Guidance

Factsheet: The investigation process

Published 7 February 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-investigation-process/factsheet-the-investigation-process

The Investigation Process

Factsheet Highlights

  • The investigation process
  • Typical journey of a case

The investigation process

The TRA conducts multiple types of investigations which are outlined in our factsheet: Types of Review. We aim to conduct accurate and fully considered investigations based on evidence, resulting in a correct and justifiable outcome which may include measures applied.

If you are thinking of applying for any type of review, you can contact our Pre-Application Office (PAO) who can answer queries and provide feedback on drafts.

The below outlines the typical journey of an Anti-Dumping or Countervailing investigation, but many of these stages are shared with other types of review.

Typical journey of a case

A high level view of this journey is:

Application Received

  • An application is submitted on the TRS having potentially been discussed with our PAO.

Application Assessment

  • The strength of the application is tested, and only those containing sufficient evidence will be initiated. This process takes around 40 days.

Initiation

  • If there is sufficient evidence then the TRA will recommend that the case is initiated and a Notice of Initiation will be published.

Investigation

  • Interested parties have the opportunity to register and, if necessary, a sample is selected to send questionnaires to. This can take up to 4-5 weeks.
  • The questionnaires and information provided by interested parties is assessed. This can take up to 4 months.
  • Data is checked and verified to determine dumping/subsidisation, whether there is injury caused by dumping/subsidies or to determine if no measures should be imposed.
  • Visits are carried out to meet producers/exporters/importers as part of verification.

Statement of Essential Facts (SEF)/Provisional Determination and responses

  • The TRA shares its initial conclusions based on the evidence received and interested parties can comment in response.

Final Determination

  • Having considered the submissions, the TRA outlines its conclusions with a clear explanation for the Secretary of State.
  • Types of Review
  • Requirements for Imposing Measures
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