Review of countervailing duty on PET films initiated

In brief

Initiated by SECEX in the sunset review of the countervailing duty for Brazilian imports of biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate films (PET films), originating in India, commonly classified under sub-items 3920.62.19, 3920.62.91 and 3920.62.99 of the NCM.

The product under review consists of PET films with a thickness of 5 micrometers (μm) or more and 50 micrometers (μm) or less, metallized or not, untreated or with co-extrusion, chemical or corona discharge treatment. PET films are mainly used in flexible packaging converting and industrial applications such as tile demolding and cable insulation.

Excluded from the scope of measurement are PET films with a thickness outside the range of 5μm to 50μm, as well as automotive smoked film, cellulose acetate film, polyester film with silicone, rolls for signature panels, filters for lighting, PVC screens, films and cables, PETG copolyester films, sheets and plates, polycarbonate films, films, labels and sheets, polyethylene terephthalate sponge sheets, methyl polymethacrylate plates, polyester labels, ink cartridge sheets and sheets, polyester reinforcement fabrics, microprinted polyester films and yarns, magnetized polyester films, filler tapes, PET films already processed for other purposes (finished product) and PET films with EVA or PE coating.

The investigation may result in the extension of the countervailing duty for a period of five years, extendable, keeping the cost of Brazilian imports of the investigated product high.

The full text of the SECEX Circular that initiated the investigation can be accessed at this link.

The importance of stakeholder participation

The active participation of importers, exporters and any other interested parties in the investigation may be decisive in ensuring a final determination more favorable to the interested party in question. Interested parties may request their admission to the process until 09/18/2026* provided that they demonstrate the degree to which they may be affected by the eventual extension of the duty.

• Deadline for responding to the Importer’s Questionnaire: 30 days from the acknowledgment of receipt (presumed to be 3 days after the date of electronic transmission by the authority);

• Deadline for responding to the Exporter’s Questionnaire: 30 days from the acknowledgment of receipt (presumed to be 7 days after the date of electronic transmission by the authority).

As a rule, the public interest assessment can only be requested after the conclusion of the trade defense investigation, as established by SECEX Ordinance No. 282/2023.

More details

For easy reference, we have systematized below the main information about the investigation:

*Period of 20 days, counted from the date of republication of the SECEX act, pursuant to article 45, paragraph 3, of Decree No. 8,058/2013, accounted for conservatively.