On April 15, 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) initiated an investigation  concerning the alleged injurious dumping of certain small power transformers from Austria, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei), and South Korea (SPT 2021 IN). This investigation was triggered by a formal complaint filed on behalf of a group of Canadian transformer manufacturers, including Transformateurs Delta Star Inc., Northern Transformer Corporation, PTI Transformers Inc., and PTI Transformers L.P.

The CBSA’s Notice of Initiation explains that the subject goods are normally classified under tariff classification numbers 8504.22.00.20 and 8504.23.00.10, although parts and components of small power transformers and incomplete units may also be imported under tariff classification numbers 8504.90.90.10, 8504.90.90.82, and 8504.90.90.90.

According to the CBSA’s investigation schedule, responses to importer request for information (RFI) questionnaire are due by May 10, 2021, whereas responses to the exporter responses to the exporter RFI questionnaire are due by May 25, 2021. The preliminary determination (or termination) of the investigation will be issued on July 14, 2021, with the Statement of Reasons expected to follow on or about July 29, 2021.

This is not the CBSA’s first investigation of imported power transformers. Since November 2012, anti-dumping measures have been applied to large power transformers (i.e., “liquid dielectric transformers having a top power handling capacity equal to or exceeding 60,000 kilovolt amperes (60 megavolt amperes)” from the Republic of Korea).

Tereposky & DeRose regularly provides advice on Canadian anti-dumping and countervailing matters. Should you have any questions regarding this matter or trade remedies issues more generally, we are at your disposal.