Madagascar has opened a safeguard investigation into imports of self-adhesive labels, packaging and other printed products, signalling a possible trade restriction aimed at protecting domestic producers from a surge in imports.
The government notified the World Trade Organization on August 28 that the investigation was launched on August 13. The products under scrutiny include printed items made from paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles and other similar materials.
The investigation will examine whether increased imports are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to Madagascar’s domestic industry — a prerequisite under WTO rules for imposing a safeguard measure.
Importers, exporters and other interested parties have until September 12 to register with Madagascar’s National Authority for Competition and Consumer Affairs (ANMCC) and submit evidence, comments or responses to the authority’s questionnaire.
The ANMCC said it could also organise public hearings, either on its own initiative or at the request of interested parties, allowing participants to present evidence and respond to submissions from other parties.
Parties that fail to provide information within the prescribed deadlines, or submit incomplete or inaccurate responses, risk having the investigation’s findings based on the “best information available”, according to Madagascar’s notification.
A safeguard measure can temporarily restrict imports when an investigation establishes that increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to a domestic industry. The opening of an investigation does not, however, mean that restrictions will necessarily be imposed.
The case was notified to the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards under document G/SG/N/6/MDG/19.
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