Initiation of AD and CVD Investigations: Gas Powered Pressure Washers from China and Vietnam

On January 19, 2023, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) initiated its less-than-fair-value and countervailing duty investigations on “Gas Powered Pressure Washers from the People’s Republic of China (China) and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam)” (Initiation Notices). These investigations have been assigned the following case numbers: A-570-148 and C- 570-149 (China), and A-552-008 (Vietnam).

The Scope of Merchandise covered by these investigations reads as follows:The merchandise covered by these investigations is cold water gas powered pressure washers (also commonly known as power washers), which are machines that clean surfaces using water pressure that are powered by an internal combustion engine, air-cooled with a power take-off shaft, in combination with a positive displacement pump. This combination of components (i.e., the internal combustion engine, the power take-off shaft, and the positive displacement pump) is defined as the “power unit.” The scope of these investigations covers cold water gas powered pressure washers, whether finished or unfinished, whether assembled or unassembled, and whether or not containing any additional parts or accessories to assist in the function of the “power unit,” including, but not limited to, spray guns, hoses, lances, and nozzles. The scope of these investigations covers cold water gas powered pressure washers, whether or not assembled or packaged with a frame, cart, or trolley, with or without wheels attached.

For purposes of these investigations, an unfinished and/or unassembled cold water gas powered pressure washer consists of, at a minimum, the power unit or components of the power unit, packaged or imported together. Importation of the power unit whether or not accompanied by, or attached to, additional components including, but not limited to a frame, spray guns, hoses, lances, and nozzles constitutes an unfinished cold water gas powered pressure washer for purposes of this scope. The inclusion in a third country of any components other than the power unit does not remove the cold water gas powered pressure washer from the scope. A cold water gas powered pressure washer is within the scope of these investigations regardless of the origin of its engine. Subject merchandise also includes finished and unfinished cold water gas powered pressure washers that are further processed in a third country or in the United States, including, but not limited to, assembly or any other processing that would not otherwise remove the merchandise from the scope of these investigations if performed in the country of manufacture of the in-scope cold water gas powered pressure washers.

The scope excludes hot water gas powered pressure washers, which are pressure washers that include a heating element used to heat the water sprayed from the machine.

Also specifically excluded from the scope of these investigations is merchandise covered by the scope of the anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders on certain vertical shaft engines between 99cc and Up to 225cc, and parts thereof from the People’s Republic of China. See Certain Vertical Shaft Engines Between 99 cc and Up to 225cc, and Parts Thereof from the People’s Republic of China: Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duty Orders.

The cold water gas powered pressure washers subject to these investigations are classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) at subheadings 8424.30.9000 and 8424.90.9040. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.