AD: Finland, Mexico, Netherlands, and Sweden Purified Carboxymethylcellulose

Scope of the Investigations: For purposes of these investigations, the products covered are purified carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sometimes also referred to as purified sodium CMC, polyanionic cellulose, or cellulose gum, which is a white to off-white, non-toxic, odorless, biodegradable powder, comprising sodium carboxymethylcellulose that has been refined and purified to a minimum assay of 90 percent.

Purified CMC is CMC that has undergone one or more purification operations which, at a minimum, reduce the remaining salt and other by-product portion of the product to less than ten percent.

HTS Subheading for the Investigations: The merchandise subject to these investigations is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) at subheading 3912.31.00. This tariff classification is provided for convenience and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) purposes; however, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.

Exclusions from the Scope of the Investigations: Purified CMC does not include unpurified or crude CMC, CMC Fluidized Polymer Suspensions, and CMC that is cross-linked through heat treatment.

- comments on the scope of the investigations due within 20 days of 07/06/04

- ITA's preliminary AD duty determinations due no later than 11/16/04

-International Trade Commission's (ITC's) preliminary AD injury determination due no later than 07/23/04

ITA notice (FR Pub 07/06/04) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-15227.pdf