importers and additional burden to 
parties. The certification proposed in Sec.  351.228 serves a different 
purpose from Commerce's importer reimbursement certification 
requirement. Whereas importer reimbursement certifications, described 
in Sec.  351.402(f)(2), certify whether an importer was reimbursed AD 
or CVD duties by an exporter/producer, certifications under Sec.  
351.228 generally serve specialized purposes and are unrelated to 
reimbursement. For instance, Commerce has, upon making an affirmative 
determination of circumvention on a country-wide basis, permitted 
importers and exporters to certify that the importer did not import, 
and the exporter did not ship, merchandise from a third country to the 
United States that originates from the country that is subject to the 
AD and/or CVD order.\199\ Additionally, with respect to any additional 
arguments regarding the potential cost and burden on parties, see the 
Classifications section in this final rule for further discussion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \199\ See, e.g., Butt-Weld Pipe from China Final; and Certain 
Cold-Rolled Steel Flat Products from the People's Republic of China: 
Affirmative Final Determination of Circumvention of the Antidumping 
Duty and Countervailing Duty Orders, 83 FR 23891 (May 23, 2018).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Sixth, and finally, Commerce will consider the commenter's 
suggestion to require parties to affirmatively state a product's 
country of origin in its certification on a case-by-case basis. We do 
not believe such language needs to be adopted in the regulation itself 
at this time.

Importer Reimbursement Certification--Sec.  351.402(f)(2)

    Section 351.402(f)(2) provides the requirement that importers 
certify with CBP prior to liquidation whether the importer has or has 
not entered into an agreement for the payment or reimbursement of AD/
CVDs by the exporter or producer. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce 
proposed to modify this provision to better conform with CBP's 
procedures in collecting electronic, rather than paper, certifications 
and to clarify that, although the certification is required prior to 
liquidation, CBP could also accept the reimbursement certification in 
accordance with its protest procedures.\200\ We received several 
comments both in support of, and in opposition to, the Proposed Rule, 
and no rebuttal comments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \200\ See Proposed Rule, 85 FR at 49472 at 49491-92.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After review of proposed Sec.  351.402(f)(2) and the comments 
submitted pertaining to that section, we are modifying Sec.  
351.402(f)(2) in certain respects. Specifically, Sec.  
351.402(f)(2)(i), which does not require specific certification 
language, and, instead, allows for importers to certify to the 
substance of the certification prior to liquidation, now provides that 
the certification must contain the information necessary to link the 
certification to the relevant entry or entry line number(s). We are 
also adopting clarifying edits to reflect that Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(iii) 
is an exception to Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(i) in allowing for 
certifications to be filed during CBP's protest proceedings. In 
addition, we are modifying Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(iii) to indicate that 
CBP may accept the certification in accordance with its protest 
procedures under 19 U.S.C. 1514, unless otherwise directed. We have 
left unchanged proposed Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(ii), which allows the 
certification to be filed either electronically or in paper form in 
accordance with CBP's requirements, as applicable. We are also adopting 
minor clarifying edits to Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(iii), which describes the 
entries subject to the certification requirement.

1. Streamlining Certification Requirements

    A few commenters generally support the proposal to streamline the 
importer reimbursement certification process and make it more efficient 
and user-friendly. Several commenters object to the removal of express 
certification language. Some of these commenters argue that Commerce 
should reconsider and retain the current, specific language to prevent 
foreign producers and exporters from responding to the certification in 
a self-serving and non-specific manner. These commenters argue that any 
relaxation of these requirements appears to be inconsistent with 
Commerce's goals to improve enforcement of the AD/CVD laws, as well as 
prevent evasion of current trade remedies.
    Response:
    We disagree with comments objecting to the streamlining of the 
certification language and procedures. However, in reviewing comments, 
Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(i) to provide some additional 
specificity and clarify that the certification must contain the 
information necessary to link the certification to the relevant entry 
or entry line number(s). As discussed in the Proposed Rule, under CBP's 
current requirements, parties may certify to the substance of the 
current regulatory certification language through a variety of 
electronic means. Commerce is aligning its regulation with these 
requirements, which allow for better tracking, tracing, and matching of 
entries, by entry or entry line number, to the certification (either a 
blanket or individual certification). This also allows for easier 
retrieval of certification information directly from CBP's Automated 
Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Therefore, we find that this is a 
significant improvement upon the previous requirement for paper 
certifications and remains consistent

[[Page 52366]]

with our goal of stronger enforcement while also improving 
administrability.

2. Acceptance of Certifications During Protest Proceedings

    Several commenters object to proposed Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(iii), 
which allows for missing certifications to be filed during CBP's 
protest proceedings under 19 U.S.C. 1514. These commenters argue that 
the proposal to allow a belated certificate runs contrary to the strong 
enforcement of trade remedy laws and is inconsistent with proposed 
Sec.  351.402(f)(i)'s requirement that the importer must certify prior 
to liquidation. These commenters further argue that the Proposed Rule 
acknowledges this conflict but offers no rationale, and that to the 
extent administrability concerns exist, those are best addressed by 
CBP's regulations.
    Certain commenters also argue that in past cases Commerce has 
asserted its authority not only to assess double AD duties, but to also 
establish cash deposit rates reflecting the reimbursement of duties 
prior to assessment during the administrative review process. They also 
argue that the proposed revisions state that the requirement to file a 
certificate prior to liquidation remains obligatory; but allows CBP, at 
its discretion, to accept certificates in accordance with its protest 
procedures. According to these commenters, this would seem to allow 
importers to raise arguments with a separate agency that the adjustment 
should not be applied because the importer has provided the certificate 
during the protest proceeding, and this might otherwise undermine an 
established agency practice in addressing circumstances where Commerce 
has already determined that reimbursement has taken place and imposed 
double cash deposits accordingly.
    Commenters also argue that Commerce should make clear that, under 
Sec.  351.402(f)(3), if the certification has not been filed by the 
time of the administrative review, Commerce may presume that the 
failure to have filed the certification by that date is due to the 
payment or reimbursement of duties by the exporter or producer. These 
commenters argue that the proposed regulation allows for parties to 
file the certification during the protest phase, after the review 
process has ended and liquidation has occurred, and, therefore, 
Commerce cannot properly complete the review without the certification.
    Response:
    In light of these comments, Commerce is modifying Sec.  
351.402(f)(2)(i) and (iii) in certain respects to clarify and better 
explain that acceptance of a certification during the protest phase is 
an exception to the general rule that certifications are due prior to 
liquidation. However, contrary to certain comments, we do not see this 
as setting up a potential abuse of the process, because: (1) Commerce 
has included this relevant language in CBP instructions for almost a 
decade, and we are merely codifying that language in the regulation; 
(2) we have not seen evidence of any abuse of this exception; and (3) 
nor have we heard any complaints from petitioners or CBP that there has 
been any abuse of this exception. Indeed, commenters were only able to 
point to three examples over the past 25 years where there has been a 
reimbursement scheme uncovered during the administrative review 
process, and those examples do not point to the unreasonableness of our 
policy choice in the Proposed Rule. Moreover, not all liquidations 
result in protests, and not all protests deal with importer 
reimbursement issues, so this issue has limited practical 
applicability.
    Further, many of the comments at issue were focused more on a 
request to alter the deadline so that parties must submit their 
certification prior to the start of the administrative review (even 
earlier than the current deadline of prior to liquidation). In 
practice, most, if not all, companies filing certifications will do so 
upon entry summary--well before the start of the review. Additionally, 
during the course of the review, Commerce asks respondents directly if 
they have reimbursed or entered into any agreement to reimburse the 
importer--it is this information that we rely upon in conducting our AD 
calculations. If we discover there has been such reimbursement or 
agreement, we take that into account either by: (1) Making a deduction 
to export price or constructed export price pursuant to Sec.  
351.402(f)(1)(i): Or (2) when appropriate, applying facts available 
with an adverse inference pursuant to section 776(a)-(b) of the Act if 
the party has, for example, failed verification or otherwise failed to 
cooperate in this respect. The resulting assessment rate and cash 
deposit rate will then reflect the appropriate adjustment. If need be, 
in a given case, Commerce can explain in its CBP instructions that CBP 
should not accept certifications from a given importer during any 
protest proceeding based on any decisions made with respect to this 
issue in the administrative review. Therefore, in light of the above, 
Commerce is modifying Sec.  351.402(f)(2)(iii) to indicate that CBP may 
accept the certification in accordance with its protest procedures 
under 19 U.S.C. 1514, unless otherwise directed.

3. Additional Notification

    One commenter requests that Commerce and CBP provide additional 
notification to sureties through the Automated Surety Interface (ASI) 
with respect to any certification which will allow the sureties to more 
effectively secure and underwrite the duty obligations under AD and CVD 
laws.
    Response:
    For the reasons discussed above regarding Sec.  351.225(l), 
(comment 12(f)), in the context of scope, and numerous other 
provisions, we recognize and appreciate the unique role of sureties in 
the payment and collection of AD/CVD cash deposits and duties, and that 
sureties need timely access to information to assess the risk that they 
assume when underwriting bonds for imports of merchandise subject to 
AD/CVD orders. As such, in response to these comments, Commerce intends 
to consult with CBP and explore whether and how sureties may be 
notified with respect to any importer reimbursement certification.

Procedural Amendments--Sec. Sec.  351.103(d) Introductory Text and 
(d)(1) and 351.305(d)

1. Sections 351.103(d) Introductory Text and (d)(1)--Central Records 
Unit and Administrative Protective Order and Dockets Unit

    To implement the substantive changes pertaining to scope inquiries 
(Sec.  351.225), circumvention inquiries (Sec.  351.226), and covered 
merchandise inquiries (Sec.  351.227), Commerce proposed to modify 
Sec.  351.103(d)(1) to reflect that an interested party filing a scope 
ruling application or a circumvention request, as well as any publicly 
identified parties in a covered merchandise referral from CBP, under 
section 517 of the Act, need not file an entry of appearance. We 
received many positive comments in support of this provision. However, 
one commenter argued that Commerce should revisit Sec.  351.103(d)(1) 
and remove the allowance of the entry of appearance to be filed as a 
cover letter to an application for APO access, to bring it into 
conformity with requirements for notices of appearances in other 
circumstances.
    Response:
    We note that the allowance for a cover letter/entry of appearance 
for APO filings already existed in the regulations before Commerce 
proposed amending them, so the comment is, in fact, not on revisions 
Commerce has made, but on

[[Page 52367]]

its existing regulations. That being said, the ability for parties to 
file their entry of appearance in their APO cover letter is intended to 
save time and resources and is not mandatory for filers. We see no 
reason to make this change, and, in fact, if we were to remove this 
option for APO filers, we find that it would only further burden the 
parties and Commerce's APO system with unnecessary additional 
paperwork.
    In addition, Commerce is making two minor clarification and 
correction revisions to Sec.  351.103(d) introductory text and (d)(1) 
unrelated to the comments raised. First, in paragraph (d) introductory 
text, Commerce is adding reference to the annual inquiry service list 
which must be used for requests for circumvention inquiries under Sec.  
351.226(n), to mirror the existing reference to the annual inquiry 
service list for scope ruling applications under Sec.  351.225(n). 
Second, in paragraph (d)(1), Commerce is amending a typographical error 
following the phrase ``in a covered merchandise referral to'' with a 
citation to Sec.  351.227, rather than the incorrect reference to Sec.  
351.226 as appeared in the Proposed Rule.

2. Section 351.305(d)--Access to Business Proprietary Information

    Section 351.305(d) provides for additional importer filing 
requirements with Commerce, differing from the filing requirements of 
exporters, producers, or domestic producers, to obtain access to BPI 
through an APO application. In the Proposed Rule, Commerce proposed to 
amend Sec.  351.305(d) to add reference to importers in circumvention 
inquiries and to exempt importers identified by CBP in a covered 
merchandise referral from these specific filing requirements. Commerce 
received only support from commenters on changes made to this provision 
and has not made any changes from the Proposed Rule.

Other Comments

    In addition to the comments discussed above, Commerce also received 
some comments that did not relate to a particular provision in the 
Proposed Rule. Instead, they relate to Sec. Sec.  351.213, 351.302, and 
351.303, or pertain to our general rulemaking process or matters 
outside of the regulatory framework. For the following reasons, we are 
not making the requested changes to our regulations.

1. Amend Regulation on Administrative Reviews To Include the Enumerated 
Factor for Bona Fide Sales

    One commenter argues that Sec.  351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E) and 
(f)(3) should be reproduced in Sec.  351.213 so that the bona fide 
sales analysis proposed for new shipper reviews would also apply to 
annual administrative reviews of AD/CVD orders, especially when such 
reviews involve few or singular sales or entries. The commenter 
requests that the final rule should reproduce in Sec.  351.213 
governing administrative reviews the specific proposed Sec.  
351.214(b)(2)(v)(D) through (E) and (f)(3), which outline a number of 
documents a new shipper is required to include with a review request, 
and to mirror the factors listed in section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(I)-(VI) of 
the Act that pertain to new shipper reviews. In effect, the commenter 
proposes that a request for an annual administrative review include 
documentation concerning business activities and establishing the 
circumstances surrounding sales including prices, expenses, whether 
sales were resold for profit in the United States, and whether such 
sales were made at arm's-length prices. Additionally, the commenter 
argues that an annual administrative review could be rescinded if the 
information necessary to conduct a bona fide sales analysis is not on 
the administrative record. The commenter's rationale is that 
administrative reviews are more common and numerous than new shipper 
reviews. Applied to annual administrative reviews which involve few or 
singular sales or entries, the commenter claims that the bona fide 
sales analysis requirements would discourage meritless claims and 
conserve Commerce's resources in conducting reviews.
    Another commenter responded, stating that Commerce should reject 
the commenter's suggestion that Commerce perform a bona fides analysis 
on the sales of exporters participating in administrative reviews. This 
commenter argues that Commerce should not erect artificial barriers to 
respondents' efforts and that such barriers would only work to create 
an unfair advantage for petitioners and could never create a level 
playing field, as the AD/CVD laws are intended. Additionally, several 
commenters proposed in rebuttal comments that Commerce analyze new 
shipper reviews within the administrative review process under Sec.  
352.213.
    Response:
    We have left unchanged Sec.  351.213 governing administrative 
reviews.
    As explained in the Proposed Rule, Commerce is amending Sec.  
351.214 pertaining to new shipper reviews to conform with changes to 
section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act made by Congress with the enactment of 
section 433 of EAPA to address circumvention by new shippers in the 
context of new shipper reviews. While Commerce remains cognizant of the 
potential for misuse of administrative review processes in AD and CVD 
proceedings, amendments to Sec.  351.213, which governs administrative 
review of orders and suspension agreements, is beyond the scope of the 
Proposed Rule and section 433 of EAPA. The Proposed Rule did not 
propose changes to this regulatory provision. Accordingly, any 
consideration or implementation of such proposals would require a 
notice and comment proceeding, which did not occur in this rulemaking 
with respect to Sec.  351.213. Therefore, we find that these proposals 
are beyond the scope of the Proposed Rule and section 433 of EAPA.
    Importantly, we agree that the bona fide sales analysis constitutes 
an important check on the misuse of administrative review processes to 
circumvent duty orders or obtain a contrived dumping margin. Commerce 
has a well-established practice of conducting a bona fide sales 
analysis in administrative reviews, where warranted.\201\ The CIT has 
stated that Commerce's practice clearly demonstrates that Commerce is 
``highly likely to examine objective, verifiable factors'' to confirm 
that a sale is not being made to circumvent or evade an antidumping 
duty order.\202\ Therefore, while the documents necessary to perform a 
bona fide sales analysis are not required in a request for an annual 
administrative review, Commerce retains its well-established practice 
of conducting a bona fide sales analysis in such administrative 
reviews, where warranted, to address efforts to evade or dilute the 
effectiveness of its AD/CVD orders through the use of non-bona fide 
sales. Lastly, we have not adopted the commenters' rebuttal proposal 
that Commerce analyze new shipper reviews within the administrative 
review process under Sec.  351.213. This commenters' proposal is also 
beyond the scope of this final rule, as such an amendment would require 
a notice and comment proceeding pertaining to Sec.  351.213 governing 
administrative reviews. Moreover, such an amendment would be contrary 
to section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act which provides

[[Page 52368]]

new shippers a review process apart from the administrative review 
process to obtain an AD margin or CVD rate based on bona fide sales.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \201\ See, e.g., Silicon Metal From the People's Republic of 
China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 
2017-2018, 84 FR 69361 (Dec. 18, 2019); see also, e.g., Certain 
Pasta From Turkey: Final Results and Rescission of Antidumping Duty 
Administrative Review; 2015-2016, 83 FR 6516 (Feb. 14, 2018).
    \202\ See Hebei New Donghua Amino Acid Co., Ltd. v. United 
States, 374 F. Supp. 2d 1333, 1339-40 (CIT 2005).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Section 351.302(c) and (d)--Requests for Extension

    Several commenters suggest that Commerce modify Sec.  351.302 to 
limit the number of days of extensions of time to complete 
questionnaire responses, for both initial and supplemental 
questionnaire responses, to a total of 30 calendar days. These 
commenters argue that by shortening the number of days available for 
extensions, Commerce will have more time to consider arguments and will 
have greater certainty concerning when filings will be made, 
alleviating stress over overlapping submissions across multiple cases. 
Several other commenters also argue that respondents have repeatedly 
requested extensions for questionnaire responses as a method of 
delaying the proceeding and limiting the time available for Commerce to 
conduct its investigation or review, and that Commerce should address 
this issue by limiting the extension of time for questionnaire 
responses to 30 days.
    Other commenters challenge the above arguments, stating that 
Commerce already has complete control of the number and length of 
extensions it grants, and further argue that Commerce allows for such 
extensions because it is fully aware of the fact that first-time 
foreign respondents do not maintain their books and records in 
anticipation of the initiation of an AD or CVD investigation against 
their subject exports. These commenters also argue that the proposal of 
limiting extension requests should be rejected because the comments 
proposing this limit are not responsive to any provision in the 
Proposed Rule, establishing such a limit would be in violation of the 
requirements set forth in the Administrative Procedures Act, and 
establishing such a limitation in the regulation would deny Commerce 
the flexibility required to work with respondents to ensure accuracy 
and fairness in its decisions. They point out that each proceeding 
before Commerce and each company under review is unique, and, thus, the 
information that Commerce may seek in a particular proceeding can vary 
wildly, pointing to different administrative cases as examples of how 
great a variance there can be in the amount of information sought by 
Commerce in a given proceeding.
    In addition, they argue that making such a change would contravene 
the United States' international obligations to provide parties with 
ample opportunity to present all evidence that they consider relevant 
in respect of the investigation under Article 6.1 of the AD Agreement 
and Article 12.1 of the SCM Agreement.
    Finally, one commenter argues that adopting such a short, arbitrary 
limit on time would create significant risk of due process violations 
by denying parties the time required to gather and present information 
necessary to defend their interests.
    Response:
    Commerce has not adopted this proposal and will not be modifying 
Sec.  351.302 at this time. The Proposed Rule did not cover or address 
this regulatory provision, and such an argument is outside the scope of 
the modifications and additions to regulations that we have proposed 
and upon which we have invited commentary. Any consideration or 
implementation of such a requirement would require a notice and 
comment, which did not occur in this rulemaking with respect to Sec.  
351.302.
    Additionally, as mentioned by some of the other commenters, 
Commerce is already in full control of the number and length of 
extensions it grants, and there has been no evidence of the extension 
process being manipulated to prevent Commerce from having enough time 
to properly conduct its investigations or reviews. Given Commerce's 
current discretion to determine whether to grant an extension request, 
placing a maximum limit on the number of days that can be granted would 
only serve to limit Commerce's discretion in how it handles such 
requests, and further restrict Commerce's ability to ensure the 
accuracy and fairness of its decisions.

3. Section 351.303(g)--Certification of Documents

    One commenter argues that Commerce's regulations in Sec.  
351.303(g), which require a company representative to certify as to the 
accuracy of information that does not belong to the company and that 
the company did not develop, has created an unnecessary burden on 
petitioners and petitioners' counsel. They suggest changes to Sec.  
351.303(g) restricting the certification requirement to requiring a 
certification from the company or government representative only when 
the factual information was provided by the company or government 
representative in question or by a company or government that is not 
represented by legal counsel.
    Response:
    Commerce has not adopted this proposal and is not modifying Sec.  
351.303(g) at this time. The Proposed Rule did not cover or address 
this regulatory provision, and such an argument is outside the scope of 
the modifications and additions to regulations that we have proposed 
and upon which we have invited commentary. Any consideration or 
implementation of such a requirement would require notice and comment, 
which did not occur in this rulemaking with respect to Sec.  351.303.

4. Comments on Overall Drafting Approach

    In general, many commenters commended Commerce on the updates and 
additions to its regulations, claiming that such changes were a long 
time coming and warranted. In particular, several commenters expressed 
general support and appreciation for Commerce's commitment and efforts 
to effectively administer the AD/CVD laws, and state that the proposed 
regulations are intended to close several loopholes that currently 
weaken the efficacy of the U.S. trade laws with reasonable, fair, and 
equitable modifications that strengthen its current regulations.
    However, Commerce received criticism as well. One commenter, 
although complimentary of the Proposed Rule, argued that sureties 
should be treated as interested parties and was critical that the 
revised and new regulations do not provide for notifications to 
sureties of filings and determinations.
    A few commenters expressed concern about the 30-day deadline for 
initial comments on the Proposed Rule and requested a rebuttal period, 
as well. In response, Commerce provided a 14-day-period for parties to 
file rebuttal comments, but did not provide extensions for the initial 
party comments. The commenters argued that 30 days for parties to file 
comments did not allow an adequate period of time for outside parties 
to consider the effects of the regulatory changes on importers. One 
commenter argued that because the regulatory changes were submitted 
during a national pandemic, when most offices are operating remotely, 
it made it difficult to review, absorb, and discuss the potential 
impact of these regulations with their clients in a 30-day time span. 
Furthermore, they pointed out that when Commerce revised its 
(comprehensive) regulations in 1996 and 1997, it allowed parties more 
time to provide comments.
    Some commenters generally opposed the changes to the regulations, 
arguing

[[Page 52369]]

that they place too much responsibility and cost on the shoulders of 
importers and not enough responsibility on the shoulders of exporters 
and producers. They argue that Commerce should revise its Proposed Rule 
to focus primarily on foreign exporters with related importers, the 
parties that would be aware of schemes to circumvent and evade the AD 
and CVD laws, and not on unrelated importers with little to no 
knowledge of such schemes.
    Finally, one commenter argues that the benefits of the proposed 
regulations in stopping companies from intentionally circumventing or 
evading AD or CVD orders would be outweighed by the negative impact the 
Proposed Rule would have on conscientious importers, particularly 
smaller companies, through the assignment and collection of retroactive 
AD/CVDs. The commenter points out that many sureties will not guarantee 
a bond associated with a product that has been subject to a 
circumvention inquiry or covered by the scope of an AD or CVD order, 
which creates a burden for small companies who simply cannot afford the 
additional costs resulting from a circumvention determination.
    Commerce's Response:
    First, Commerce disagrees with the argument made by commenters that 
30 days is insufficient for parties to consider and respond to the 
changes made in the proposed regulations. Under 5 U.S.C. 553, which 
lays out the procedural requirements for revising federal regulations, 
30 days is the standard that must be met by any agency when proposing 
changes to their regulations. Over the past 20 years of administering 
and enforcing the current iteration of the regulations, Commerce has 
discovered some inefficiencies and burdens that applied equally to our 
procedures for all interested parties--domestic producers, U.S. 
importers, and foreign exporters, alike. Over the years, we have heard 
complaints about those inefficiencies and burdens, but could do nothing 
about them without modifying our regulations. Furthermore, we have 
built a practice in some regards, like Commerce's substantial 
transformation test, which should be codified in the regulations, but 
are not. In addition, we have discovered that our regulations do not 
adequately address some matters, such as the problem of circumvention 
of our orders. In short, none of these problems or concerns should be 
new to those who practice AD and CVD law before Commerce.
    Furthermore, comparing these regulations, which address new shipper 
reviews, scope rulings, circumvention determinations, and a few other 
matters, with the 1997 Final Rule which revised nearly all of 
Commerce's regulations covering most of Commerce's AD and procedural 
practice is an unreasonable comparison. These are important 
regulations, but they are still limited in the areas to which they 
apply. Thus, we do not find the time limits Commerce provided to 
outside parties for comments on those regulations to be comparable to 
the time limits parties needed to comment on these regulations. We 
continue to believe that a 30-day period for parties to prepare and 
file initial comments on the Proposed Rule was sufficient.
    That being said, Commerce recognized in response to early comments 
which it received from outside parties that the agency had not 
initially provided parties with an opportunity to file rebuttal 
comments, and that both Commerce and the public as a whole could 
benefit if parties had time to file rebuttal comments. Accordingly, 
Commerce granted 14 days after the close of the initial comment period 
for parties to file rebuttal comments, and the agency received many 
rebuttal comments, which we found to be helpful to our analysis. Thus, 
we extended the period in which parties could provide meaningful 
insight and commentary, and as noted, many took the agency up on its 
offer to prepare and file rebuttal comments. We consider that 
additional time for commentary further evidence that we met the 
statutory requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553.
    Second, the changes and additions found in these final regulations 
are consistent with the requirements of the Act and are narrowly 
tailored to address Commerce's concerns. Commerce recognizes the issues 
expressed by several commenters regarding the potential effect the 
regulatory changes may have on various interested parties. As explained 
herein, in response to many of those comments, we have made 
modifications from the Proposed Rule to these final regulations.\203\ 
That being said, we disagree with the commenters who argued that we 
should retain the current regulations unchanged, and forgo these 
updates and changes. These changes are necessary and will improve both 
the administration and enforcement of the various areas of AD and CVD 
law which they cover.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \203\ For example, in response to the comment that Commerce 
should revise its Proposed Rule to focus primarily on foreign 
exporters with related importers in addressing circumvention and 
evasion, as discussed above under Sec.  351.226(l), Commerce is 
modifying this provision to take into account such potential 
concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, we disagree that these improvements to our regulations 
will create an outsized burden for small importers, and in fact, we 
believe we have appropriately balanced the interests of all affected 
parties with the U.S. Government's statutory mandate and Commerce's 
policy to prevent circumvention and evasion of the application of AD 
and CVD orders.

5. Additional Unrelated Comments

    Several commenters made comments unrelated to the regulations and 
their purpose, and as such these comments will not be summarized or 
addressed herein.

Classifications

Executive Order 12866

    OMB has determined that this final rule is significant for purposes 
of Executive Order 12866.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule contains no collection of information subject to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

Executive Order 13132

    This proposed rule does not contain policies with federalism 
implications as that term is defined in section 1(a) of Executive Order 
13132, dated August 4, 1999 (64 FR 43255 (August 10, 1999)).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration at the proposed rule stage that this rule, if adopted, 
would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities as that term is defined in the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. For that reason, no Initial Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis was required. A summary of the need for, 
objectives of, and legal basis for this rule is provided in the 
preamble in this final rule and the preamble to the Proposed Rule and 
is not repeated here. The factual basis for the certification is found 
in the Proposed Rule and is repeated below.
    Commerce did receive comments on the certification. For the reasons 
discussed below, Commerce states that the certification stands because 
the final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    The entities upon which this rulemaking could have an impact 
include foreign governments, foreign exporters and producers, some of 
whom are affiliated with U.S. companies, and

[[Page 52370]]

U.S. importers. Commerce currently does not have information on the 
number of entities that would be considered small under the Small 
Business Administration's size standards for small businesses in the 
relevant industries. However, some of these entities may be considered 
small entities under the appropriate industry size standards. Although 
this rule may indirectly impact small entities that are parties to 
individual AD and CVD proceedings, it will not have a significant 
economic impact on any such entities; the rule applies to 
administrative enforcement actions, and only clarifies and establishes 
streamlined procedures. It does not impose any significant costs on 
regulated entities. Therefore, the rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small business entities.
    Commerce received two comments in response to its determination not 
to prepare an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. One commenter 
argues that the rule will incur new additional costs to affected U.S. 
importers in terms of the paperwork burden for additional 
certifications under Sec.  351.228, costs associated with the 
rebuilding of supply chains to address country-wide circumvention 
determinations under Sec.  351.226, and the retroactive application of 
scope rulings under Sec.  351.225. This commenter further argues that, 
contrary to Commerce's certification statement in the Proposed Rule, 
these are not enforcement actions but rather are new requirements or 
changed procedures that would directly impact U.S. importers. For these 
reasons, the commenter argues that Commerce should prepare a regulatory 
impact analysis inclusive of these costs to ensure that the rule does 
not impose significant costs on small entities.
    In response to this comment, a second commenter agrees that 
Commerce should be required to prepare a regulatory flexibility 
analysis. This commenter points to comments from several other parties 
in arguing that a substantial number of small business will be directly 
adversely affected, not indirectly impacted as stated in Commerce's 
certification statement in the Proposed Rule. This commenter argues 
that, with respect to the proposed comment period for industry support 
comments in response to a petition under Sec.  351.203(g), small and 
medium enterprises would have difficulty meeting such deadlines because 
these entities do not have the compliance or government relations 
expertise to monitor Commerce's electronic docket on ACCESS. 
Additionally, this commenter reiterates arguments from the first 
commenter regarding the retroactive effect of scope ruling and 
circumvention determinations under proposed Sec. Sec.  351.225 and 
351.226 and the impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    Response:
    As stated in the certification statement in the Proposed Rule, the 
proposed regulations, as further revised and adopted in this final 
rule, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    Regarding the number of small entities that may be indirectly 
impacted, as stated in the Proposed Rule, the entities upon which this 
rulemaking could have an impact include foreign governments, foreign 
exporters and producers, some of whom are affiliated with U.S. 
companies, and U.S. importers. Commerce currently does not have 
information on the number of entities that would be considered small 
under the Small Business Administration's size standards for small 
businesses in the relevant industries. However, some of these entities 
may be considered small entities under the appropriate industry size 
standards. Additionally, based on Commerce's experience in AD and CVD 
proceedings, Commerce estimates that the number of small entities 
impacted by these revised regulations will not be substantial.
    Regarding the potential for a significant economic impact, although 
these revised regulations may indirectly impact small entities that are 
parties to individual AD and CVD proceedings, those impacts will not 
have a significant economic impact on any such entities.
    Moreover, as a general matter, Commerce's proceedings, including 
each of the types of proceedings discussed in this rule (AD and CVD 
investigations, new shipper reviews, administrative reviews, scope 
inquiries, circumvention inquiries, and covered merchandise inquiries), 
afford fair notice and due process to all parties, including small 
businesses. Commerce will ensure that any small business that is 
potentially prejudiced by proceedings conducted in accordance with 
these regulations will receive appropriate legal notice, as well as a 
full and fair opportunity to present relevant information and arguments 
to Commerce, before a determination is made that may have some impact 
on such entity. We also note that, under the governing statute and in 
practice, Commerce will consider any difficulties experienced by 
interested parties, particularly small companies or those not 
represented by counsel, in supplying any information requested, and 
provide any assistance to such parties that is practicable.\204\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \204\ See section 782(c) of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As summarized above, two commenters raised arguments regarding the 
impact on small entities arising from the certification requirements 
under Sec.  351.228, country-wide circumvention determinations and 
retroactive application under Sec.  351.226, the retroactive 
application of scope rulings under Sec.  351.225, and the comment 
deadline for industry support under Sec.  351.203(g).
    First, as explained above in response to a similar comment 
pertaining to Sec.  351.228, the regulation itself does not impose any 
burden; a determination of whether to implement a certification 
requirement is made on the record of an individual case--the regulation 
merely codifies existing practice. Further, any burden related to 
Commerce's determination, in a given case, to impose a certification 
requirement on importers is narrowly tailored to the facts of its 
determination and is otherwise a minimal burden. Moreover, any such 
burden resulting from a certification requirement is outweighed by its 
benefits. For example, companies that export or import under a 
certification scheme will potentially have less duty liability than 
other similarly situated importers or exporters.
    Second, with respect to any rebuilding of supply chains to address 
country-wide circumvention determinations, Commerce's role by statute, 
and the purpose of the AD/CVD law, is not to manage the business 
operations of domestic importers, but to enforce the trade remedy laws 
and ensure that those laws will not be circumvented. In accordance with 
this framework, producers, exporters, and importers must determine how 
best to comply with an AD/CVD order pursuant to any number of business 
decisions, in light of the order and in response to a scope ruling, 
circumvention determination, or covered merchandise determination.
    Third, as explained above, Commerce has revised its suspension of 
liquidation provisions under Sec. Sec.  351.225(l) and 351.226(l) for 
scope and circumvention inquiries in light of comments from several 
parties. Commerce will now consider additional information under 
certain scenarios in scope inquiries to determine if the application of 
retroactive suspension is appropriate. Furthermore, Commerce will only 
apply its circumvention determinations to entries that precede the date 
of

[[Page 52371]]

initiation of the circumvention inquiry when it determines the facts on 
the record warrant such an application. Additionally, these revisions 
to Commerce's regulations will not impact any imports of entries that 
pre-date the effective date of the final rule, as explained in the 
DATES section and the Applicability Dates section of the preamble of 
this final rule, and in more detail under Sec. Sec.  351.225(l) and 
351.226(l). Through these revisions to the Proposed Rule, Commerce has 
reduced any impact on U.S. importers, which may include small entities, 
and further reduced the number of small entities that may be impacted. 
Therefore, the final rule will not have a direct, significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    Fourth, and finally, with respect to the argument that the comment 
period for industry support would significantly impact a substantial 
number of small entities, we disagree. Under Sec.  351.203(g), Commerce 
is establishing a deadline for comments on the issue of domestic 
industry support of an AD or CVD petition no later than five business 
days before the scheduled date of initiation, and rebuttal comments no 
later than two calendar days thereafter. Currently, there is no 
established comment period, meaning parties can comment up until the 
day of Commerce's decision. As stated in the certification statement, 
this is a clarification of Commerce's procedures and does not impose 
any direct cost, let alone a significant cost, on small entities. 
Further, the parties that normally comment on industry support include 
domestic producers of like products that may be considered small 
entities under the appropriate SBA small business size standard. 
Although Commerce is unable to estimate the number of producers that 
may be considered small entities, Commerce does not anticipate that the 
number affected by the proposed rule will be substantial. Typically, 
domestic producers that bring a petition or participate actively in an 
AD or CVD proceeding account for a large amount of the domestic 
production within an industry, so it is unlikely that many of these 
domestic producers will be small entities. Therefore, the proposed 
regulation, as adopted in this final rule, will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    In sum, Commerce does not dispute that these new and revised 
regulations will have an impact on U.S. importers. However, the current 
regulations and Commerce's AD and CVD proceedings already have an 
impact on those entities. Thus, the question for purposes of a 
regulatory impact analysis is whether these revisions and additions are 
such that the changes will have an economic impact which is significant 
on a substantial number of small entities. They will not.
    For these reasons, we continue to find that neither an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis nor a Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis is required and none has been prepared. Therefore, Commerce 
certified that the final rule will not have a significant impact on a 
substantial number of small business entities.

List of Subjects in 19 CFR Part 351

    Administrative practice and procedure, Antidumping, Business and 
industry, Cheese, Confidential business information, Countervailing 
duties, Freedom of information, Investigations, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: August 16, 2021.
Christian Marsh,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Department of Commerce 
amends 19 CFR part 351 as follows:

PART 351--ANTIDUMPING AND COUNTERVAILING DUTIES

0
1. The authority citation for part 351 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 1202 note; 19 U.S.C. 1303 
note; 19 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.; and 19 U.S.C. 3538.


0
2. In Sec.  351.103, effective November 4, 2021, revise paragraphs (d) 
introductory text and (d)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  351.103  Central Records Unit and Administrative Protective Order 
and Dockets Unit.

* * * * *
    (d) The APO/Dockets Unit will maintain and make available a public 
service list for each segment of a proceeding. The service list for an 
application for a scope ruling is described in Sec.  351.225(n). The 
service list for a request for a circumvention inquiry is described in 
Sec.  351.226(n).
    (1) With the exception of a petitioner filing a petition in an 
investigation pursuant to Sec.  351.202, an interested party filing a 
scope ruling application pursuant to Sec.  351.225(c), an interested 
party filing a request for a circumvention inquiry pursuant to Sec.  
351.226(c), and those relevant parties identified by the Customs 
Service in a covered merchandise referral pursuant to Sec.  351.227, 
all persons wishing to participate in a segment of a proceeding must 
file an entry of appearance. The entry of appearance must identify the 
name of the interested party, how that party qualifies as an interested 
party under Sec.  351.102(b)(29) and section 771(9) of the Act, and the 
name of the firm, if any, representing the interested party in that 
particular segment of the proceeding. All persons who file an entry of 
appearance and qualify as an interested party will be included in the 
public service list for the segment of the proceeding in which the 
entry of appearance is submitted. The entry of appearance may be filed 
as a cover letter to an application for APO access. If the 
representative of the interested party is not requesting access to 
business proprietary information under APO, the entry of appearance 
must be filed separately from any other document filed with the 
Department. If the interested party is a coalition or association as 
defined in subparagraph (A), (E), (F) or (G) of section 771(9) of the 
Act, the entry of appearance must identify all of the members of the 
coalition or association.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  351.203, effective October 20, 2021, add paragraph (g) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  351.203  Determination of sufficiency of petition.

* * * * *
    (g) Time limits for filing interested party comments on industry 
support. For purposes of sections 702(c)(4)(E) and 732(c)(4)(E) of the 
Act, the Secretary will consider comments or information on the issue 
of industry support submitted no later than 5 business days before the 
date referenced in paragraph (b)(1) of this section by any interested 
party under section 771(9) of the Act. The Secretary will consider 
rebuttal comments or information to rebut, clarify, or correct such 
information on industry support submitted by any interested party no 
later than two calendar days from the time limit for filing comments.

0
4. Effective October 20, 2021, revise Sec.  351.214 to read as follows:


Sec.  351.214  New shipper reviews under section 751(a)(2)(B) of the 
Act.

    (a) Introduction. Section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act provides a 
procedure by which so-called ``new shippers'' can obtain their own 
individual dumping margin or countervailable subsidy rate on an 
expedited basis. In general, a new shipper is an exporter or producer 
that did not export, and is not affiliated with an exporter or producer 
that did export, to the United States during the period of 
investigation. Furthermore, section

[[Page 52372]]

751(a)(2)(B)(iv) requires that the Secretary make a determination of 
whether the sales under review are bona fide. This section contains 
rules regarding requests for new shipper reviews and procedures for 
conducting such reviews, as well as requirements for determining 
whether sales are bona fide under section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act. 
In addition, this section contains rules regarding requests for 
expedited reviews by non-investigated exporters in certain 
countervailing duty proceedings and procedures for conducting such 
reviews.
    (b) Request for new shipper review--(1) Requirement of sale or 
export. Subject to the requirements of section 751(a)(2)(B) of the Act 
and this section, an exporter or producer may request a new shipper 
review if it has exported, or sold for export, subject merchandise to 
the United States and can demonstrate the existence of a bona fide 
sale.
    (2) Contents of request. A request for a new shipper review must 
contain the following:
    (i) If the person requesting the review is both the exporter and 
producer of the merchandise, a certification that the person requesting 
the review did not export subject merchandise to the United States (or, 
in the case of a regional industry, did not export the subject 
merchandise for sale in the region concerned) during the period of 
investigation;
    (ii) If the person requesting the review is the exporter, but not 
the producer, of the subject merchandise:
    (A) The certification described in paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this 
section; and
    (B) A certification from the person that produced or supplied the 
subject merchandise to the person requesting the review that that 
producer or supplier did not export the subject merchandise to the 
United States (or, in the case of a regional industry, did not export 
the subject merchandise for sale in the region concerned) during the 
period of investigation;
    (iii)(A) A certification that, since the investigation was 
initiated, such exporter or producer has never been affiliated with any 
exporter or producer who exported the subject merchandise to the United 
States (or in the case of a regional industry, who exported the subject 
merchandise for sale in the region concerned) during the period of 
investigation, including those not individually examined during the 
investigation; and
    (B) In an antidumping proceeding involving imports from a nonmarket 
economy country, a certification that the export activities of such 
exporter or producer are not controlled by the central government;
    (iv) Certain information regarding the unaffiliated customer:
    (A) A certification from the exporter or producer that it will 
provide, to the fullest extent possible, necessary information related 
to the unaffiliated customer in the United States during the new 
shipper review; and
    (B) A certification by the unaffiliated customer of its willingness 
to participate in the new shipper review and provide information 
relevant to the new shipper review, if such information is requested by 
the Secretary, or an explanation by the producer/exporter of why such 
certification from the unaffiliated customer cannot be provided.
    (v) Documentation establishing:
    (A) The date on which subject merchandise of the exporter or 
producer making the request was first entered, or withdrawn from 
warehouse, for consumption, or, if the exporter or producer cannot 
establish the date of first entry, the date on which the exporter or 
producer first shipped the subject merchandise for export to the United 
States;
    (B) The volume of that shipment and any subsequent shipments, 
including whether such shipments were made in commercial quantities;
    (C) The date of the first sale, and any subsequent sales, to an 
unaffiliated customer in the United States;
    (D) The circumstances surrounding such sale(s), including but not 
limited to:
    (1) The price of such sales;
    (2) Any expenses arising from such sales;
    (3) Whether the subject merchandise involved in such sales was 
resold in the United States at a profit;
    (4) Whether such sales were made on an arms-length basis; and
    (E) Additional documentation regarding the business activities of 
the producer or exporter, including but not limited to:
    (1) The producer or exporter's offers to sell merchandise in the 
United States;
    (2) An identification of the complete circumstance surrounding the 
producer or exporter's sales to the United States, as well as any home 
market or third country sales;
    (3) In the case of a non-producing exporter, an explanation of the 
exporter's relationship with its producer/supplier; and
    (4) An identification of the producer's or exporter's relationship 
to the first unaffiliated U.S. purchaser;
    (vi) In the case of a review of a countervailing duty order, a 
certification that the exporter or producer has informed the government 
of the exporting country that the government will be required to 
provide a full response to the Department's questionnaire.
    (c) Deadline for requesting review. An exporter or producer may 
request a new shipper review within one year of the date referred to in 
paragraph (b)(2)(v)(A) of this section.
    (d) Initiation of new shipper review--(1) In general. If the 
requirements for a request for new shipper review under paragraph (b) 
of this section are satisfied, the Secretary will initiate a new 
shipper review under this section in the calendar month immediately 
following the anniversary month or the semiannual anniversary month if 
the request for the review is made during the 6-month period ending 
with the end of the anniversary month or the semiannual anniversary 
month (whichever is applicable).
    (2) Semiannual anniversary month. The semiannual anniversary month 
is the calendar month that is 6 months after the anniversary month.
    (3) Example. An order is published in January. The anniversary 
month would be January, and the semiannual anniversary month would be 
July. If the Secretary received a request for a new shipper review at 
any time during the period February-July, the Secretary would initiate 
a new shipper review in August. If the Secretary received a request for 
a new shipper review at any time during the period August-January, the 
Secretary would initiate a new shipper review in February.
    (4) Exception. If the Secretary determines that the requirements 
for a request for new shipper review under paragraph (b) of this 
section have not been satisfied, the Secretary will reject the request 
and provide a written explanation of the reasons for the rejection.
    (e) Suspension of liquidation. When the Secretary initiates a new 
shipper review under this section, the Secretary will direct the 
Customs Service to suspend or continue to suspend liquidation of any 
unliquidated entries of the subject merchandise from the relevant 
exporter or producer at the applicable cash deposit rate.
    (f) Rescission of new shipper review--(1) Withdrawal of request for 
review. The Secretary may rescind a new shipper review under this 
section, in whole or in part, if a producer or exporter that requested 
a review withdraws its request not later than 60 days after the date of 
publication of notice of initiation of the requested review.

[[Page 52373]]

    (2) Absence of entry and sale to an unaffiliated customer. The 
Secretary may rescind a new shipper review, in whole or in part, if the 
Secretary concludes that:
    (i) As of the end of the normal period of review referred to in 
paragraph (g) of this section, there has not been an entry and sale to 
an unaffiliated customer in the United States of subject merchandise; 
and
    (ii) An expansion of the normal period of review to include an 
entry and sale to an unaffiliated customer in the United States of 
subject merchandise would be likely to prevent the completion of the 
review within the time limits set forth in paragraph (i) of this 
section;
    (3) Absence of bona fide sale to an unaffiliated customer. The 
Secretary may rescind a new shipper review, in whole or in part, if the 
Secretary concludes that:
    (i) Information that the Secretary considers necessary to conduct a 
bona fide sale analysis is not on the record; or
    (ii) The producer or exporter seeking a new shipper review has 
failed to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Secretary the 
existence of a bona fide sale to an unaffiliated customer.
    (4) Notice of rescission. If the Secretary rescinds a new shipper 
review (in whole or in part), the Secretary will publish in the Federal 
Register notice of ``Rescission of Antidumping (Countervailing Duty) 
New Shipper Review'' or, if appropriate, ``Partial Rescission of 
Antidumping (Countervailing Duty) New Shipper Review.''
    (g) Period of review--(1) Antidumping proceeding--(i) In general. 
Except as provided in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, in an 
antidumping proceeding, a new shipper review under this section 
normally will cover, as appropriate, entries, exports, or sales during 
the following time periods:
    (A) If the new shipper review was initiated in the month 
immediately following the anniversary month, the twelve-month period 
immediately preceding the anniversary month; or
    (B) If the new shipper review was initiated in the month 
immediately following the semiannual anniversary month, the period of 
review will be the six-month period immediately preceding the 
semiannual anniversary month.
    (ii) Exceptions. (A) If the Secretary initiates a new shipper 
review under this section in the month immediately following the first 
anniversary month, the review normally will cover, as appropriate, 
entries, exports, or sales during the period from the date of 
suspension of liquidation under this part to the end of the month 
immediately preceding the first anniversary month.
    (B) If the Secretary initiates a new shipper review under this 
section in the month immediately following the first semiannual 
anniversary month, the review normally will cover, as appropriate, 
entries, exports, or sales during the period from the date of 
suspension of liquidation under this part to the end of the month 
immediately preceding the first semiannual anniversary month.
    (2) Countervailing duty proceeding. In a countervailing duty 
proceeding, the period of review for a new shipper review under this 
section will be the same period as that specified in Sec.  
351.213(e)(2) for an administrative review.
    (h) Procedures. The Secretary will conduct a new shipper review 
under this section in accordance with Sec.  351.221.
    (i) Time limits--(1) In general. Unless the time limit is waived 
under paragraph (j)(3) of this section, the Secretary will issue 
preliminary results of review (see Sec.  351.221(b)(4)) within 180 days 
after the date on which the new shipper review was initiated, and final 
results of review (see Sec.  351.221(b)(5)) within 90 days after the 
date on which the preliminary results were issued.
    (2) Exception. If the Secretary concludes that a new shipper review 
is extraordinarily complicated, the Secretary may extend the 180-day 
period to 300 days, and may extend the 90-day period to 150 days.
    (j) Multiple reviews. Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
subpart, if a review (or a request for a review) under Sec.  351.213 
(administrative review), Sec.  351.214 (new shipper review), Sec.  
351.215 (expedited antidumping review), or Sec.  351.216 (changed 
circumstances review) covers merchandise of an exporter or producer 
subject to a review (or to a request for a review) under this section, 
the Secretary may, after consulting with the exporter or producer:
    (1) Rescind, in whole or in part, a review in progress under this 
subpart;
    (2) Decline to initiate, in whole or in part, a review under this 
subpart; or
    (3) Where the requesting producer or exporter agrees in writing to 
waive the time limits of paragraph (i) of this section, conduct 
concurrent reviews, in which case all other provisions of this section 
will continue to apply with respect to the exporter or producer.
    (k) Determinations based on bona fide sales. In determining whether 
the U.S. sales of an exporter or producer made during the period 
covered by the review are bona fide, the Secretary shall consider the 
factors identified at section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv) of the Act. In 
accordance with section 751(a)(2)(B)(iv)(VII) of the Act, the Secretary 
shall consider the following factors:
    (1) Whether the producer, exporter, or customer was established for 
purposes of the sale(s) in question after the imposition of the 
relevant antidumping or countervailing duty order;
    (2) Whether the producer, exporter, or customer has lines of 
business unrelated to the subject merchandise;
    (3) The quantity of sales; and
    (4) Any other factor that the Secretary determines to be relevant 
with respect to the future selling behavior of the producer or 
exporter, including any other indicia that the sale was not 
commercially viable.
    (l) Expedited reviews in countervailing duty proceedings for 
noninvestigated exporters--(1) Request for review. If, in a 
countervailing duty investigation, the Secretary limited the number of 
exporters or producers to be individually examined under section 
777A(e)(2)(A) of the Act, an exporter that the Secretary did not select 
for individual examination or that the Secretary did not accept as a 
voluntary respondent (see Sec.  351.204(d)) may request a review under 
this paragraph (l). An exporter must submit a request for review within 
30 days of the date of publication in the Federal Register of the 
countervailing duty order. A request must be accompanied by a 
certification that:
    (i) The requester exported the subject merchandise to the United 
States during the period of investigation;
    (ii) The requester is not affiliated with an exporter or producer 
that the Secretary individually examined in the investigation; and
    (iii) The requester has informed the government of the exporting 
country that the government will be required to provide a full response 
to the Department's questionnaire.
    (2) Initiation of review--(i) In general. The Secretary will 
initiate a review in the month following the month in which a request 
for review is due under paragraph (l)(1) of this section.
    (ii) Example. The Secretary publishes a countervailing duty order 
on January 15. An exporter would have to submit a request for a review 
by February 14. The Secretary would initiate a review in March.
    (3) Conduct of review. The Secretary will conduct a review under 
this

[[Page 52374]]

paragraph (l) in accordance with the provisions of this section 
applicable to new shipper reviews, subject to the following exceptions:
    (i) The period of review will be the period of investigation used 
by the Secretary in the investigation that resulted in the publication 
of the countervailing duty order (see Sec.  351.204(b)(2));
    (ii) The final results of a review under this paragraph (l) will 
not be the basis for the assessment of countervailing duties; and
    (iii) The Secretary may exclude from the countervailing duty order 
in question any exporter for which the Secretary determines an 
individual net countervailable subsidy rate of zero or de minimis (see 
Sec.  351.204(e)(1)), provided that the Secretary has verified the 
information on which the exclusion is based.
    (m) Exception from assessment in regional industry cases. For 
procedures relating to a request for the exception from the assessment 
of antidumping or countervailing duties in a regional industry case, 
see Sec.  351.212(f).

0
5. Effective November 4, 2021, revise Sec.  351.225 to read as follows:


Sec.  351.225   Scope rulings.

    (a) Introduction. Questions sometimes arise as to whether a 
particular product is covered by the scope of an antidumping or 
countervailing duty order. Such questions may arise for a variety of 
reasons given that the description of the merchandise subject to the 
scope is written in general terms. The Secretary will initiate and 
conduct a scope inquiry and issue a scope ruling to determine whether 
or not a product is covered by the scope of an order at the request of 
an interested party or on the Secretary's initiative. A scope ruling 
that a product is covered by the scope of an order is a determination 
that the product has always been covered by the scope of that order. 
This section contains rules and procedures regarding scope rulings, 
including scope ruling applications, scope inquiries, and standards 
used in determining whether a product is covered by the scope of an 
order. Unless otherwise specified, the procedures as described in 
subpart C of this part (Sec. Sec.  351.301 through 351.308 and 
Sec. Sec.  351.312 through 351.313) apply to this section.
    (b) Self-initiation of a scope inquiry. If the Secretary determines 
from available information that an inquiry is warranted to determine 
whether a product is covered by the scope of an order, the Secretary 
may initiate a scope inquiry and publish a notice of initiation in the 
Federal Register.
    (c) Scope ruling application--(1) Contents. An interested party may 
submit a scope ruling application requesting that the Secretary conduct 
a scope inquiry to determine whether a product, which is or has been in 
actual production by the time of the filing of the application, is 
covered by the scope of an order. The Secretary will make available a 
scope ruling application, which the applicant must complete and serve 
in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (n) of this section.
    (2) Requested information. To the extent reasonably available to 
the applicant, the scope ruling application must include the following 
requested information and relevant supporting documentation.
    (i) A detailed description of the product and its uses, as 
necessary:
    (A) The physical characteristics (including chemical, dimensional, 
and technical characteristics) of the product;
    (B) The country(ies) where the product is produced, the country 
from where the product is exported, and if imported, the declared 
country of origin;
    (C) The product's tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States and copies of any Customs rulings 
relevant to the tariff classification;
    (D) The uses of the product;
    (E) Clear and legible photographs, schematic drawings, 
specifications, standards, marketing materials, and any other exemplars 
providing a visual depiction of the product; and
    (F) A description of parts, materials, and the production process 
employed in the production of the product;
    (ii) A concise public summary of the product's description under 
paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) through (C) of this section.
    (iii) The name and address of the producer, exporter, and importer 
of the product.
    (iv) A narrative history of the production of the product at issue, 
including a history of earlier versions of the product if this is not 
the first model of the product.
    (v) The volume of annual production of the product for the most 
recently completed fiscal year.
    (vi) If the product has been imported into the United States as of 
the date of the filing of the scope ruling application:
    (A) An explanation as to whether an entry of the product has been 
declared by an importer, or determined by the Customs Service, as 
subject to an order, and
    (B) Relevant documentation, including dated copies of the Customs 
Service entry summary forms (or electronic entry processing system 
documentation) identifying the product upon importation and other 
related commercial documents, including invoices and contracts, which 
reflect the details surrounding the sale and purchase of that imported 
product.
    (vii) A statement as to whether the product undergoes any 
additional processing in the United States after importation, or in a 
third country before importation, and a statement as to the relevance 
of this processing to the scope of the order.
    (viii) The applicant's statement as to whether the product is 
covered by the scope of the order, including:
    (A) An explanation with specific reference to paragraph (j) and (k) 
of this section, as appropriate;
    (B) Citations to any applicable legal authority; and
    (C) Whether there are companion orders as described in paragraph 
(m)(2) of this section.
    (ix) Factual information supporting the applicant's position, 
including full copies of prior scope determinations and relevant 
excerpts of other documents identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this 
section.
    (d) Initiation of a scope inquiry and other actions based on a 
scope ruling application--(1) Initiation of a scope inquiry based on a 
scope ruling application. Except as provided under paragraph (d)(2) of 
this section, within 30 days after the filing of a scope ruling 
application, the Secretary will determine whether to accept or reject 
the scope ruling application.
    (i) If the Secretary determines that a scope ruling application is 
incomplete or otherwise unacceptable, the Secretary may reject the 
scope ruling application and will provide a written explanation of the 
reasons for the rejection. If the scope ruling application is rejected, 
the applicant may resubmit the full application at any time, with all 
identified deficiencies corrected.
    (ii) If the Secretary does not reject the scope ruling application 
or initiate the scope inquiry within 31 days after the filing of the 
application, the application will be deemed accepted and the scope 
inquiry will be deemed initiated.
    (2) Addressing the scope issue in another segment of the 
proceeding. Within 30 days after the filing of a scope ruling 
application, if the Secretary determines upon review of the application 
that the scope issue before the Secretary should be addressed in an 
ongoing segment of the proceeding, such as a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226 or a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  
351.227, rather than

[[Page 52375]]

initiating a scope inquiry, the Secretary will notify the applicant of 
its intent to address the scope issue in such other segment.
    (3) Notice of scope applications. On a monthly basis, the Secretary 
will publish a notice in the Federal Register listing scope 
applications filed with the Secretary.
    (e) Deadlines for scope rulings--(1) In general. The Secretary 
shall issue a final scope ruling within 120 days after the date on 
which the scope inquiry was initiated under paragraph (b) or (d) of 
this section.
    (2) Extension. The Secretary may extend the deadline in paragraph 
(e)(1) of this section by no more than 180 days if the Secretary 
determines that good cause exists to warrant an extension. Situations 
in which good cause has been demonstrated may include:
    (i) If the Secretary has issued questionnaires to the applicant or 
other interested parties; received responses to those questionnaires; 
and determined that an extension is warranted to request further 
information or consider and address the parties' responses on the 
record adequately; or
    (ii) The Secretary has issued a preliminary scope ruling (see 
paragraph (g) of this section).
    (3) Alignment with other segments. If the Secretary determines it 
is appropriate to do so, the Secretary may align the deadlines under 
this paragraph with the deadlines of another segment of the proceeding.
    (f) Scope inquiry procedures. (1) Within 30 days of the Secretary's 
self-initiation of a scope inquiry under paragraph (b) of this section, 
interested parties are permitted one opportunity to submit comments and 
factual information addressing the self-initiation. Within 14 days of 
the filing of such comments, any interested party is permitted one 
opportunity to submit comments and factual information to rebut, 
clarify, or correct factual information submitted by the other 
interested parties.
    (2) Within 30 days of the initiation of a scope inquiry under 
paragraph (d)(2) of this section, an interested party other than the 
applicant is permitted one opportunity to submit comments and factual 
information to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained 
in the scope ruling application. Within 14 days of the filing of such 
rebuttal, clarification, or correction, the applicant is permitted one 
opportunity to submit comments and factual information to rebut, 
clarify, or correct factual information submitted in the interested 
party's rebuttal, clarification or correction.
    (3) Following initiation of a scope inquiry under paragraph (b) or 
(d) of this section, the Secretary may issue questionnaires and verify 
submissions received, where appropriate. The Secretary may limit 
issuance of questionnaires to a reasonable number of respondents. 
Questionnaire responses are due on the date specified by the Secretary. 
Within 14 days after a questionnaire response has been filed with the 
Secretary, an interested party other than the original submitter is 
permitted one opportunity to submit comments and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained in the 
questionnaire response. Within seven days of the filing of such 
rebuttal, clarification, or correction, the original submitter is 
permitted one opportunity to submit comments and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted in the 
interested party's rebuttal, clarification or correction.
    (4) If the Secretary issues a preliminary scope ruling under 
paragraph (g) of this section, which is not issued concurrently with 
the initiation of the scope inquiry, the Secretary will establish a 
schedule for the filing of scope comments and rebuttal comments. Unless 
otherwise specified, any interested party may submit scope comments 
within 14 days after the issuance of the preliminary scope ruling, and 
any interested party may submit rebuttal comments within 7 days 
thereafter. Unless otherwise specified, no new factual information will 
be accepted in the scope or rebuttal comments.
    (5) If the Secretary issues a preliminary scope ruling concurrently 
with the initiation of a scope inquiry under paragraph (g) of this 
section, paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this section will not apply. 
In such a situation, the Secretary will establish appropriate 
procedures on a case-specific basis.
    (6) If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may rescind, in whole or in part, a scope inquiry under this 
section and will notify interested parties.
    (7) If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may alter or extend any time limits under this paragraph or 
establish a separate schedule for the filing of comments and/or factual 
information during the scope inquiry.
    (g) Preliminary scope ruling. The Secretary may issue a preliminary 
scope ruling, based upon the available information at the time, as to 
whether there is a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that the 
product subject to a scope inquiry is covered by the scope of the 
order. In determining whether to issue a preliminary scope ruling, the 
Secretary may consider the complexity of the issues and arguments 
raised in the scope inquiry. The Secretary may issue a preliminary 
scope ruling concurrently with the initiation of a scope inquiry under 
paragraph (b) or (d) of this section.
    (h) Final scope ruling. The Secretary will issue a final scope 
ruling as to whether the product that is the subject of the scope 
inquiry is covered by the scope of the order, including an explanation 
of the factual and legal conclusions on which the final scope ruling is 
based. The Secretary will promptly convey a copy of the final scope 
ruling in the manner prescribed by section 516A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act 
to all parties to the proceeding (see Sec.  351.102(b)(36)), subject to 
the notice requirements for Governments of an FTA country under Sec.  
356.6 and Sec.  356.7.
    (i) Other segments of the proceeding. (1) Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, the Secretary may, but is not required to, 
address scope issues in another segment of the proceeding, such as an 
administrative review under Sec.  351.213, a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226, or a covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  
351.227 without conducting or completing a scope inquiry under this 
section. For example, the Secretary may rescind a scope inquiry under 
paragraph (f)(6) of this section and determine whether the product at 
issue is covered by the scope of the order in another segment of the 
proceeding (including another scope inquiry).
    (2) During the pendency of a scope inquiry or upon issuance of a 
final scope ruling under paragraph (h) of this section, the Secretary 
may take any further action, as appropriate, with respect to another 
segment of the proceeding. For example, if the Secretary considers it 
appropriate, the Secretary may request information concerning the 
product that is the subject of the scope inquiry for purpose of an 
administrative review under Sec.  351.213.
    (j) Country of origin determinations. In considering whether a 
product is covered by the scope of the order at issue, the Secretary 
may need to determine the country of origin of the product. To make 
such a determination, the Secretary may use any reasonable method and 
is not bound by the determinations of any other agency, including 
tariff classification and country of origin marking rulings issued by 
the Customs Service.

[[Page 52376]]

    (1) In determining the country of origin, the Secretary may conduct 
a substantial transformation analysis that considers relevant factors 
that arise on a case-by-case basis, including:
    (i) Whether the processed downstream product is a different class 
or kind of merchandise than the upstream product;
    (ii) The physical characteristics (including chemical, dimensional, 
and technical characteristics) of the product;
    (iii) The intended end-use of the downstream product;
    (iv) The cost of production/value added of further processing in 
the third country or countries;
    (v) The nature and sophistication of processing in the third 
country or countries; and
    (vi) The level of investment in the third country or countries.
    (2) In conducting a country of origin determination, the Secretary 
also may consider where the essential component of the product is 
produced or where the essential characteristics of the product are 
imparted.
    (k) Scope rulings. (1) In determining whether a product is covered 
by the scope of the order at issue, the Secretary will consider the 
language of the scope and may make its determination on this basis 
alone if the language of the scope, including the descriptions of 
merchandise expressly excluded from the scope, is dispositive.
    (i) The following primary interpretive sources may be taken into 
account under paragraph (k)(1) introductory text of this section, at 
the discretion of the Secretary:
    (A) The descriptions of the merchandise contained in the petition 
pertaining to the order at issue;
    (B) The descriptions of the merchandise contained in the initial 
investigation pertaining to the order at issue;
    (C) Previous or concurrent determinations of the Secretary, 
including prior scope rulings, memoranda, or clarifications pertaining 
to both the order at issue, as well as other orders with same or 
similar language as that of the order at issue; and
    (D) Determinations of the Commission pertaining to the order at 
issue, including reports issued pursuant to the Commission's initial 
investigation.
    (ii) The Secretary may also consider secondary interpretive sources 
under paragraph (k)(1) introductory text of this section, such as any 
other determinations of the Secretary or the Commission not identified 
above, Customs rulings or determinations, industry usage, dictionaries, 
and any other relevant record evidence. However, in the event of a 
conflict between these secondary interpretive sources and the primary 
interpretive sources under paragraph (k)(1)(i) of this section, the 
primary interpretive sources will normally govern in determining 
whether a product is covered by the scope of the order at issue.
    (2)(i) If the Secretary determines that the sources under paragraph 
(k)(1) of this section are not dispositive, the Secretary will then 
further consider the following factors:
    (A) The physical characteristics (including chemical, dimensional, 
and technical characteristics) of the product;
    (B) The expectations of the ultimate users;
    (C) The ultimate use of the product;
    (D) The channels of trade in which the product is sold; and
    (E) The manner in which the product is advertised and displayed.
    (ii) In the event of a conflict between the factors under paragraph 
(k)(2)(i) of this section, paragraph (k)(2)(i)(A) will normally be 
allotted greater weight than the other factors.
    (3) If merchandise contains or consists of two or more components 
and the product at issue in the scope inquiry is a component of that 
merchandise as a whole, the Secretary may adopt the following analysis:
    (i) The Secretary will analyze the scope language under paragraph 
(k)(1) of this section, and, if necessary, the factors under paragraph 
(k)(2) of this section, to determine if the component product, standing 
alone, would be covered by an order;
    (ii) If the Secretary determines that the component product would 
otherwise be covered by the scope of an order as a result of the 
analysis under (k)(3)(i) of this section, the Secretary will consider 
the scope language under paragraph (k)(1) of this section to determine 
whether the component product's inclusion in the merchandise as a whole 
results in its exclusion from the scope of the order; and
    (iii) If the Secretary determines the analysis under (k)(3)(ii) of 
this section does not resolve whether the component product's inclusion 
in the merchandise as a whole results in its exclusion from the scope 
of the order, then the Secretary will consider, as appropriate, the 
following relevant factors that may arise on a product-specific basis:
    (A) The practicability of separating the in-scope component for 
repackaging or resale, considering the relative difficulty and expense 
of separating the components;
    (B) The measurable value of the in-scope component as compared to 
the measurable value of the merchandise as a whole; and
    (C) The ultimate use or function of the in-scope component relative 
to the ultimate use or function of the merchandise as a whole.
    (l) Suspension of liquidation. (1) When the Secretary initiates a 
scope inquiry under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section, the Secretary 
will notify the Customs Service of the initiation and direct the 
Customs Service to continue the suspension of liquidation of entries of 
products subject to the scope inquiry that were already subject to the 
suspension of liquidation, and to apply the cash deposit rate that 
would be applicable if the product were determined to be covered by the 
scope of the order.
    (2) If the Secretary issues a preliminary scope ruling under 
paragraph (g) of this section that the product at issue is covered by 
the scope of the order, the Secretary will take the following actions:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of initiation of the scope inquiry; 
and
    (iii)(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (l)(2)(iii)(B) of this 
section, the Secretary normally will direct the Customs Service to 
begin the suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of 
estimated duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry 
of the product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, 
for consumption prior to the date of initiation of the scope inquiry.
    (B) Exception. If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do 
so, the Secretary may, at the timely request of an interested party or 
at the Secretary's discretion, direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and apply the applicable cash deposit rate 
under paragraph (l)(2)(iii)(A) of this section at an alternative date. 
In response to a timely request from an interested party, the Secretary 
will only consider an alternative date based on a specific argument 
supported by evidence establishing the appropriateness of that 
alternative date.
    (3) If the Secretary issues a final scope ruling under paragraph 
(h) of this section that the product at issue is

[[Page 52377]]

covered by the scope of the order, the Secretary will take the 
following actions:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate until appropriate liquidation instructions 
are issued;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of initiation of the scope inquiry 
until appropriate liquidation instructions are issued; and
    (iii)(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(B) of this 
section, the Secretary normally will direct the Customs Service to 
begin the suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of 
estimated duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry 
of the product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, 
for consumption prior to the date of initiation of the scope inquiry 
until appropriate liquidation instructions are issued.
    (B) Exception. If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do 
so, the Secretary may, at the timely request of an interested party or 
at the Secretary's discretion, direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and apply the applicable cash deposit rate 
under paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(A) of this section at an alternative date 
until appropriate liquidation instructions are issued. In response to a 
timely request from an interested party, the Secretary will only 
consider an alternative date based on a specific argument supported by 
evidence establishing the appropriateness of that alternative date.
    (4) If the Secretary issues a final scope ruling under paragraph 
(h) of this section that the product is not covered by the scope of the 
order, and entries of the product at issue are not otherwise subject to 
suspension of liquidation as a result of another segment of the 
proceeding, such as a circumvention inquiry under Sec.  351.226 or a 
covered merchandise inquiry under Sec.  351.227, the Secretary will 
order the Customs Service to terminate the suspension of liquidation 
and refund any cash deposits for such entries.
    (5) Nothing in this section affects the Customs Service's authority 
to take any additional action with respect to the suspension of 
liquidation or related measures.
    (m) Applicability of scope rulings; companion orders--(1) 
Applicability of scope rulings. In conducting a scope inquiry under 
this section, the Secretary shall consider, based on the available 
record evidence, whether the scope ruling should be applied:
    (i) On a producer-specific, exporter-specific, importer-specific 
basis, or some combination thereof; or
    (ii) To all products from the same country with the same relevant 
physical characteristics, (including chemical, dimensional and 
technical characteristics) as the product at issue, on a country-wide 
basis, regardless of the producer, exporter or importer of those 
products.
    (2) Companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders. If there 
are companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders covering the 
same merchandise from the same country of origin, the requesting 
interested party under paragraph (c) of this section must file the 
scope ruling application pertaining to both orders only on the record 
of the antidumping duty proceeding. Should the Secretary determine to 
initiate a scope inquiry under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section, 
the Secretary will initiate and conduct a single inquiry with respect 
to the product at issue for both orders only on the record of the 
antidumping proceeding. Once the Secretary issues a final scope ruling 
on the record of the antidumping duty proceeding, the Secretary will 
include a copy of that scope ruling on the record of the countervailing 
duty proceeding.
    (n) Service of scope ruling application; annual inquiry service 
list; entry of appearance. (1) The requirements of Sec.  351.303(f) 
apply to this section, except that an interested party that submits a 
scope ruling application under paragraph (c) of this section must serve 
a copy of the application on all persons on the annual inquiry service 
list for that order, as well as the companion order, if any, as 
described in paragraph (m)(2) of this section. If a scope ruling 
application is rejected and resubmitted pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of 
this section, service of the resubmitted application is not required 
under this paragraph, unless otherwise specified.
    (2) For purposes of this section, the ``annual inquiry service 
list'' will include the petitioner(s) and those parties that file a 
request for inclusion on the annual inquiry service list for a 
proceeding, in accordance with the Secretary's established procedures.
    (3) A new ``annual inquiry service list'' will be established on a 
yearly basis. Parties filing a request for inclusion on that list must 
file a request during the anniversary month of the publication of the 
antidumping or countervailing duty order. Only the petitioner and the 
government of the foreign country at issue in an antidumping or 
countervailing duty order will be automatically placed on the new 
annual inquiry service list once the previous year's list has been 
replaced.
    (4) Once a scope inquiry has been self-initiated or a scope ruling 
application is accepted by the Secretary, a segment-specific service 
list will be established and the requirements of Sec.  351.303(f) will 
apply. Parties other than the scope ruling applicant under paragraph 
(c) of this section that wish to participate in the scope inquiry must 
file an entry of appearance in accordance with Sec.  351.103(d)(1).
    (o) Publication of list of final scope rulings. On a quarterly 
basis, the Secretary will publish in the Federal Register a list of 
final scope rulings issued within the previous three months. This list 
will include the case name, and a brief description of the ruling. The 
Secretary also may include complete public versions of its scope 
rulings on its website, should the Secretary determine such placement 
is warranted.
    (p) Suspended investigations; suspension agreements. The Secretary 
may apply the procedures set forth in this section in determining 
whether a product at issue is covered by the scope of a suspended 
investigation or a suspension agreement (see Sec.  351.208).
    (q) Scope clarifications. The Secretary may issue a scope 
clarification in any segment of a proceeding providing an 
interpretation of specific language in the scope of an order or 
addressing whether a product is covered or excluded by the scope of an 
order at issue based on previous scope determinations covering the same 
or similar products. Such a scope clarification may take the form of an 
interpretive footnote to the scope when the scope is published or 
issued in instructions to the Customs Service.

0
6. Effective November 4, 2021, add Sec.  351.226 to subpart B to read 
as follows:


Sec.  351.226  Circumvention inquiries.

    (a) Introduction. Section 781 of the Act addresses the 
circumvention of antidumping and countervailing duty orders. This 
provision recognizes that circumvention seriously undermines the 
effectiveness of the remedies provided by the antidumping and 
countervailing duty proceedings and frustrates the purposes for which 
these laws were enacted. Section 781 of the Act allows

[[Page 52378]]

the Secretary to apply antidumping and countervailing duty orders in 
such a way as to prevent circumvention by including within the scope of 
the order four distinct categories of merchandise. The Secretary will 
initiate and conduct a circumvention inquiry at the request of an 
interested party or on the Secretary's initiative, and issue a 
circumvention determination as provided for under section 781 of the 
Act and the rules and procedures in this section. Unless otherwise 
specified, the procedures as described in subpart C of this part 
(Sec. Sec.  351.301 through 351.308 and 351.312 through 351.313) apply 
to this section.
    (b) Self-initiation of circumvention inquiry. If the Secretary 
determines from available information that an inquiry is warranted into 
the question of whether the elements necessary for a circumvention 
determination under section 781 of the Act exist, the Secretary may 
initiate a circumvention inquiry and publish a notice of initiation in 
the Federal Register.
    (c) Circumvention inquiry request--(1) In general. An interested 
party may submit a request for a circumvention inquiry that alleges 
that the elements necessary for a circumvention determination under 
section 781 of the Act exist and that is accompanied by information 
reasonably available to the interested party supporting these 
allegations. The circumvention inquiry request must be served in 
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (n) of this section.
    (2) Contents of request. To the extent reasonably available to the 
requestor, a circumvention inquiry request must include the following 
requested information under paragraph (c)(1) of this section and 
relevant supporting documentation:
    (i) A detailed description of the merchandise allegedly 
circumventing the antidumping or countervailing duty order, including:
    (A) The physical characteristics (including chemical, dimensional 
or technical characteristics) of the product;
    (B) The country(ies) where the product is produced, the country 
from where it is exported, and the declared country of origin;
    (C) The product's tariff classification under the Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States and copies of any Customs rulings 
relevant to the tariff classification;
    (D) The uses of the product;
    (E) Clear and legible photographs, schematic drawings, 
specifications, standards, marketing materials, and any other exemplars 
providing a visual depiction of the product; and
    (F) A description of parts, materials, and the production process 
employed in the production of the product.
    (ii) A concise public summary of the product's description under 
paragraphs (c)(2)(i)(A) through (C) of this section.
    (iii) The name and address of the producer, exporter, and importer 
of the product. If the full universe of parties allegedly circumventing 
the order(s) is unknown, then examples are sufficient.
    (iv) A statement of the requestor's position as to the nature of 
the alleged circumvention under section 781 of the Act, such as a 
description of the procedures, channels of trade, and foreign countries 
involved (including a description of the processes occurring in each 
country), as appropriate.
    (v) A statement of the requestor's position as to whether the 
circumvention inquiry, if initiated, should be conducted on a country-
wide basis.
    (vi) Factual information supporting this position, including import 
and export data relevant to the merchandise allegedly circumventing the 
antidumping or countervailing duty order.
    (d) Initiation of a circumvention inquiry and other actions based 
on a request--(1) Initiation of a circumvention inquiry. Except as 
provided under paragraph (d)(2) of this section, within 30 days after 
the filing of a request for a circumvention inquiry, the Secretary will 
determine whether to accept or reject the request. If it is not 
practicable to determine whether to accept or reject a request within 
30 days, the Secretary may extend that deadline by an additional 15 
days.
    (i) If the Secretary determines that the request is incomplete or 
otherwise unacceptable, the Secretary may reject the request, and will 
provide a written explanation of the reasons for the rejection. If the 
request is rejected, the requestor may resubmit the full request at any 
time, with all identified deficiencies corrected.
    (ii) If the Secretary determines that a request for a circumvention 
inquiry satisfies the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, 
the Secretary will accept the request and initiate a circumvention 
inquiry. The Secretary will publish a notice of initiation in the 
Federal Register.
    (2) Other actions based on a request for a circumvention inquiry. 
Where applicable, the Secretary may take one of the following actions 
within the applicable timeline under paragraph (d)(1) of this section:
    (i) If the Secretary determines upon review of a request for a 
circumvention inquiry that a scope ruling is warranted before the 
Secretary can conduct a circumvention analysis, the Secretary may 
either initiate the circumvention inquiry under paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of 
this section and address the scope issue in the circumvention inquiry 
(see Sec.  351.225(i)(1)), or defer initiation of the circumvention 
inquiry pending the completion of any ongoing or new segment of the 
proceeding addressing the scope issue. When initiation is deferred 
pending another segment of the proceeding, if the result of that other 
segment is that the product at issue is not covered by the scope of the 
antidumping and/or countervailing duty order(s) at issue, the Secretary 
may immediately initiate the circumvention inquiry upon the issuance of 
the final decision in that other segment; or
    (ii) If the Secretary determines upon review of the request for a 
circumvention inquiry that the circumvention issue should be addressed 
in an ongoing segment of the proceeding, such as a covered merchandise 
inquiry under Sec.  351.227, rather than initiating a circumvention 
inquiry, the Secretary will notify the requestor of its intent to 
address the circumvention issue in such other segment.
    (e) Deadlines for circumvention determinations--(1) Preliminary 
determination. The Secretary will issue a preliminary determination 
under paragraph (g)(1) of this section no later than 150 days from the 
date of publication of the notice of initiation of a circumvention 
inquiry under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section.
    (2) Final determination. In accordance with section 781(f) of the 
Act, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, issue a 
final determination under paragraph (g)(2) of this section no later 
than 300 days from the date of publication of the notice of initiation 
of a circumvention inquiry under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section. 
If the Secretary concludes that the inquiry is extraordinarily 
complicated and additional time is necessary to issue a final 
circumvention determination, then the Secretary may extend the 300-day 
deadline by no more than 65 days.
    (3) Alignment with other segments. If the Secretary determines it 
is appropriate to do so, the Secretary may align the deadlines under 
this paragraph with the deadlines of another segment of the proceeding.
    (f) Circumvention inquiry procedures. (1) Within 30 days of the 
publication of the notice of the Secretary's self-initiation of a 
circumvention inquiry under paragraph (b) of this section, interested 
parties are permitted one opportunity to submit comments and

[[Page 52379]]

factual information addressing the self-initiation. Within 14 days of 
the filing of such comments, any interested party is permitted one 
opportunity to submit comments and factual information to rebut, 
clarify, or correct factual information submitted by the other 
interested parties.
    (2) Within 30 days of the publication of the notice of initiation 
of a circumvention inquiry under paragraph (d) of this section, an 
interested party other than the requestor is permitted one opportunity 
to submit comments and factual information to rebut, clarify, or 
correct factual information contained in the request. Within 14 days of 
the filing of such rebuttal, clarification, or correction, the 
requestor is permitted one opportunity to submit comments and factual 
information to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained 
in the interested party's rebuttal, clarification or correction.
    (3) Following initiation of a circumvention inquiry under paragraph 
(b) or (d) of this section, the Secretary may issue questionnaires and 
verify submissions received, where appropriate. The Secretary may limit 
issuance of questionnaires to a reasonable number of respondents. 
Questionnaire responses are due on the date specified by the Secretary. 
Within 14 days after a questionnaire response has been filed with the 
Secretary, an interested party other than the original submitter is 
permitted one opportunity to submit comments and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information contained in the 
questionnaire response. Within 7 days of the filing of such rebuttal, 
clarification, or correction, the original submitter is permitted one 
opportunity to submit comments and factual information to rebut, 
clarify, or correct factual information contained in the interested 
party's rebuttal, clarification or correction.
    (4) If the Secretary issues a preliminary circumvention 
determination under paragraph (g)(1) of this section, which is not 
issued concurrently with the initiation of the circumvention inquiry, 
the Secretary will establish a schedule for the filing of comments and 
rebuttal comments. Unless otherwise specified, any interested party may 
submit comments within 14 days after the issuance of the preliminary 
circumvention determination, and any interested party may submit 
rebuttal comments within 7 days thereafter. Unless otherwise specified, 
no new factual information will be accepted in the comments or rebuttal 
comments.
    (5) If the Secretary issues a preliminary circumvention 
determination concurrently with the initiation of the circumvention 
inquiry under paragraph (g)(1) of this section, paragraphs (f)(1) 
through (4) will not apply. In such a situation, the Secretary will 
establish appropriate procedures on a case-specific basis.
    (6) If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may rescind, in whole or in part, a circumvention inquiry, 
under this section and will notify interested parties. Situations in 
which the Secretary may rescind a circumvention inquiry include:
    (i) The requestor timely withdraws its request for a circumvention 
inquiry under paragraph (c) of this section;
    (ii) The Secretary issues a final determination in another segment 
of a proceeding, and has determined that the merchandise at issue in 
the circumvention inquiry is covered by the scope of the antidumping or 
countervailing duty order;
    (iii) The Secretary has initiated a circumvention inquiry under 
paragraph (b) or (d) of this section to examine circumvention under two 
or more provisions under paragraph (h), (i), (j), or (k) of this 
section, and determines that it is not necessary to issue a final 
circumvention determination with respect to one of those paragraphs. 
For example, if the Secretary initiates a circumvention inquiry to 
examine whether merchandise is altered in minor respects under 
paragraph (j) of this section or later-developed merchandise under 
paragraph (k) of this section, the Secretary may rescind the inquiry in 
part to address only one of those provisions; or
    (iv) The Secretary has initiated a covered merchandise inquiry 
under Sec.  351.227 and determined that it can address the necessary 
elements for a circumvention determination under section 781 of the Act 
in that proceeding.
    (7) If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may alter or extend any time limits under this paragraph or 
establish a separate schedule for the filing of comments and/or factual 
information during the circumvention inquiry.
    (8)(i) The Secretary will notify the Commission in writing of the 
proposed inclusion of products in an order prior to issuing a final 
determination under paragraph (g)(2) of this section based on a 
determination under:
    (A) Section 781(a) of the Act (paragraph (h) of this section) with 
respect to merchandise completed or assembled in the United States 
(other than minor completion or assembly);
    (B) Section 781(b) of the Act (paragraph (i) of this section) with 
respect to merchandise completed or assembled in other foreign 
countries; or
    (C) Section 781(d) of the Act (paragraph (k) of this section) with 
respect to later-developed products that incorporate a significant 
technological advance or significant alteration of an earlier product.
    (ii) If the Secretary notifies the Commission under paragraph 
(f)(8)(i) of this section, upon the written request of the Commission, 
the Secretary will consult with the Commission regarding the proposed 
inclusion, and any such consultation will be completed within 15 days 
after the date of such request. If, after consultation, the Commission 
believes that a significant injury issue is presented by the proposed 
inclusion of a product within an order, the Commission may provide 
written advice to the Secretary as to whether the inclusion would be 
inconsistent with the affirmative injury determination of the 
Commission on which the order is based.
    (9) During the pendency of a circumvention inquiry or upon issuance 
of a final circumvention determination under paragraph (g)(2) of this 
section, the Secretary may take any further action, as appropriate, 
with respect to another segment of the proceeding. For example, if the 
Secretary considers it appropriate, the Secretary may request 
information concerning the product that is the subject of the 
circumvention inquiry for purposes of an administrative review under 
Sec.  351.213.
    (g) Circumvention determinations--(1) Preliminary determination. 
The Secretary will issue a preliminary determination, based upon the 
available information at the time, as to whether there is a reasonable 
basis to believe or suspect that the elements necessary for a 
circumvention determination under section 781 of the Act exist. The 
preliminary determination will be published in the Federal Register. 
The Secretary may publish notice of a preliminary determination 
concurrently with the notice of initiation of a circumvention inquiry 
under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section.
    (2) Final determination. The Secretary will issue a final 
determination as to whether the elements necessary for a circumvention 
determination under section 781 of the Act exist, in which case the 
merchandise at issue will be included within the scope of the order. As 
part of its determination, the Secretary will include an explanation of 
the factual and legal conclusions on

[[Page 52380]]

which the final determination is based. The final determination will be 
published in the Federal Register. Promptly after publication, the 
Secretary will convey a copy of the final determination in the manner 
prescribed by section 516A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act to all parties to 
the proceeding (see Sec.  351.102(b)(36)).
    (h) Products completed or assembled in the United States. Under 
section 781(a) of the Act, the Secretary may include within the scope 
of an antidumping or countervailing duty order imported parts or 
components referred to in section 781(a)(1)(B) of the Act that are used 
in the completion or assembly of the merchandise in the United States 
at any time such order is in effect. In determining the value of parts 
or components (including such purchases from another person) under 
section 781(a)(1)(D) of the Act, or of processing performed (including 
by another person) under section 781(a)(2)(E) of the Act, the Secretary 
may determine the value of the part or component on the basis of the 
cost of producing the part or component under section 773(e) of the 
Act--or, in the case of nonmarket economies, on the basis of section 
773(c) of the Act.
    (i) Products completed or assembled in other foreign countries. 
Under section 781(b) of the Act, the Secretary may include within the 
scope of an antidumping or countervailing duty order, at any time such 
order is in effect, imported merchandise completed or assembled in a 
foreign country other than the country to which the order applies. In 
determining the value of parts or components (including such purchases 
from another person) under section 781(b)(1)(D) of the Act, or of 
processing performed (including by another person) under section 
781(b)(2)(E) of the Act, the Secretary may determine the value of the 
part or component on the basis of the cost of producing the part or 
component under section 773(e) of the Act--or, in the case of nonmarket 
economies, on the basis of section 773(c) of the Act.
    (j) Minor alterations of merchandise. Under section 781(c) of the 
Act, the Secretary may include within the scope of an antidumping or 
countervailing duty order articles altered in form or appearance in 
minor respects. The Secretary may consider such criteria including, but 
not limited to, the overall physical characteristics of the 
merchandise, (including chemical, dimensional, and technical 
characteristics), the expectations of the ultimate users, the use of 
the merchandise, the channels of marketing and the cost of any 
modification relative to the total value of the imported products. The 
Secretary also may consider the circumstances under which the products 
enter the United States, including but not limited to the timing of the 
entries and the quantity of merchandise entered during the 
circumvention review period.
    (k) Later-developed merchandise. In determining whether later-
developed merchandise is within the scope of an antidumping or 
countervailing duty order, the Secretary will apply section 781(d) of 
the Act. In determining whether merchandise is ``later-developed'' the 
Secretary will examine whether the merchandise at issue was 
commercially available at the time of the initiation of the underlying 
antidumping or countervailing duty investigation.
    (l) Suspension of liquidation. (1) When the Secretary publishes a 
notice of initiation of a circumvention inquiry under paragraph (b) or 
(d) of this section, the Secretary will notify the Customs Service of 
the initiation and direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of entries of products subject to the 
circumvention inquiry that were already subject to the suspension of 
liquidation, and to apply the cash deposit rate that would be 
applicable if the product were determined to be covered by the scope of 
the order.
    (2) If the Secretary issues an affirmative preliminary 
determination under paragraph (g)(1) of this section that the product 
at issue is covered by the scope of the order, the Secretary will take 
the following actions:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the inquiry; and
    (iii)(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (l)(2)(iii)(B) of this 
section, if the Secretary determines that it is appropriate to do so, 
the Secretary may direct the Customs Service to begin the suspension of 
liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated duties, at the 
applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the product not yet 
suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption prior 
to the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the inquiry. 
The Secretary may take action under this provision at the timely 
request of an interested party or at the Secretary's discretion. In 
response to a timely request from an interested party, the Secretary 
will only consider an alternative date based on a specific argument 
supported by evidence establishing the appropriateness of that 
alternative date.
    (B) Exception. If the Secretary has determined to address a covered 
merchandise referral (see Sec.  351.227) in a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226, the rules of Sec.  351.227(l)(2)(iii) will apply.
    (3) If the Secretary issues an affirmative final determination 
under paragraph (g)(2) of this section that the product at issue is 
covered by the scope of the order, the following rules will apply:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate until appropriate liquidation instructions 
are issued;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the inquiry until appropriate liquidation instructions 
are issued; and
    (iii)(A) In general. Subject to paragraph (l)(3)(iii)(B) of this 
section, if the Secretary determines that it is appropriate to do so, 
the Secretary may direct the Customs Service to begin the suspension of 
liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated duties, at the 
applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the product not yet 
suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption prior 
to the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the inquiry 
until appropriate liquidation instructions are issued. The Secretary 
may take action under this provision at the timely request of an 
interested party or at the Secretary's discretion. In response to a 
timely request from an interested party, the Secretary will only 
consider an alternative date based on a specific argument supported by 
evidence establishing the appropriateness of that alternative date.
    (B) Exception. If the Secretary has determined to address a covered 
merchandise referral (see Sec.  351.227) in a circumvention inquiry 
under Sec.  351.226, the rules of Sec.  351.227(l)(3)(iii) will apply.

[[Page 52381]]

    (4) If the Secretary issues a negative final determination under 
paragraph (g)(2) of this section, and entries of the product are not 
otherwise subject to suspension of liquidation as a result of another 
segment of the proceeding, such as a covered merchandise inquiry under 
Sec.  351.227, the Secretary will order the Customs Service to 
terminate the suspension of liquidation and refund any cash deposits 
for such entries.
    (5) Nothing in this section affects the Customs Service's authority 
to take any additional action with respect to the suspension of 
liquidation or related measures.
    (m) Applicability of circumvention determination; companion 
orders--(1) Applicability of circumvention determination. In conducting 
a circumvention inquiry under this section, the Secretary shall 
consider, based on the available record evidence, the appropriate 
remedy to address circumvention and to prevent evasion of the order. 
Such remedies may include:
    (i) The application of the determination on a producer-specific, 
exporter-specific, importer-specific basis, or some combination 
thereof;
    (ii) The application of the determination on a country-wide basis 
to all products from the same country as the product at issue with the 
same relevant physical characteristics, (including chemical, 
dimensional and technical characteristics), regardless of producer, 
exporter, or importer of those products;
    (iii) The application of the determination on a country-wide basis 
to all products from the same country as the product at issue with 
similar relevant physical characteristics, (including chemical, 
dimensional and technical characteristics), regardless of producer, 
exporter, or importer of those products; and
    (iv) The implementation of a certification requirement under 19 CFR 
351.228.
    (2) Companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders. If there 
are companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders covering the 
same merchandise from the same country of origin, the requesting 
interested party under paragraph (c) of this section must file the 
request pertaining to both orders only on the record of the antidumping 
duty proceeding. Should the Secretary determine to initiate a 
circumvention inquiry under paragraph (b) or (d) of this section, the 
Secretary will initiate and conduct a single inquiry with respect to 
the product at issue for both orders only on the record of the 
antidumping proceeding. Once the Secretary issues a final circumvention 
determination on the record of the antidumping duty proceeding, the 
Secretary will include a copy of that determination on the record of 
the countervailing duty proceeding.
    (n) Service of circumvention inquiry request; annual inquiry 
service list; entry of appearance. (1) The requirements of Sec.  
351.303(f) apply to this section, except that an interested party that 
submits a circumvention inquiry request under paragraph (c) of this 
section must serve a copy of that inquiry request on all persons on the 
annual inquiry service list for that order, as well as the companion 
order, if any, as described in paragraph (m)(2) of this section. The 
procedures and description pertaining to the ``annual inquiry service 
list'' are set forth in Sec.  351.225(n)(1) through (3).
    (2) Once a circumvention inquiry is self-initiated or a 
circumvention inquiry request is accepted by the Secretary, a segment-
specific service list will be established and the requirements of Sec.  
351.303(f) will apply. Parties other than the interested party 
requesting a circumvention inquiry that wish to participate in the 
circumvention inquiry must file an entry of appearance in accordance 
with Sec.  351.103(d)(1).
    (o) Suspended investigations; suspension agreements. The Secretary 
may, in accordance with section 781 of the Act, apply the procedures 
set forth in this section in determining whether the product at issue 
circumvented a suspended investigation or a suspension agreement (see 
Sec.  351.208).

0
7. Effective November 4, 2021, add Sec.  351.227 to subpart B to read 
as follows:


Sec.  351.227  Covered merchandise referrals.

    (a) Introduction. The Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act 
of 2015 contains Title IV--Prevention of Evasion of Antidumping and 
Countervailing Duty Orders (short title ``Enforce and Protect Act of 
2015'' or ``EAPA'') (Pub. L. 114-125, sections 401, 421, 130 Stat. 122, 
155, 161 (2016)). The Enforce and Protect Act of 2015 added section 517 
to the Act, which established a new framework by which the Customs 
Service can conduct civil administrative investigations of potential 
duty evasion of an antidumping and/or countervailing duty order 
(referred to herein as an ``EAPA investigation''). Section 
517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act provides a procedure whereby if, during the 
course of an EAPA investigation, the Customs Service is unable to 
determine whether the merchandise at issue is covered merchandise 
within the meaning of section 517(a)(3) of the Act, it shall refer the 
matter to the Secretary to make such a determination (referred to 
herein as a ``covered merchandise referral''). Section 517(b)(4)(B) of 
the Act directs the Secretary to determine whether the merchandise is 
covered merchandise and promptly transmit the determination to the 
Customs Service. The Secretary will consider a covered merchandise 
referral and issue a covered merchandise determination in accordance 
with the rules and procedures in this section. Unless otherwise 
specified, the procedures as described in subpart C of this part 
(Sec. Sec.  351.301 through 351.308 and 351.312 through 351.313) apply 
to this section.
    (b) Actions with respect to covered merchandise referral. Within 20 
days after receiving a covered merchandise referral from the Customs 
Service pursuant to section 517(b)(4)(A)(i) of the Act that the 
Secretary determines to be sufficient, the Secretary will take the 
following action.
    (1) Initiate a covered merchandise inquiry and publish a notice of 
initiation in the Federal Register; or
    (2) If the Secretary determines upon review of the covered 
merchandise referral that the issue can be addressed in an ongoing 
segment of the proceeding, such as a scope inquiry under Sec.  351.225 
or a circumvention inquiry under Sec.  351.226, rather than initiating 
the covered merchandise inquiry, the Secretary will publish a notice of 
its intent to address the covered merchandise referral in such other 
segment in the Federal Register.
    (c) Deadlines for covered merchandise determinations--(1) In 
general. When the Secretary initiates a covered merchandise inquiry 
under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary shall issue a 
final covered merchandise determination within 120 days from the date 
of publication of the notice of initiation.
    (2) Extension. The Secretary may extend the deadline in paragraph 
(c)(1) of this section by no more than 150 days if the Secretary 
determines that good cause exists to warrant an extension. Situations 
in which good cause has been demonstrated may include:
    (i) If the Secretary has issued questionnaires to interested 
parties; received responses to those questionnaires; and determined 
that an extension is warranted to request further information or 
consider and address the parties' responses on the record adequately;
    (ii) The Secretary has issued a preliminary covered merchandise

[[Page 52382]]

determination (see paragraph (e)(1) of this section); or
    (iii) The Secretary has determined to address a scope or 
circumvention issue from another segment of the proceeding involving 
the same or similar products in the covered merchandise inquiry, 
pursuant to Sec.  351.225(d)(2) or (i) or Sec.  351.226(f)(6)(iv).
    (3) Alignment with other segments. If the Secretary determines it 
is appropriate to do so, the Secretary may align the deadlines under 
this paragraph with the deadlines of another segment of the proceeding.
    (d) Covered merchandise inquiry procedures. (1) Within 30 days of 
the date of publication of the notice of an initiation of a covered 
merchandise inquiry under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, interested 
parties are permitted one opportunity to submit comment and factual 
information addressing the initiation. Within 14 days of the filing of 
such comments, any interested party is permitted one opportunity to 
submit comment and factual information to rebut, clarify, or correct 
factual information submitted by the other interested parties.
    (2) Following initiation of a covered merchandise inquiry under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary may issue 
questionnaires and verify submissions received, where appropriate. The 
Secretary may limit issuance of questionnaires to a reasonable number 
of respondents. Questionnaire responses are due on the date specified 
by the Secretary. Within 14 days after a questionnaire response has 
been filed with the Secretary, an interested party other than the 
original submitter is permitted one opportunity to submit comment and 
factual information to rebut, clarify, or correct factual information 
contained in the questionnaire response. Within 7 days of the filing of 
such rebuttal, clarification, or correction, the original submitter is 
permitted one opportunity to submit comment and factual information to 
rebut, clarify, or correct factual information submitted in the 
interested party's rebuttal, clarification or correction.
    (3) If the Secretary issues a preliminary covered merchandise 
determination under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, which is not 
issued concurrently with the initiation of a covered merchandise 
inquiry, the Secretary will establish a schedule for the filing of 
comments and rebuttal comments. Unless otherwise specified, any 
interested party may submit comments within 14 days after the issuance 
of the preliminary covered merchandise determination, and any 
interested party may submit rebuttal comments within 7 days thereafter. 
Unless otherwise specified, no new factual information will be accepted 
in the comments or rebuttal comments.
    (4) If the Secretary issues a preliminary covered merchandise 
determination concurrently with the initiation of the covered 
merchandise inquiry under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, paragraphs 
(d)(1) through (3) will not apply. In such a situation, the Secretary 
will establish appropriate procedures on a case-specific basis.
    (5) If the Secretary determines it appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may rescind, in whole or in part, a covered merchandise 
inquiry under this section and will notify interested parties. 
Situations in which the Secretary may rescind a covered merchandise 
inquiry include:
    (i) The Customs Service withdraws its request for a covered 
merchandise inquiry under paragraph (b) of this section; or
    (ii) The Secretary has initiated a scope inquiry under Sec.  
351.225 or a circumvention inquiry under Sec.  351.226 and determines 
that it can address the covered merchandise referral in such other 
segment of the proceeding.
    (6) If the Secretary determines it is appropriate to do so, the 
Secretary may alter or extend any time limits under this paragraph or 
establish a separate schedule for the filing of comments and/or factual 
information during the covered merchandise inquiry.
    (7) During the pendency of a covered merchandise inquiry or upon 
issuance of a final covered merchandise determination under paragraph 
(e)(2) of this section, the Secretary may take any further action, as 
appropriate, with respect to another segment of the proceeding. For 
example, if the Secretary considers it appropriate, the Secretary may 
request information concerning the product that is the subject of the 
covered merchandise inquiry for purpose of an administrative review 
under Sec.  351.213.
    (e) Covered merchandise determinations--(1) Preliminary 
determination. The Secretary may issue a preliminary determination, 
based upon the available information at the time, as to whether there 
is a reasonable basis to believe or suspect that the product that is 
the subject of the covered merchandise inquiry is covered by the scope 
of the order. In determining whether to issue a preliminary 
determination, the Secretary may consider the complexity of the issues 
and arguments raised in the context of the covered merchandise inquiry. 
The preliminary determination will be published in the Federal 
Register. The Secretary may publish notice of a preliminary 
determination concurrently with the notice of initiation of a covered 
merchandise inquiry under paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
    (2) Final determination. The Secretary will issue a final 
determination as to whether the product that is the subject of the 
covered merchandise inquiry is covered by the scope of the order. As 
part of its determination, the Secretary will include an explanation of 
the factual and legal conclusions on which the final determination is 
based. The final determination will be published in the Federal 
Register. Promptly after publication, the Secretary will:
    (i) Convey a copy of the final determination in the manner 
prescribed by section 516A(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act to all parties to 
the proceeding (see Sec.  351.102(b)(36)); and
    (ii) Transmit a copy of the final covered merchandise determination 
to the Customs Service in accordance with section 517(b)(4)(B) of the 
Act.
    (3) Covered merchandise determinations in other segments of the 
proceeding. If the Secretary addresses the covered merchandise referral 
in another segment of the proceeding as provided for under paragraph 
(b)(2) or (d)(5)(ii) of this section, the Secretary will promptly 
transmit a copy of the final action in that segment to the Customs 
Service in accordance with section 517(b)(4)(B) of the Act.
    (f) Basis for covered merchandise determination. In determining 
whether a product is covered by the scope of the order under this 
section, the Secretary may utilize the analysis described in paragraphs 
(j) and (k) of Sec.  351.225 or any provision under section 781 of the 
Act (paragraph (h), (i), (j), or (k) of Sec.  351.226).
    (g)-(k) [Reserved]
    (l) Suspension of liquidation. (1) When the Secretary publishes a 
notice of initiation of a covered merchandise inquiry under paragraph 
(b)(1) of this section, the Secretary will notify the Customs Service 
of the initiation and direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of entries of products subject to the covered 
merchandise inquiry that were already subject to the suspension of 
liquidation, and to apply the cash deposit rate that would be 
applicable if the product were determined to be covered by the scope of 
the order.
    (2) If the Secretary issues an affirmative preliminary covered 
merchandise determination under paragraph (e)(1) of this section that 
the product at issue is covered by the scope

[[Page 52383]]

of the order, the Secretary will take the following actions:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the covered merchandise inquiry; and
    (iii) The Secretary normally will direct the Customs Service to 
begin the suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of 
estimated duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry 
of the product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, 
for consumption prior to the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the covered merchandise inquiry.
    (3) If the Secretary issues an affirmative final covered 
merchandise determination under paragraph (e)(2) of this section that 
the product at issue is covered by the scope of the order, the 
Secretary will take the following actions:
    (i) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to continue the 
suspension of liquidation of previously suspended entries and apply the 
applicable cash deposit rate until appropriate liquidation instructions 
are issued;
    (ii) The Secretary will direct the Customs Service to begin the 
suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry of the 
product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for 
consumption on or after the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the covered merchandise inquiry until appropriate 
liquidation instructions are issued; and
    (iii) The Secretary normally will direct the Customs Service to 
begin the suspension of liquidation and require a cash deposit of 
estimated duties, at the applicable rate, for each unliquidated entry 
of the product not yet suspended, entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, 
for consumption prior to the date of publication of the notice of 
initiation of the covered merchandise inquiry until appropriate 
liquidation instructions are issued.
    (4) If the Secretary issues a negative final covered merchandise 
determination under paragraph (e)(2) of this section that the product 
at issue is not covered by the scope of the order, and entries of the 
product at issue are not otherwise subject to suspension of liquidation 
as a result of another segment of a proceeding, such as a circumvention 
inquiry under Sec.  351.226, the Secretary will direct the Customs 
Service to terminate the suspension of liquidation and refund any cash 
deposits for such entries.
    (5) Nothing in this section affects the Customs Service's authority 
to take any additional action with respect to the suspension of 
liquidation or related measures.
    (m) Applicability of covered merchandise determination; companion 
orders--(1) Applicability of covered merchandise determination. In 
conducting a covered merchandise inquiry under this section, the 
Secretary shall consider, based on the available record evidence, 
whether the covered merchandise determination should be applied:
    (i) On a producer-specific, exporter-specific, importer-specific 
basis, or some combination thereof; or
    (ii) To all products from the same country with the same relevant 
physical characteristics, (including chemical, dimensional and 
technical characteristics) as the product at issue, on a country-wide 
basis, regardless of the producer, exporter or importer of those 
products.
    (2) Companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders. If there 
are companion antidumping and countervailing duty orders covering the 
same merchandise from the same country of origin, and should the 
Secretary determine to initiate a covered merchandise inquiry under 
paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Secretary will initiate and 
conduct a single inquiry with respect to the product at issue only on 
the record of the antidumping duty proceeding. Once the Secretary 
issues a final covered merchandise determination on the record of the 
antidumping duty proceeding, the Secretary will include a copy of that 
determination on the record of the countervailing duty proceeding and 
notify the Customs Service in accordance with paragraph (l) of this 
section.
    (n) Service list. Once the Secretary initiates a covered 
merchandise inquiry under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, a segment-
specific service list will be established and the requirements of Sec.  
351.303(f) will apply. Parties other than those relevant parties 
identified by the Customs Service in the covered merchandise referral 
that wish to participate in the covered merchandise inquiry must file 
an entry of appearance in accordance with Sec.  351.103(d)(1).
    (o) Suspended investigations; suspension agreements. The Secretary 
may apply the procedures set forth in this section in determining 
whether the product at issue is covered merchandise with respect to a 
suspended investigation or a suspension agreement (see Sec.  351.208).


0
8. Effective October 20, 2021, add Sec.  351.228 to subpart B to read 
as follows:


Sec.  351.228  Certification by importer or other interested party.

    (a) Certification requirements. (1) The Secretary may determine in 
the context of an antidumping or countervailing duty proceeding that an 
importer or other interested party shall:
    (i) Maintain a certification for entries of merchandise into the 
customs territory of the United States;
    (ii) Provide a certification by electronic means at the time of 
entry or entry summary; or
    (iii) Otherwise demonstrate compliance with a certification 
requirement as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Customs Service.
    (2) Where the certification is required to be maintained by the 
importer or other interested party under paragraph (a)(1) of this 
section, the Secretary and/or the Customs Service may require the 
importer or other interested party to provide such a certification to 
the requesting agency upon request.
    (b) Consequences for no provision of a certificate; provision of a 
false certificate. (1) The Secretary may instruct the Customs Service 
to suspend liquidation of entries of the importer or entries associated 
with the other interested party and require a cash deposit of estimated 
duties at the applicable rate if:
    (i) The importer or other interested party has not provided to the 
Secretary or the Customs Service, as appropriate, the certification 
described under paragraph (a) of this section either as required or 
upon request for such entries; or
    (ii) The importer or other interested party provided a 
certification in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section for such 
entries, but the certification contained materially false, fictitious 
or fraudulent statements or representations, or contained material 
omissions.
    (2) Under paragraph (b)(1)(i) or (ii) of this section, the 
Secretary may also instruct the Customs Service to assess antidumping 
or countervailing duties,

[[Page 52384]]

as the case may be, at the applicable rate.


0
9. In Sec.  351.305, effective November 4, 2021, revise paragraph (d) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  351.305  Access to business proprietary information.

* * * * *
    (d) Additional filing requirements for importers. If an applicant 
represents a party claiming to be an interested party by virtue of 
being an importer, then the applicant shall submit, along with the Form 
ITA-367, documentary evidence demonstrating that during the applicable 
period of investigation or period of review the interested party 
imported subject merchandise. For a scope segment of a proceeding 
pursuant to Sec.  351.225 or a circumvention segment of a proceeding 
pursuant to Sec.  351.226, the applicant must present documentary 
evidence that the interested party imported subject merchandise, or 
that it has taken steps towards importing the merchandise subject to 
the scope or circumvention inquiry. For a covered merchandise referral 
segment of a proceeding pursuant to Sec.  351.227, an applicant 
representing an interested party that has been identified by the 
Customs Service as the importer in a covered merchandise referral is 
exempt from the requirements of providing documentary evidence to 
demonstrate that it is an importer for purposes of that segment of a 
proceeding.


0
10. In Sec.  351.402, effective October 20, 2021, revise paragraph 
(f)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  351.402  Calculation of export price and constructed export 
price; reimbursement of antidumping and countervailing duties.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (2) Reimbursement certification. (i) The importer must certify with 
the Customs Service prior to liquidation (except as provided for in 
paragraph (f)(2)(iii) of this section) whether the importer has or has 
not been reimbursed or entered into any agreement or understanding for 
the payment or for the refunding to the importer by the manufacturer, 
producer, seller, or exporter for all or any part of the antidumping 
and countervailing duties, as appropriate. Such certifications should 
identify the commodity and country and contain the information 
necessary to link the certification to the relevant entry or entry line 
number(s).
    (ii) The reimbursement certification may be filed either 
electronically or in paper in accordance with the Customs Service's 
requirements, as applicable.
    (iii) If an importer does not provide its reimbursement 
certification prior to liquidation, the Customs Service may accept the 
reimbursement certification in accordance with its protest procedures 
under 19 U.S.C. 1514, unless otherwise directed.
    (iv) Reimbursement certifications are required for entries of the 
relevant commodity that have been imported on or after the date of 
publication of the antidumping notice in the Federal Register that 
first suspended liquidation in that proceeding.
* * * * *

[FR Doc. 2021-17861 Filed 9-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P