A hearing among interested parties with different interests may be organised and chaired by the hearing officer to allow opposing views to be presented and rebuttal arguments offered. The period within which such a hearing should be held shall be specified in the Notice of Initiation of the trade proceeding.

A hearing among interested parties with different interests may be organised in each trade defence proceeding after hearing the Commission services responsible for the investigation.

A hearing among interested parties with different interests on a specific issue may also be requested by an individual interested party and shall take place provided that at least another individual interested party with different interests agrees to participate.

The Commission services responsible for the investigation and where necessary other services shall attend the hearing.

The competent representatives of the Member States may attend any hearing among interested parties with different interests as observers.