Initiation of countervailing duty investigation of certain alkyl phosphate esters from the People's Republic of China (C-570-169)

1. On 05/20/2024, Commerce published in the Federal Register its initiation of the countervailing duty investigation of certain alkyl phosphate esters from the People's Republic of China (89 FR 43821). The effective date of this initiation is 05/13/2024 (the applicable date stated in the FR notice). 2. The products covered by this investigation are alkyl phosphate esters, which are halogenated and non-halogenated phosphorus-based esters with a phosphorus content of at least 6.5 percent (per weight) and a viscosity between 1 and 2000 mPa.s (at 20-25°C). Merchandise subject to this investigation primarily includes Tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCP), and Triethyl Phosphate (TEP)). TCPP is also known as Tris (1-chloro-2- propyl) phosphate, Tris (1-chloropropan-2-yl) phosphate, Tris (monochloroisopropyl) phosphate (TMCP), and Tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIP). TCPP has the chemical formula C9H18Cl3O4P and the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Nos. 1244733-77-4 and 13674-84-5. It may also be identified as CAS No. 6145-73-9. TDCP is also known as Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate, Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, Chlorinated tris, tris {2- chloro-1-(chloromethyl ethyl)} phosphate, TDCPP, and TDCIPP. TDCP has the chemical formula C9H15Cl6O4P and the CAS No. 13674-87-8. TEP is also known as Phosphoric acid triethyl ester, phosphoric ester, flame retardant TEP, Tris(ethyl) phosphate, Triethoxyphosphine oxide, and Ethyl phosphate (neutral). TEP has the chemical formula (C2H5O)3PO and the CAS No. 78-40-0. Imported alkyl phosphate esters are not excluded from the scope of this investigation even if the imported alkyl phosphate ester consists of a single isomer or combination of isomers in proportions different from the isomers ordinarily provided in the market. Also included in this investigation are blends including one or more alkyl phosphate esters, with or without other substances, where the alkyl phosphate esters account for 20 percent or more of the blend by weight. Alkyl phosphate esters are classified under subheading 2919.90.5050, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Imports may also be classified under subheadings 2919.90.5010 and 3824.99.5000, HTSUS. The HTSUS subheadings and CAS registry numbers are provided for convenience and customs purposes. The written description of the scope is dispositive. 3. This proceeding has been assigned case number C-570-169. 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 OII:BN.) 5. There are no restrictions on the release of this information. Alexander Amdur