China Steel Threaded Rod: Baluster and Newel Fasteners Subject to AD Duties
Steel baluster and newel fasteners imported by Colonial Elegance are subject to antidumping duties on steel threaded rod from China (A-570-932), said the Commerce Department in a scope ruling issued Aug. 1. The three models of fasteners subject to the scope inquiry meet all of the characteristics in the scope, and the fact that the Harmonized Tariff Schedule subheading for the fasteners isn’t listed in the scope is irrelevant, said Commerce.
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Two of the models of fasteners are used to attach a baluster, which is a spindle that supports a railing either on flat ground or a staircase, to the floor. One of the two includes the driver used in a reversible drill for installation, and the other does not. The third model of fastener is used to attach a newel, the principal post at the bottom of a staircase or on a landing. All three models are circular rods made of steel with a zinc coating, and are continuously threaded along their length.
Commerce ruled that the physical description in the scope of products covered by the order on steel threaded rod exactly matches Colonial Elegance’s fasteners. The scope includes cylindrical steel rods threaded on more than a quarter of their total length. Rods covered by the scope may be coated in zinc. And the composition of the steel used to make the fasteners is within the limits of the scope, said Commerce. Although Colonial Elegance pointed to CBP publications to argue its fasteners are imported under an HTS subheading not listed in the scope, Commerce noted that scopes of antidumping and countervailing duty orders are only meant to help importers and CBP, and are not controlling as to whether a given product is subject to duties.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of this scope ruling.