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Arch Chemicals Asks for AD/CV Duties on Pool Cleaner Calhypo From China

Arch Chemicals on Dec. 18 requested new antidumping and countervailing duties on calcium hypochlorite from China (A-570-008/C-570-009). Arch Chemicals alleges underselling and illegal subsidization by Chinese producers of the pool cleaner is rapidly taking U.S. market share and injuring U.S. industry.

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Chinese and Spanish exports of chlorinated isocyanurates, another pool cleaning chemical, are already subject to AD duties. AD and CV duty investigations are also underway for chlorinated isocyanurates from Japan and China, respectively (see 13093020)

Proposed Scope

The petition proposed the following scope for the investigations:

“The products covered by these investigations are calcium hypochlorites (‘Calhypo’), regardless of form (e.g. , powder, tablet (compressed), crystalline (granular), or in liquid solution), whether or not blended with other materials, containing at least 10% available chlorine content. The scope also includes bleaching powder and hemibasic calcium hypochlorite.

“Calhypo has the general chemical formulation Ca(0C1)2, but may also be sold in a more dilute form as bleaching powder with the chemical formulation, Ca(OCI)2.CaCkCa(OH)2.2H20 or hemibasic calcium hypochlorite with the chemical formula of 2Ca(OC1)2.Ca(OH)2 or Ca(0C1)2.0.5Ca(OH)2. Calhypo has a CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number of 7778-54-3, and a U.S. EPA PC (Pesticide Code) Number of 014701. The subject Calhypo has an IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) code of Class 5.1 UN 1748, 2880, or 2208 or Class 5.1/8 UN 3485, 3486, or 3487. Sometimes Calhypo is mislabeled as other products to avoid the constraints on shipping Calhypo. Regardless of the label, the Calhypo is covered by these investigations.

“Calhypo is currently classifiable under the subheading 2828.10.0000 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (‘HTSUS’). The subheading covers commercial calcium hypochlorite and other calcium hypochlorites. When tableted or blended with other materials, Calhypo may be entered under other tariff classifications, such as 3808.94.5000 and 3808.99.9500, which cover disinfectants and similar products. While the CAS registry number, the U.S. EPA PC number, and the 11VIDG codes are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of these investigations is dispositive.”

Commerce Accepting Comments on Petition Support

The Commerce Department is accepting comments on domestic industry support for the petitions to determine whether the petitions meet the dual requirements of support by domestic producers or workers accounting for (1) at least 25% of the total production of the domestic-like product and (2) more than 50% of the production of the domestic-like product produced by that portion of the industry expressing support for, or opposition to, the petition. If the petitions meet these requirements, among others, Commerce will initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on calcium hypochlorite from China. Comments are due by about Jan. 9.

Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the petition.