Initiation of antidumping duty investigation of vertical metal file cabinets from the People s Republic of China (A-570-110)

1. On 05/24/2019, Commerce published in the Federal Register its initiation of the antidumping duty investigation of vertical metal file cabinets from the People's Republic of China (84 FR 24093). The effective date of this initiation is 05/20/2019 (the applicable date stated in the FR notice). 2. The scope of this investigation covers freestanding vertical metal file cabinets containing two or more extendable file storage elements and having an actual width of 25 inches or less. The subject vertical metal file cabinets have bodies made of carbon and/or alloy steel and or other metals, regardless of whether painted, powder coated, or galvanized or otherwise coated for corrosion protection or aesthetic appearance. The subject vertical metal file cabinets must have two or more extendable elements for file storage (e.g., file drawers) of a height that permits hanging files of either letter (8.5” x 11”) or legal (8.5” x 14”) sized documents. An “extendable element” is defined as a movable load-bearing storage component including, but not limited to, drawers and filing frames. Extendable elements typically have suspension systems, consisting of glide blocks or ball bearing glides, to facilitate opening and closing. The subject vertical metal file cabinets typically come in models with two, three, four, or five-file drawers. The inclusion of one or more additional non-file-sized extendable storage elements, not sized for storage files (e.g., box or pencil drawers), does not remove an otherwise in-scope product from the scope as long as the combined height of the non-file-sized extendable storage elements does not exceed six inches. The inclusion of an integrated storage area that is not extendable (e.g., a cubby) and has an actual height of six inches or less, also does not remove a subject vertical metal file cabinet from the scope. Accessories packaged with a subject vertical file cabinet, such as separate printer stands or shelf kits that sit on top of the in-scope vertical file cabinet are not considered integrated storage. “Freestanding” means the unit has a solid top and does not have an open top or a top with holes punched in it that would permit the unit to be attached to, hung from, or otherwise used to support a desktop or other work surface. The ability to anchor a vertical file cabinet to a wall for stability or to prevent it from tipping over does not exclude the unit from the scope. The addition of mobility elements such as casters, wheels, or a dolly does not remove the product from the scope. Packaging a subject vertical metal file cabinet with other accessories, including, but not limited to, locks, leveling glides, caster kits, drawer accessories (e.g., including but not limited to follower wires, follower blocks, file compressors, hanger rails, pencil trays, and hanging file folders), printer stand, shelf kit and magnetic hooks, also does not remove the product from the scope. Vertical metal file cabinets are also in scope whether they are imported assembled or unassembled with all essential parts and components included. Excluded from the scope are lateral metal file cabinets. Lateral metal file cabinets have a width that is greater than the body depth, and have a body with an actual width that is more than 25 inches wide. Also excluded from the scope are pedestal file cabinets. Pedestal file cabinets are metal file cabinets with body depths that are greater than or equal to their width, are under 31 inches in actual height, and have the following characteristics: (1) An open top or other the means for the cabinet to be attached to or hung from a desktop or other work surface such as holes punched in the top (i.e., not freestanding); or (2) freestanding file cabinets that have all of the following: (a) At least a 90 percent drawer extension for all extendable file storage elements; (b) a central locking system; (c) a minimum weight density of 9.5 lbs./cubic foot; and (d) casters or leveling glides. “Percentage drawer extension” is defined as the drawer travel distance divided by the inside depth dimension of the drawer. Inside depth of drawer is measured from the inside of the drawer face to the inside face of the drawer back. Drawer extension is the distance the drawer travels from the closed position to the maximum travel position which is limited by the out stops. In situations where drawers do not include an outstop, the drawer is extended until the drawer back is 3-l/2 inches from the closed position of inside face of the drawer front. The “weight density” is calculated by dividing the cabinet's actual weight by its volume in cubic feet (the multiple of the product's actual width, depth, and height). A “central locking system” locks all drawers in a unit. Also excluded from the scope are fire proof or fire-resistant file cabinets that meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) fire protection standard 72, class 350, which covers the test procedures applicable to fire-resistant equipment intended to protect paper records. The merchandise subject to the investigation is classified under Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) subheading 9403.10.0020. The subject merchandise may also enter under HTSUS subheadings 9403.10.0040, 9403.20.0080, and 9403.20.0090. While HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope of the investigation is dispositive. 3. This proceeding has been assigned case number A-570-110. 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 OVII:KW.) 5. There are no restrictions on the release of this information. Alexander Amdur