Notice of Antidumping Duty Order: Defrost Timers From Japan

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

[A-588-829]

Notice of Antidumping Duty Order: Defrost Timers From Japan

AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration,

Department of Commerce.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 2, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Magd Zalok, Office of Antidumping Duty

Investigations, Import Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce,

14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC. 20230;

telephone (202) 482-4162.

Scope of Order

For purposes of this investigation, defrost timers are electro-

mechanical and electronic defrost timers for residential refrigerators.

Electro-mechanical defrost timers are comprised of several components

that make or break electric circuits by activating two sets of

electrical contact points--one to disconnect the compressor (the

cooling mechanism) and the other to connect the defrost heater. The

articles are equipped with a synchronous or subsynchronous motor. The

defrost timer disconnects the compressor by opening an electrical

circuit after the compressor itself has run for a length of time

predetermined by the manufacturer depending on the specifications of

the model. Upon completion of the compressor run cycle (and

simultaneously with the compressor's disconnection) the defrost heater

is activated and runs for a preset time (again depending on the model),

as predetermined by the manufacturer. Electronic defrost timers have a

similar function but operate with greater efficiency. This is because a

microprocessor in the device uses information gathered during the

defrost cycle to adjust the compressor run time. This system defrosts

only when needed, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigerator.

The defrost timers subject to this investigation are currently

classifiable under subheading 9107.00.4000 of the Harmonized Tariff

Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The HTSUS subheadings are

provided for convenience and customs purposes. The written description

of the scope of this investigation is dispositive.

Antidumping Duty Order

On February 22, 1994, the International Trade Commission notified

the Department, in accordance with section 735(d) of the Tariff Act of

1930, as amended (the Act) that imports of defrost timers from Japan

materially injure the U.S. industry. Therefore, in accordance with

section 736 of the Act, the Department will direct Customs officers to

assess, upon further advice by the administering authority pursuant to

section 736(a)(1) of the Act, antidumping duties equal to the amount by

which the foreign market value of the merchandise exceeds the United

States price for all entries of defrost timers from Japan. These

antidumping duties will be assessed on all unliquidated entries of

defrost timers from Japan entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for

consumption on or after August 24, 1993, the date on which the

Department published its preliminary determination notice in the

Federal Register (58 FR 44655). On or after the date of publication of

this notice in the Federal Register, Custom officers must require, at

the same time as importers would normally deposit estimated duties, the

following cash deposits for the subject merchandise:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted-

average

Manufacturer/producer/exporter margin

percentage

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sankyo Seiki Manufacturing Co. Ltd.......................... 83.67

All others.................................................. 83.67

------------------------------------------------------------------------

This notice constitutes the antidumping duty order for defrost

timers from Japan, pursuant to section 736(a) of the Act. Interested

parties may contact the Central Records Unit, room B-099 of the Main

Commerce Building, for copies of an updated list of antidumping duty

orders currently in effect.

This order is published in accordance with section 736(a) of the

Act and 19 CFR 353.21.

Dated: February 23, 1994.

Joseph A. Spetrini

Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration.

[FR Doc. 94-4735 Filed 3-1-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P