United Kingdom Launches Safeguard Investigation on Polyethylene Terephthalate

The United Kingdom has launched a safeguard investigation on polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic resin. This investigation aims to determine whether increased imports of polyethylene terephthalate are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to the domestic industry.

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) is responsible for conducting the investigation. Interested parties can register their interest and provide comments through the Trade Remedies Service by 23:59 UK time on 19 August 2026. They can also request a hearing using the Trade Remedies Service.

A safeguard investigation is a process where importers, exporters, and other interested parties can present evidence and views to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing harm to a domestic industry. The investigation is conducted in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

## Safeguard Investigation Process

During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters, and other interested parties can present evidence and views. They can also respond to the presentations of other parties. The investigation aims to determine whether the increased imports of the product are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to the domestic industry.

A WTO member can take a safeguard action only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury. The investigation is a critical step in determining whether safeguard measures are necessary to protect the domestic industry.

## Notification Details

The notification for the safeguard investigation is available in G/SG/N/6/GBR/2. The TRA is responsible for conducting the investigation, and interested parties can direct correspondence to [email protected]. The UK encourages WTO members to make the details of this investigation, including deadlines for participation, known to their exporters that may have an interest.

The investigation will involve a public hearing, and interested parties can request a hearing using the Trade Remedies Service. The deadline for registering interest and providing comments is 19 August 2026 at 23:59 UK time.