In the notification Ecuador indicated, among other things, as follows:

"Date of the initiation of the investigation: The date on which the resolution is published in the Official Register.

Qualification as interested parties: Interested parties in the investigation process must be qualified as such, justifying such qualification before the Investigating Authority up to thirty (30) days after the date of the initiation of the investigation.".

Further information is available in G/SG/N/6/ECU/10 (in Spanish only for now). Contact details are indicated in this notification.

What is a safeguard investigation?

A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.

During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.

A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.