Announcement on the Initiation of an Anti-Dumping Investigation on Imported Caprolactam Originating in the European Union and in the U.S.

On March 22, 2010, the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ("MOFCOM") formally received the application for anti-dumping investigation submitted by Baling Branch and Shijiazhuang Refining & Chemical Branch of China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation ("SINOPEC"), which were on behalf of China's caprolactam industry.

The applicants requested an anti-dumping investigation on the caprolactam originating in the European Union and in the U.S.

Based on the findings of the above-mentioned investigation and in accordance with the provisions in Article 16 of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Anti-Dumping, MOFCOM decided to initiate an anti-dumping investigation as of April 22, 2010 on the imported caprolactam originating in the European Union and in the U.S. Relevant issues are hereby announced as follows:

As of the release date of this Announcement, MOFCOM will initiate an anti-dumping investigation on the caprolactam (CPL) originating in the European Union and in the U.S. In such investigation, the anti-dumping investigation period is determined to between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, while the industry injury investigation period is determined to between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009.

The product under investigation shall be classified under 29337100 in the Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China.

The investigation shall commence as of April 22, 2010 and shall be concluded prior to April 22, 2011 in general. Under exceptional circumstances, the investigation may be extended to October 22, 2011.