USTR Accepting Requests for Exemption From Solar Cell Safeguard Duties

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is accepting requests for exemptions from recently imposed safeguard duties on solar cells and modules (see 1801230052), it said in a notice. Requests must be public and “clearly should identify the particular product in terms of the physical characteristics (e.g., dimensions, wattage, material composition, or other distinguishing characteristics) that distinguish it from products that are subject to the safeguard measures,” it said. In considering whether to create the exemption, USTR will consider the volume of U.S. consumption and production, including of substitutes, and whether the product is under development by a U.S. producer. USTR will also account for the ability of CBP to enforce the exemption and whether the exemption would benefit the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. solar manufacturing supply chain. Requests are due March 16. USTR will not “at this time” consider requests received after that date, but will “monitor developments in the U.S. market for [crystalline silicon photovoltaic] CSPV products and, if warranted, provide for additional requests for exclusion at a later date,” it said.