Initiation of antidumping duty investigation of gas powered pressure washers (pressure washers) from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam) (A-552-008)

1. On 01/25/2023, Commerce published in the Federal Register its initiation of the antidumping duty investigation of pressure washers from Vietnam (88 FR 4807). The effective date of this initiation is 01/19/2023 (the applicable date stated in the FR notice). 2. The merchandise covered by this investigation is cold water gas powered pressure washers (also commonly known as power washers), which are machines that clean surfaces using water pressure that are powered by an internal combustion engine, air-cooled with a power take-off shaft, in combination with a positive displacement pump. This combination of components (i.e., the internal combustion engine, the power take-off shaft, and the positive displacement pump) is defined as the "power unit." The scope of this investigation covers cold water gas powered pressure washers, whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, and whether or not containing any additional parts or accessories to assist in the function of the "power unit," including, but not limited to, spray guns, hoses, lances, and nozzles. The scope of this investigation covers cold water gas powered pressure washers, whether or not assembled or packaged with a frame, cart, or trolley, with or without wheels attached. For purposes of this investigation, an unfinished and/or unassembled cold water gas powered pressure washer consists of, at a minimum, the power unit or components of the power unit, packaged or imported together. Importation of the power unit whether or not accompanied by, or attached to, additional components including, but not limited to a frame, spray guns, hoses, lances, and nozzles constitutes an unfinished cold water gas powered pressure washer for purposes of this scope. The inclusion in a third country of any components other than the power unit does not remove the cold water gas powered pressure washer from the scope. A cold water gas powered pressure washer is within the scope of this investigation regardless of the origin of its engine. Subject merchandise also includes finished and unfinished cold water gas powered pressure washers that are further processed in a third country or in the United States, including, but not limited to, assembly or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of this investigation if performed in the country of manufacture of the in-scope cold water gas powered pressure washers. The scope excludes hot water gas powered pressure washers, which are pressure washers that include a heating element used to heat the water sprayed from the machine. Also specifically excluded from the scope of this investigation is merchandise covered by the scope of the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain vertical shaft engines between 99cc and Up to 225cc, and parts thereof from the People's Republic of China. See certain Vertical Shaft Engines Between 99 cc and Up to 225cc, and Parts Thereof from the People's Republic of China: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders, 86 FR 023675 (May 4, 2021). The cold water gas powered pressure washers subject to this investigation are classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) at subheadings 8424.30.9000 and 8424.90.9040. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive. 3. This proceeding has been assigned case number A-552-008. 4. If there are any questions by the importing public regarding this message, please contact the Call Center for the Office of AD/CVD Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce at (202) 482-0984. CBP ports should submit their inquiries through authorized CBP channels only. (This message was generated by OIII:MP.) 5. There are no restrictions on the release of this information. Alexander Amdur