Safeguard Measures Ordinance, 2002
	Safeguard Measures Rules, 2003
	Application & Questionnaire
	Safeguards Investigations
	FAQ's

Safeguard Measures

Introduction Under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, Member countries can impose Safeguard Measure if it is established by the designated Investigating Authority through an investigation that there is sudden surge in imports and such imports have caused or is causing serious injury to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive product in the importing country. In order to provide such protection to the domestic industry, the Government of Pakistan promulgated the Safeguard Measures Ordinance, 2002 (SG Ordinance) and framed there under the Safeguard Measures Rules, 2003.  What are Safeguard Measures? A WTO member may take a “safeguard” action (i.e., restrict imports of a product temporarily) to protect the domestic industry from a sudden increase in imports of any product which has caused or is causing, or which is threatening to cause, serious injury to the industry. This may be either in the form of imposition of safeguard duty or restriction of imports through quotas.   When can a Safeguard Measure be taken?    If a product is imported into Pakistan in such increase quantities that it causes or threatens to causes injury to the domestic industry, the importing Member country can impose Safeguard Measure to protect its domestic industry. It must be established that this increase in imports is due to the effect of WTO obligations assumed by Pakistan, and that there has been some unforeseen developments, which attracted the surge in imports.   What are the obligations assumed by Pakistan under WTO?    The WTO obligations assumed by Pakistan primarily include tariff bindings committed by member countries.  How does the investigation proceed? Applicant (the domestic industry) submits the data/information to the Commission on the prescribed application form for imposition of a Safeguard Measure. ·  The Application must contain sufficient information supported by documentary evidences on surge in imports, and on factors showing serious injury to the domestic industry including:  (i)     The rate and amount of the increase in imports of the product concerned in absolute and relative terms,  (ii)         The share of the domestic market taken by increased imports,  (iii)       Changes in the level of sales, production, productivity, capacity utilization, profits and losses, and employment.   The Commission then examines the accuracy and adequacy of the evidence provided in the application as per the procedure set out in the SG Ordinance and upon determination of the fact, after investigation, of the need for imposition of safeguard measure, recommend to the government for imposition of appropriate safeguard measure.  Further Information For further information, please click. The text of Safeguard Measures Ordinance, 2002, the Safeguard Measures Rules, 2003, questionnaire to file an application and other relevant material is available on the Commission’s website: www.ntc.gov.pk. The text of Agreement on Safeguards may be accessed at the WTO’s website: www.wto.org.

© 2009 National Tariff Commission. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
National Tariff Commission
Postal Address: P. O .Box No. 1689, G.P.O
44000, Islamabad, Pakistan. Fax: 92 51 9221205
Email: ntc@ntc.gov.pk