China Stainless Steel Sinks: Bowls for Industrial Decontamination Stations Not Subject to AD/CV Duties
Drawn stainless steel bowls imported by Speakman Company for use in safety products like eyewashes and decontamination showers are not subject to antidumping and countervailing duties on drawn stainless steel sinks from China (A-570-983/C-570-984), said the Commerce Department in a July 24 scope ruling. Duties on stainless steel sinks are meant to cover residential kitchen sinks, and Speakman’s sinks are clearly destined for another use, it said.
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The drawn stainless steel bowls at issue serve as a shallow temporary receptacle for use in Speakman eyewashes, eye/face washes, and decontamination stations that include a shower and eyewash. They are designed and manufactured according to Speakman’s technical specifications and supplied exclusively to Speakman. After importation from China, the bowls are assembled in the U.S. with other components in order to complete the safety products.
Commerce noted the scope expressly covers stainless steel sinks produced by a drawing process, but is silent as to whether safety products are included under the definition of “sinks.” But the International Trade Commission’s injury report identifies “drawn stainless steel sinks” as being “used in residential kitchens.” Although Speakman’s imported steel bowls share similar physical characteristics with kitchen sinks, they are exclusively assembled into safety products, advertised as safety products, and sold to industrial supply wholesalers. Because they are not for residential use, Speakman’s drawn stainless steel bowls are not covered by AD/CV duties on drawn stainless steel sinks from China, said Commerce.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of this scope ruling.