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Fair Trade - April 2013
Fair Trade: How You Can Report Trade Violations
Exactly two years ago, the U.S. aluminum extrusion industry earned relief from dumping of Chinese imports with a tariff that restored fair trade throughout most of North America. Leveling the playing field has led to numerous opportunities for U.S. extruders, and their suppliers, to succeed in an otherwise still-sluggish economy.
But with this success has come a continuing responsibility, shared by all within this industry, of maintaining the tariff orders that have restored order. AEC has now led the industry in fighting nearly 50 legal challenges to the orders since May of 2011, making this one of the most active issues of U.S. tariff enforcement ever. There is also a steady flow of allegations of illegal tariff avoidance - or circumvention - all of which are subject to investigation by the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To retain the legitimacy of the tariff orders and continue this level playing field, all members of the industry are encouraged by AEC to report suspicion of such violations.
To report possible cases of circumvention, you may either contact the Aluminum Extruders Council or go online to the "e-allegations" system maintained by the U.S government. This system allows citizens to confidentially report suspected violations of international trade laws and regulations. These violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country of origin markings, health and safety issues, valuation issues, and intellectual property rights. You may wish to view answers to frequently asked questions (http://1.usa.gov/11RkQlO), report a trade violation online (http://1.usa.gov/12VkwUn) or report a violation by phone at 1.800.BE.ALERT (1.800.232.5378).
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