Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/2146

of 7 December 2016

withdrawing the acceptance of the undertaking for two exporting producers under Implementing Decision 2013/707/EU confirming the acceptance of an undertaking offered in connection with the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings concerning imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules and key components (i.e. cells) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China for the period of application of definitive measures

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘the Treaty’),

Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union1 (‘the basic anti-dumping Regulation’), and in particular Article 8 thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2016/1037 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the European Union2 (‘the basic anti-subsidy Regulation’), and in particular Article 13 thereof,

Informing the Member States,

Whereas:

A.UNDERTAKING AND OTHER EXISTING MEASURES
(1)
By Regulation (EU) No 513/20133, the European Commission (‘the Commission’) imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports into the European Union (‘the Union’) of crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules (‘modules’) and key components (i.e. cells and wafers) originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China (‘the PRC’).
(2)

A group of exporting producers gave a mandate to the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (‘CCCME’) to submit a price undertaking on their behalf to the Commission, which they did. It is clear from the terms of that price undertaking that it constitutes a bundle of individual price undertakings for each exporting producer, which is, for reasons of practicality of administration, coordinated by the CCCME.

(3)
By Decision 2013/423/EU4, the Commission accepted that price undertaking with regard to the provisional anti-dumping duty. By Regulation (EU) No 748/20135, the Commission amended Regulation (EU) No 513/2013 to introduce the technical changes necessary due to the acceptance of the undertaking with regard to the provisional anti-dumping duty.
(4)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/20136, the Council imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports into the Union of modules and cells originating in or consigned from the PRC (‘the products concerned’). By Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/20137, the Council also imposed a definitive countervailing duty on imports into the Union of the products concerned.
(5)Following the notification of an amended version of the price undertaking by a group of exporting producers (‘the exporting producers’) together with the CCCME, the Commission confirmed by Implementing Decision 2013/707/EU8 the acceptance of the price undertaking as amended (‘the undertaking’) for the period of application of definitive measures. The Annex to this Decision lists the exporting producers for whom the undertaking was accepted, inter alia:
  1. (a)

    Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd, covered by the TARIC additional code: B856 (‘Huashun China’);

  2. (b)

    Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co., Ltd, covered by the TARIC additional code: B836 (‘Seraphim China’).

(6)
By Implementing Decision 2014/657/EU9 the Commission accepted a proposal by the exporting producers together with the CCCME for clarifications concerning the implementation of the undertaking for the products concerned covered by the undertaking, that is modules and cells originating in or consigned from the PRC, currently falling within CN codes ex 8541 40 90 (TARIC codes 8541 40 90 21, 8541 40 90 29, 8541 40 90 31 and 8541 40 90 39) produced by the exporting producers (‘product covered’). The anti-dumping and countervailing duties referred to in recital (4) above, together with the undertaking, are jointly referred to as ‘measures’.
(7)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/86610 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for three exporting producers.
(8)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/140311 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another exporting producer.
(9)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/201812 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for two exporting producers.
(10)
The Commission initiated an expiry review investigation of the anti-dumping measures by a Notice of Initiation published in the Official Journal of the European Union 13 on 5 December 2015.
(11)
The Commission initiated an expiry review investigation of the countervailing measures by a Notice of Initiation published in the Official Journal of the European Union 14 on 5 December 2015.
(12)
The Commission also initiated a partial interim review of the anti-dumping and countervailing measures by a Notice of Initiation published in the Official Journal of the European Union 15 on 5 December 2015.
(13)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/11516 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another exporting producer.
(14)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/18517, the Commission extended the definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/2013 on imports of the products concerned originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China to imports of the product concerned consigned from Malaysia and Taiwan, whether declared as originating in Malaysia and in Taiwan or not.
(15)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/18418, the Commission extended the definitive countervailing duty imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/2013 on imports of the products concerned originating in or consigned from the People's Republic of China to imports of the product concerned consigned from Malaysia and Taiwan, whether declared as originating in Malaysia and in Taiwan or not.
(16)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/104519 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another exporting producer.
(17)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/138220 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another five exporting producers.
(18)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/140221 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another three exporting producers.
(19)
By Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/199822 the Commission withdrew the acceptance of the undertaking for another five exporting producers.
B.TERMS OF THE UNDERTAKING
(20)

The exporting producers agreed, inter alia, not to sell the product covered to the first independent customer in the Union below a certain minimum import price (‘the MIP’) within the associated annual level of imports to the Union (‘annual level’) laid down in the undertaking.

(21)

The exporting producers also agreed to sell the product covered only by means of direct sales. For the purpose of the undertaking, a direct sale is defined as a sale either to the first independent customer in the Union or via a related party in the Union listed in the undertaking.

(22)

The undertaking sets out, in a non-exhaustive list, the breaches of the undertaking. The list of breaches includes indirect sales to the Union by companies other than those listed in the undertaking.

(23)

The undertaking also obliges the exporting producers to provide the Commission on a quarterly basis with detailed information on all their export sales to and re-sales in the Union (‘the quarterly reports’). This implies that the data submitted in these quarterly reports must be complete and correct and the reported transactions fully comply with the terms of the undertaking. Reporting of re-sales in the Union is a particular obligation when the product covered is sold to the first independent customer through a related importer. Only these reports enable the Commission to monitor whether the re-sale price of the related importer to the first independent customer is in accordance the MIP.

(24)

The exporting producer is liable for the breach of any of its related parties, whether or not listed in the undertaking.

C.MONITORING OF THE EXPORTING PRODUCERS AND VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL
(25)

While monitoring compliance with the undertaking, the Commission verified information submitted by Huashun China and Seraphim China that was relevant to the undertaking. The Commission also assessed publicly available information regarding the corporate structure of the two companies.

(26)

The findings set out in recitals 27 to 30 address the problems identified for Huashun China and Seraphim China which oblige the Commission to withdraw the acceptance of the undertaking for these exporting producers.

D.GROUNDS TO WITHDRAW THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING
(a)Sales by Huashun China
(27)

In its quarterly reports, Huashun China had reported numerous sales transaction of the product covered to an allegedly unrelated importer in the Union and had issued undertaking invoices. Based on the information available to the Commission, the importer involved in these transactions was however related to Huashun China. As this importer is not listed as related party in the undertaking, Huashun China breached the terms of the undertaking as described in recitals 20 to 22.

(28)

None of the re-sales by the related importer was reported to the Commission. Consequently, Huashun China also breached the terms of the undertaking as described in recital 23 and 24.

(b)Sales by Seraphim China
(29)

In its quarterly reports, Seraphim China had reported numerous sales transactions of the product covered to an allegedly unrelated importer in the Union and had issued undertaking invoices. Based on the information available to the Commission, the importer involved in the above transactions was related to Seraphim China. As this importer is not listed as related party in the undertaking, Seraphim China breached the terms of the undertaking as described in recitals 20 to 22.

(30)

None of the re-sales by the related importer was reported to the Commission. Consequently, Seraphim China also breached the terms of the undertaking as described in recital 23 and 24.

E.INVALIDATION OF UNDERTAKING INVOICES
(31)The indirect sales transactions made by Huashun China and Seraphim China are linked to the following undertaking invoices:

Number of Commercial invoice accompanying goods subject to an undertaking

Date

Issued by

Issued to

HS-CI13A0916

25.9.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A0812

12.8.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-CI13A0607

13.8.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A1022

29.10.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A1107

15.11.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A1120

29.11.2013

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0312DE

12.3.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A0325DE

20.4.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0510DE

19.5.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-13A0421DE

21.4.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0917DE

26.9.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0701DE

1.7.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0822DE

28.8.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A1013DE

16.10.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A1102DE

28.11.2014

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0503

7.6.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-14A0409

27.4.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0502

21.5.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0407

8.4.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0613

26.6.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0801

11.8.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A07102

14.9.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A07101

1.9.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A0713

5.8.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1210

23.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1207

23.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A11091

27.11.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A12032

9.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1003DE

26.10.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A12031

9.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1206

29.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1114

1.12.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1008

3.11.2015

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0107

22.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0114

22.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A01021

11.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0304

17.3.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A01022

11.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0313

30.3.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0308

17.3.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-15A1213

8.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0105

8.1.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0318

7.4.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0812

19.8.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0613

13.7.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0702

27.7.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

HS-16A0920

28.9.2016

Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Co. Ltd

Huashun Solar GmbH

SS8801C32-FU_2

29.5.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C13-FU

1.4.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C23-FU

23.4.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C32-FU_1

22.5.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-FU_2

24.7.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-FU_1

17.7.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C45-FU

12.7.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C69-FU_2

17.9.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C69-FU_1

17.9.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C80-FU_2

10.10.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C91-FU

12.11.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C78-FU_1

1.10.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C80-FU_1

10.10.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C107-FU

25.12.2014

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C07-FI

3.2.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C29-FI_2

28.3.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C40-FI

28.3.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C113-FU

6.1.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C24-FI

13.3.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C29-FI_1

18.3.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-FI

28.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C47-FI_1

7.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C88-FI

17.6.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C90-FI

25.6.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C45-FI_2

19.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C01-FI_1

24.5.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C49-FI_2

28.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C01-FI_2

2.6.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C45-FI

15.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C49-FI_1

22.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C60-FI_1

8.5.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C60-FI_2

11.5.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C48-FI

15.4.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_3

25.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C116-FI

21.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_8

26.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C112-FI_3

14.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C117-FI

26.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FU_3

7.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C130-FI

7.9.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_4

13.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C126-FI

25.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C121-FI_1

7.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C112-FI_2

26.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C02-FI

16.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C112-FI_1

17.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C118-FI

15.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C129-FI

11.9.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_5

16.9.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_1

14.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C01-FI_4

7.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C125-FI_1

14.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C123-FI

4.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_4

28.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C125-FI_2

21.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C01-FI_3

3.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C109-FI

4.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_7

25.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C121-FI_2

7.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C135-FI

25.9.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C01-FI_5

13.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_5

13.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_1

3.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_6

17.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_2

21.8.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_2

3.7.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_3

18.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-FI_4

1.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_1

14.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-FI_2

5.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C139-FI

21.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C143-FI_1

29.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_6

30.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C166-FI

18.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C143-FI_3

9.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_5

30.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C137-FI

12.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C136-FI_3

21.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C136-FI_1-N

26.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C136-FI_1

12.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C168-FI_1

14.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_7

21.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-F_3

23.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C136-FI_2

21.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-FI_5

2.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_2

14.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-FI_6

7.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_10

15.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C106-FI_5-N

23.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C145-FI

29.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_4

18.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C143-FI_4

23.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C143-FI_2

29.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

AN8801C03-FI_6

13.10.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C168-FI_2

14.12.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C146-FI_1

9.11.2015

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_7

5.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C170-FI

18.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_3-N

23.3.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C163-FI_4

28.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C163-FI_3

28.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C169-FI_2

28.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_8

25.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C155-FI_9

3.2.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C163-FI_5

3.2.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C163-FI_1

14.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C163-FI_2

25.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C169-FI_1

25.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C171-FI

18.1.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C35-SX

20.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C34-SX_3

23.6.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C28-SX-2

17.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C34-SX_2

6.6.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C37-SX_1

16.6.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C34-SX_1

20.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C24-SX

9.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C23-SX

9.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C28-SX-1

11.5.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C37-SX_2

23.6.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C40-SX_3

14.7.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-SX_2

19.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-SX_2

19.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C51-SX_1

24.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C51-SX_2

20.9.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C46-SX

19.7.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C57-SX

30.9.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C57-SX

30.9.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-SX_3

24.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C40-SX_2

6.7.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C45-SX_2

19.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C44-SX_2

2.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C40-SX_1

6.7.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C50-SX_1

15.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C44-SX_1

19.7.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

SS8801C45-SX_1

15.8.2016

Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd

Seraphim Solar System GmbH

(32)
Therefore, in accordance with Article 3(2)(b) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/2013 and Article 2(2)(b) of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/2013, these invoices are declared invalid. The customs debt incurred at the time of acceptance of the declaration for release into free circulation should be recovered by the national customs authorities under Article 105(3)-(6) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council23 when the withdrawal of the undertaking in relation to the two exporting producers enters into force. The national customs authorities responsible for the collection of duties will be informed accordingly.
(33)

In this context, the Commission recalls that pursuant to Article 3(1)(b) read in conjunction with Annex III, Nr. 7 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/2013 and to Article 2(1)(b) read in conjunction with Annex 2, Nr. 7 of Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/2013, imports are only exempted from duties if the invoice indicates the price and possible rebates. Where those conditions are not complied with, duties are due, even where the commercial invoice accompanying the goods has not been invalidated by the Commission.

F.ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICABILITY OF THE OVERALL UNDERTAKING
(34)

The undertaking stipulates that a breach by an individual exporting producer does not automatically lead to the withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking for all exporting producers. In such a case, the Commission shall assess the impact of that particular breach on the practicability of the undertaking with the effect for all exporting producers and the CCCME.

(35)

The Commission has accordingly assessed the impact of the breaches by Huashun China and Seraphim China on the practicability of the undertaking with the effect for all exporting producers and the CCCME.

(36)

The responsibility for the breaches lies alone with the exporting producers in question; the monitoring has not revealed any systematic breaches by a major number of exporting producers or the CCCME.

(37)

The Commission therefore concludes that the overall functioning of the undertaking is not affected and that there are no grounds for withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking for all exporting producers and the CCCME.

G.WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS AND HEARINGS
(38)

Interested parties were granted the opportunity to be heard and to comment pursuant to Article 8(9) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 13(9) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation.

(39)

Both exporting producers submitted comments after the disclosure. One exporting producer contested the relationship alleging that the importer in the Union was owned by another person than the exporting producer. The Commission sent additional evidence confirming the relationship between that exporting producer and the importer in the Union. The exporting producer did not further react. Therefore, the claim is rejected.

(40)

The other exporting producer made a general statement contesting the Commission's evidence of the relationship, without further substantiating it. The Commission notes that the exporting producer has not contested the relationship itself. The Commission also notes that the relationship has been declared by the exporting producer in the sampling replies in the ongoing expiry review of the measures in force.

(41)

Furthermore, one exporting producer requested a hearing but did not follow up on the request.

(42)

The same exporting producer contested the invalidation of invoices. It claimed that the Commission cannot impose duties/order customs to levy duties on imports released for free circulation before the date of the withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking if imports have not been registered. The claim is based on an understanding that the Commission may decide to impose provisional duties before the withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking. According to Article 8(10) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 13(10) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, a provisional duty may be imposed in case where the investigation that led to the undertaking has not been completed. This is not the case in the case at hand where the investigations have been completed with the imposition of definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Consequently, in accordance with Article 8(9) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 13(9) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, in case of breach or withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking by the Commission, the definitive duties shall automatically apply. The claim is therefore rejected.

(43)
This exporting producer also claimed that the Commission has itself recognised that there is no legal basis for retroactive withdrawal24. The Commission notes that the withdrawal in the present case is not retroactive. It is a withdrawal of the acceptance of the undertaking combined with invalidation of undertaking invoices. The Commission's response on retroactive withdrawal was also specific to the circumstances of the particular withdrawal and particular claim made by one of the parties in that case. The claim is therefore rejected.
H.WITHDRAWAL OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE UNDERTAKING AND IMPOSITIONS OF DEFINITIVE DUTIES
(44)

Therefore, in accordance with Article 8(9) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation, Article 13(9) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation and also in accordance with the terms of the undertaking, the Commission has concluded that the acceptance of the undertaking for Huashun China and Seraphim China should be withdrawn.

(45)

Accordingly, pursuant to Article 8(9) of the basic anti-dumping Regulation and Article 13(9) of the basic anti-subsidy Regulation, the definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Article 1 of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1238/2013 and the definitive countervailing duty imposed by Article 1 of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1239/2013 automatically apply to imports originating in or consigned from the PRC of the product concerned and produced by Ningbo Huashun Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd, covered by the TARIC additional code: B856 and, Jiangsu Seraphim Solar System Co. Ltd covered by the TARIC additional code: B836 as of the day of entry into force of this Regulation.

(46)

Where the customs authorities of the Member States have indications that the price presented on an undertaking invoice does not correspond to the price actually paid, they should investigate whether the requirement to include any rebates in the undertaking invoices has been violated or the MIP has not been respected. Where customs authorities of the Member States conclude that there has been such a violation or whether the MIP has not been respected, they should collect the duties as a consequence thereof. In order to facilitate, on the basis of Article 4(3) of the Treaty, the work of the customs authorities of the Member States, the Commission should share in such situations the confidential text and other information of the undertaking for the sole purpose of national proceedings.

(47)

For information purposes the table in Annex II to this Regulation lists the exporting producers for whom the acceptance of the undertaking by Implementing Decision 2013/707/EU is not affected,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: