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Office of Trade Remedy Compliance
Supporting U.S. companies facing foreign antidumping, countervailing duty and safeguard investigations and ensuring foreign governments comply with their international trade obligations

The United Kingdom Initiates Safeguard Investigation into Global Imports of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

The United Kingdom Initiates Safeguard Investigation into Global Imports of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) 

On August 5, the United Kingdom’s Trade Remedies Authority initiated a safeguard (SG) investigation into imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).  If an affirmative decision is issued in this investigation, duties may be imposed on subject U.S. exports.  

What is a Safeguard (SG) investigation?  

A SG investigation assesses whether a surge of imports is causing or threatening to cause serious injury to the domestic industry.

How can I participate?

U.S. companies involved in the production, sale, or distribution of the subject goods should register as interested parties as soon as possible. Registration is the first step in protecting your rights in a foreign trade remedy proceeding.  Doing so allows you to access the case records and submit information and comments, ensuring that your views are considered. Please follow the directions outlined on page 2 of the Initiation Notice for instructions on how to register as interested party in this proceeding.  

KEY DATES
Period of InvestigationJanuary 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025
Interested Party Registration Deadline August 19, 2026
Preliminary Determination*December 2026
Final Determination**June 2027

*If Required

**Estimated 

Product Under Investigation 

The product subject to this investigation is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), whether virgin produced polyethylene terephthalate) (vPET) having a viscosity number of 74 ml/g or higher or recycled polyethylene terephthalate) (rPET) of the same viscosity range. The merchandise under investigation is currently classified under tariff codes 39076100 and 39076900.  

A complete description of the scope can be found in Page 3 of the Initiation Notice. 

Contact Us

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Trade Remedy Compliance supports U.S. companies facing foreign trade remedy proceedings (antidumping duty, countervailing duty, and safeguard actions) and ensures foreign governments comply with their international trade obligations. Should you have any questions, please contact TRCS@trade.gov. For more information, visit Office of Trade Remedy Compliance. 

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