BIS Releases Notice on Requirements for Requesting Product Exclusions to Section 232 Tariffs

The Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security released a notice late on March 16 that outlines the requirements for submissions requesting exclusions to the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. "The process established in this interim final rule is limited to the issuance of product-based exclusions as authorized by the President," BIS said. "Consistent with the President’s instructions, the criteria in the forms and supplements are primarily focused on the availability of the product in the United States. The Secretary will consider information about supply in other countries to the extent relevant to determining whether specific national security considerations warrant an exclusion. Commenters on this interim final rule may submit comments regarding how and whether or not the country of origin of a proposed product should be considered by Commerce as part of the process for reviewing product-based exclusion requests." This process is "separate and apart from the process by which countries may seek exemptions from the duties imposed by the President," the agency said.