Notice of initiation of an expiry review of the anti-dumping measures applicable to imports of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, whether or not finished, originating in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan

(2022/C 40/01)

Following the publication of a Notice of impending expiry (1) of the anti-dumping measures in force on the imports of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, whether or not finished, originating in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan (‘the countries concerned’), the European Commission (’the Commission’) has received a request for review pursuant to Article 11(2) of 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 Union (2) (’the basic Regulation’).

1.   Request for review

The request was submitted on 26 October 2021 by Defence Committee of the Stainless steel butt-welding Fittings industry of the European Union (’the applicant’) on behalf of the Union industry of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, whether or not finished in the sense of Article 5(4) of the basic Regulation.

An open version of the request and the analysis of the degree of support by Union producers for the request are available in the file for inspection by interested parties. Section 5.6 of this Notice provides information about access to the file for interested parties.

2.   Product under review

The product subject to this review is tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, of austenitic stainless steel grades, corresponding to AISI types 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321 and 321H and their equivalent in the other norms, with a greatest external diameter not exceeding 406,4 mm and a wall thickness of 16 mm or less, with a roughness average (Ra) of the internal surface not less than 0,8 micrometres, not flanged, whether or not finished, originating in the People’s Republic of China (‘PRC’) and Taiwan (’the product under review’), currently classified under CN codes ex 7307 23 10 and ex 7307 23 90 (Taric codes 7307231015, 7307231025, 7307239015, 7307239025). The CN and TARIC codes are given for information only.

3.   Existing measures

The measures currently in force are a definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/141 (3).

4.   Grounds for the review

The request is based on the grounds that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in continuation or recurrence of dumping and continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

4.1.    Allegation of likelihood of continuation of dumping

4.1.1.   Allegation of likelihood of continuation of dumping from the PRC

The applicant claimed that it is not appropriate to use domestic prices and costs in order to establish likelihood of continuation of dumping from the PRC, due to the existence of significant distortions within the meaning of point (b) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.

To substantiate the allegations of significant distortions, the applicant relied on the information contained in the country report produced by the Commission services on 20 December 2017 describing the specific market circumstances in the PRC (4). In particular, the applicant referred to distortions such as state presence in general and more specific in the steel sector (stainless steel pipe being the main input material of the product concerned) and distortions with regard to land, energy, capital and labour.

In addition, the applicant relied on publicly available information, in particular on a report by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (5), an OECD report (6), the Ministerial Report of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (7), the Chinese 13th five-year plan for the steel sector, and made reference to the regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain welded pipes and tubes of iron or non-alloyed steel originating in Belarus, the People’s Republic of China and Russia following an expiry review, and the regulation imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain hot rolled stainless steel sheets and coils originating in Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan (8).

In light of the information available, the Commission considers that there is sufficient evidence pursuant to Article 5(9) of the basic Regulation tending to show that, due to significant distortions affecting prices and costs, the use of domestic prices and costs in the PRC is inappropriate, thus warranting the initiation of an investigation on the basis of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation.

As a result, in view of Article 2(6a)(a) of the basic Regulation, the allegation of continuation of dumping from the PRC is based on a comparison of a constructed normal value on the basis of costs of production and sale reflecting undistorted prices or benchmarks in an appropriate representative country with the export price (at ex-works level) of the product under review from the PRC when sold for export to the Union.

On this basis the dumping margins calculated are significant for the PRC.

The country report is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s website (9).

4.1.2.   Allegation of likelihood of continuation of dumping from Taiwan

Despite attempts by the applicant to obtain data on domestic prices for Taiwan, no such data was available. The allegation of likelihood of continuation of dumping is therefore based on a comparison of a constructed normal value (manufacturing costs, selling, general and administrative costs (SG&A) and profit) in Taiwan with the export price (at ex-works level) of the product under review when sold for export to the Union. The original investigation had also relied on a constructed normal value.

On this basis the dumping margins calculated are significant for Taiwan.

4.2.    Allegation of likelihood of continuation or recurrence of injury

The applicant alleges the likelihood of continuation of injury from PRC and Taiwan. In this respect, the applicant has provided sufficient evidence that imports of the product under review from the countries concerned have remained significant in absolute terms and in terms of market shares.

The evidence provided by the applicant shows that the financial situation of the Union industry deteriorated as a result of the decrease in prices. The applicant alleges that this is due to the low priced imports from the countries concerned.

Without prejudice to the above, the applicant also alleges the likelihood of recurrence of injury from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. In this respect the applicant has provided sufficient evidence that, should measures be allowed to lapse, the current import level of the product under review from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan to the Union is likely to increase due to the existence of unused capacity in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan, as well as in view of the level of imports already occurring. In the absence of the current measures, there was clear evidence of both undercutting and underselling from the imports of both countries concerned during the review investigation period used in the request for review. On that basis, the volume of imports at dumped prices from the countries concerned that would result should the measures be allowed to lapse, would likely lead to a recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

5.   Procedure

Having determined, after consulting the Committee established by Article 15(1) of the basic Regulation, that sufficient evidence of a likelihood of dumping and injury exists to justify the initiation of an expiry review, the Commission hereby initiates a review in accordance with Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation.

The expiry review will determine whether the expiry of the measures would be likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping of the product under review originating in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan and a continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry.

The Commission also draws the attention of the parties to the published Notice (10) on the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations that may be applicable to this proceeding.

5.1.    Review investigation period and period considered

The investigation of a continuation or recurrence of dumping will cover the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 (‘the review investigation period’). The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of the likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury will cover the period from 1 January 2018 to the end of the investigation period (‘the period considered’).

5.2.    Comments on the request and the initiation of the investigation

All interested parties wishing to comment on the request (including matters pertaining to injury and causality) or any aspects regarding the initiation of the investigation (including the degree of support for the request) must do so within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (11).

Any request for a hearing with regard to the initiation of the investigation must be submitted within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

5.3.    Procedure for the determination of a likelihood of continuation of dumping

In an expiry review, the Commission examines exports that were made to the Union in the review investigation period and, irrespective of exports to the Union, considers whether the situation of the companies producing and selling the product under review in the countries concerned is such that exports at dumped prices to the Union would be likely to continue or recur if measures expire.

Therefore, all producers (12) of the product under review from the countries concerned, including those that did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures in force, are invited to participate in the Commission investigation.

5.3.1.   Investigating producers in the countries concerned

In view of the potentially large number of producers in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit the producers to be investigated to a reasonable number by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ’sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary, and if so, to select a sample, all producers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present review, are hereby requested to provide the Commission with information on their companies within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice. This information must be provided via TRON.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi/form/R758_SAMPLING_FORM_FOR_EXPORTING_PRODUCER. Tron access information can be found in sections 5.6 and 5.9 below.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of producers in the countries concerned, the Commission will also contact the authorities of the countries concerned and may contact any known associations of producers in these countries.

If a sample is necessary, the producers will be selected based on the largest representative volume of production, sales or exports which can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known producers in the countries concerned, the authorities of the countries concerned and associations of producers will be notified by the Commission, via the authorities of the countries concerned if appropriate, of the companies selected to be in the sample.

Once the Commission has received the necessary information to select a sample of producers, it will inform the parties concerned of its decision whether they are included in the sample. The sampled producers will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 30 days from the date of notification of the decision of their inclusion in the sample, unless otherwise specified.

The Commission will add a note to the file for inspection by interested parties reflecting the sample selection. Any comment on the sample selection must be received within 3 days of the date of notification of the sample decision.

A copy of the questionnaire for producers in the countries concerned is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s Internet: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2574.

Without prejudice to the possible application of Article 18 of the basic Regulation, companies that have agreed to their possible inclusion in the sample but are not selected to be in the sample will be considered to be cooperating.

5.3.2.   Additional procedure with regard to the PRC that is subject to significant distortions

Subject to the provisions of this Notice, all interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence regarding the application of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

In particular, the Commission invites all interested parties to make their views known on the inputs and the Harmonised System (HS) codes provided in the request, propose (an) appropriate representative country(ies) and provide the identity of producers of the product under investigation in those countries. This information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

Pursuant to point (e) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation, the Commission will, shortly after initiation, by means of a note to the file for inspection by interested parties, inform parties to the investigation about the relevant sources that it intends to use for the purpose of determining normal value in the PRC pursuant to Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation. This will cover all sources, including the selection of an appropriate representative third country where appropriate. Parties to the investigation shall be given 10 days from the date at which that note is added to that file to submit comments.

According to the information available to the Commission, a possible representative third country for the PRC in this case is Thailand. With the aim of finally selecting the appropriate representative third country, the Commission will examine whether there are countries with a similar level of economic development as the PRC, in which there is production and sales of the product under review and in which relevant data are readily available. Where there is more than one such country, preference will be given, where appropriate, to countries with an adequate level of social and environmental protection.

With regard to the relevant sources, the Commission invites all producers in the PRC to provide information on the materials (raw and processed) and energy used in the production of the product under review within 15 days of the date of publication of this Notice. This information must be provided via TRON.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi/form/R758_INFO_ON_INPUTS_FOR_EXPORTING_PRODUCER_FORM. Tron access information can be found in sections 5.6 and 5.9 below.

Furthermore, any submissions of factual information to value costs and prices pursuant to point (a) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation must be filed within 65 days of the date of publication of this Notice. Such factual information should be taken exclusively from publicly available sources.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation with regard to the alleged significant distortions within the meaning of point (b) of Article 2(6a) of the basic Regulation, the Commission will also make available a questionnaire to the Government of the PRC.

5.3.3.   Investigating unrelated importers (13) (14)

Unrelated importers of the product under review from the countries concerned to the Union, including those that did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures in force, are invited to participate in this investigation.

In view of the potentially large number of unrelated importers involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may limit to a reasonable number the unrelated importers that will be investigated by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ’sampling’). The sampling will be carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

In order to enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all unrelated importers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including the ones who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures subject to the present review, are hereby requested to make themselves known to the Commission. These parties must do so within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice by providing the Commission with the information on their company(ies) requested in Annex to this Notice.

In order to obtain information it deems necessary for the selection of the sample of unrelated importers, the Commission may also contact any known associations of importers.

If a sample is necessary, the importers may be selected based on the largest representative volume of sales of the product under review from the countries concerned in the Union that can reasonably be investigated within the time available. All known unrelated importers and associations of importers will be notified by the Commission of the companies selected to be in the sample.

The Commission will also add a note to the file for inspection by interested parties reflecting the sample selection. Any comment on the sample selection must be received within 3 days of the date of notification of the sample decision.

In order to obtain the information it deems necessary for its investigation, the Commission will make available questionnaires to the sampled unrelated importers. Those parties must submit a completed questionnaire within 30 days from the date of the notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified.

A copy of the questionnaire for unrelated importers is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s Internet: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2574.

5.4.    Procedure for the determination of a likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury

In order to establish whether there is a likelihood of a continuation or recurrence of injury to the Union industry, the Commission invites Union producers of the product under review to participate in the investigation.

5.4.1.   Investigating Union producers

In view of the large number of Union producers involved in this expiry review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission has decided to limit to a reasonable number the Union producers that will be investigated by selecting a sample (this process is also referred to as ’sampling’). The sampling is carried out in accordance with Article 17 of the basic Regulation.

The Commission has provisionally selected a sample of Union producers. Details can be found in the file for inspection by interested parties.

Interested parties are hereby invited to comment on the provisional sample. In addition, other Union producers, or representatives acting on their behalf, including Union producers who did not cooperate in the investigation leading to the measures in force, that consider that there are reasons why they should be included in the sample must contact the Commission within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice. All comments regarding the provisional sample must be received within 7 days of the date of publication of this Notice, unless otherwise specified.

The Commission will notify all known Union producers and/or associations of Union producers of the companies finally selected to be in the sample.

The sampled Union producers will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 30 days from the date of notification of the decision of their inclusion in the sample, unless otherwise specified.

A copy of the questionnaire for Union producers is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s Internet: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2574

5.5.    Procedure for the assessment of Union interest

Should the likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury be confirmed, a decision will be reached, pursuant to Article 21 of the basic Regulation, as to whether maintaining the anti-dumping measures would not be in the Union interest.

Union producers, importers and their representative associations, users and their representative associations, trade unions and representative consumer organisations are invited to provide the Commission with information on the Union interest.

Information concerning the assessment of the Union interest must be provided within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice, unless otherwise specified. This information may be provided either in a free format or by completing a questionnaire prepared by the Commission.

A copy of the questionnaires, including the questionnaire for users of the product under review, is available in the file for inspection by interested parties and on DG Trade’s Internet: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/tdi/case_details.cfm?id=2574.

In any case, information submitted pursuant to Article 21 will only be taken into account if supported by factual evidence at the time of submission, which substantiates its validity.

5.6.    Interested parties

In order to participate in the investigation, interested parties, such as producers in the countries concerned, Union producers, importers and their representative associations, users and their representative associations, trade unions and representative consumer organisations first have to demonstrate that there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review.

Producers in the countries concerned, Union producers, importers and representative associations who made information available in accordance to the procedures described in sections 5.3.1, 5.3.3 and 5.4.1 will be considered as interested parties if there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review.

Other parties will only be able to participate in the investigation as interested party from the moment they make themselves known, and provided that there is an objective link between their activities and the product under review. Being considered as an interested party is without prejudice to the application of Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Access to the file available for inspection for interested parties is made via Tron.tdi at the following address: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/TDI. Please follow the instructions on that page to get access (15).

5.7.    Other written submissions

Subject to the provisions of this Notice, all interested parties are hereby invited to make their views known, submit information and provide supporting evidence. Unless otherwise specified, this information and supporting evidence must reach the Commission within 37 days of the date of publication of this Notice.

5.8.    Possibility to be heard by the Commission investigation services

All interested parties may request to be heard by the Commission investigation services. Any request to be heard must be made in writing and must specify the reasons for the request as well as a summary of what the interested party wishes to discuss during the hearing. The hearing will be limited to the issues set out by the interested parties in writing beforehand.

In principle, hearings will not be used to present factual information which is not yet on file. Nevertheless, in the interest of good administration and to enable Commission services to progress with the investigation, interested parties may be directed to provide new factual information after a hearing.

5.9.    Instructions for making written submissions and sending completed questionnaires and correspondence

Information submitted to the Commission for the purpose of trade defence investigations shall be free from copyrights. Interested parties, before submitting to the Commission information and/or data which is subject to third party copyrights, must request specific permission to the copyright holder explicitly allowing the Commission a) to use the information and data for the purpose of this trade defence proceeding and b) to provide the information and/or data to interested parties to this investigation in a form that allows them to exercise their rights of defence.

All written submissions, including the information requested in this Notice, completed questionnaires and correspondence provided by interested parties for which confidential treatment is requested shall be labelled ‘Sensitive’ (16). Parties submitting information in the course of this investigation are invited to reason their request for confidential treatment.

Parties providing ‘Sensitive’ information are required to furnish non-confidential summaries of it pursuant to Article 19(2) of the basic Regulation, which will be labelled ’For inspection by interested parties’. These summaries must be sufficiently detailed to permit a reasonable understanding of the substance of the information submitted in confidence. If a party providing confidential information fails to show good cause for a confidential treatment request or does not furnish a non-confidential summary of it in the requested format and quality, the Commission may disregard such information unless it can be satisfactorily demonstrated from appropriate sources that the information is correct.

Interested parties are invited to make all submissions and requests via TRON.tdi (https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/ tron/TDI) including scanned powers of attorney and certification sheets. By using TRON.tdi or email, interested parties express their agreement with the rules applicable to electronic submissions contained in the document ‘CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION IN TRADE DEFENCE CASES’ published on the website of the Directorate-General for Trade: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2011/june/tradoc_148003.pdf. The interested parties must indicate their name, address, telephone and a valid email address and they should ensure that the provided email address is a functioning official business email which is checked on a daily basis. Once contact details are provided, the Commission will communicate with interested parties by TRON.tdi or email only, unless they explicitly request to receive all documents from the Commission by another means of communication or unless the nature of the document to be sent requires the use of a registered mail. For further rules and information concerning correspondence with the Commission including principles that apply to submissions via TRON.tdi and by email, interested parties should consult the communication instructions with interested parties referred to above.

Commission address for correspondence:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Trade

Directorate G

Office: CHAR 04/039

1049 Bruxelles/Brussels

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

TRON. tdi: https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/tron/tdi

Email:

For dumping issues related to the PRC: TRADE-R758-SSTPF-DUMPING-CHINA@ec.europa.eu

For dumping issues related to Taiwan: TRADE-R758-SSTPF-DUMPING-TAIWAN@ec.europa.eu

For injury and Union interest issues: TRADE-R758-SSTPF-INJURY@ec.europa.eu

6.   Schedule of the investigation

The investigation shall normally be concluded within 12 months and in any event no later than 15 months from the date of the publication of this Notice, pursuant to Article 11(5) of the basic Regulation.

7.   Submission of information

As a rule, interested parties may only submit information in the timeframes specified in section 5 of this Notice.

In order to complete the investigation within the mandatory deadlines, the Commission will not accept submissions from interested parties after the deadline to provide comments on the final disclosure or, if applicable, after the deadline to provide comments on the additional final disclosure.

8.   Possibility to comment on other parties’ submissions

In order to guarantee the rights of defence, interested parties should have the possibility to comment on information submitted by other interested parties. When doing so, interested parties may only address issues raised in the other interested parties’ submissions and may not raise new issues.

Comments on the information provided by other interested parties in reaction to the disclosure of the definitive findings should be submitted within 5 days from the deadline to comment on the definitive findings, unless otherwise specified. If there is an additional final disclosure, comments on the information provided by other interested parties in reaction to this further disclosure should be made within 1 day from the deadline to comment on this further disclosure, unless otherwise specified.

The outlined timeframe is without prejudice to the Commission’s right to request additional information from interested parties in duly justified cases.

9.   Extension to time limits specified in this Notice

Extensions to time-limits provided for in this Notice may be granted upon request of interested parties showing due cause.

Any extension to the time limits provided for in this Notice should only be requested in exceptional circumstances and will only be granted if duly justified. In any event, any extensions to the deadline to reply to questionnaires will be limited normally to 3 days, and as a rule will not exceed 7 days. Regarding time limits for the submission of other information specified in the Notice of initiation, extensions will be limited to 3 days unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated.

10.   Non-cooperation

In cases where any interested party refuses access to or does not provide the necessary information within the time limits, or significantly impedes the investigation, findings, affirmative or negative, may be made on the basis of facts available, in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation.

Where it is found that any interested party has supplied false or misleading information, the information may be disregarded and use may be made of facts available.

If an interested party does not cooperate or cooperates only partially and findings are therefore based on facts available in accordance with Article 18 of the basic Regulation, the result may be less favourable to that party than if it had cooperated.

Failure to give a computerised response shall not be deemed to constitute non-cooperation, provided that the interested party shows that presenting the response as requested would result in an unreasonable extra burden or unreasonable additional cost. The interested party should immediately contact the Commission.

11.   Hearing Officer

Interested parties may request the intervention of the Hearing Officer in trade proceedings. The Hearing Officer reviews requests for access to the file, disputes regarding the confidentiality of documents, requests for extension of time limits and any other request concerning the rights of defence of interested parties and third parties as may arise during the proceeding.

The Hearing Officer may organise hearings and mediate between the interested party/-ies and Commissions services to ensure that the interested parties’ rights of defence are being fully exercised. A request for a hearing with the Hearing Officer should be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request. The Hearing Officer will examine the reasons for the requests. These hearings should only take place if the issues have not been settled with the Commission services in due course.

Any request must be submitted in good time and expeditiously so as not to jeopardise the orderly conduct of proceedings. To that effect, interested parties should request the intervention of the Hearing Officer at the earliest possible time following the occurrence of the event justifying such intervention. Where hearing requests are submitted outside the relevant timeframes, the Hearing Officer will also examine the reasons for such late requests, the nature of the issues raised and the impact of those issues on the rights of defence, having due regard to the interests of good administration and the timely completion of the investigation.

For further information and contact details interested parties may consult the Hearing Officer’s web pages on DG Trade’s Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/trade-policy-and-you/contacts/hearing-officer/.

12.   Possibility to request a review under Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation

As this expiry review is initiated in accordance with the provisions of Article 11(2) of the basic Regulation, the findings thereof will not lead to the existing measures being amended but will lead to those measures being repealed or maintained in accordance with Article 11(6) of the basic Regulation.

If any interested party considers that a review of the measures is warranted so as to allow for the possibility to amend the measures, that party may request a review pursuant to Article 11(3) of the basic Regulation.

Parties wishing to request such a review, which would be carried out independently of the expiry review mentioned in this Notice, may contact the Commission at the address given above.

13.   Processing of personal data

Any personal data collected in this investigation will be treated in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council (17).

A data protection notice that informs all individuals of the processing of personal data in the framework of Commission’s trade defence activities is available on DG Trade’s Internet: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/accessing- markets/trade-defence/

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(1)  OJ C 168, 5.5.2021, p. 5.

(2)  OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21.

(3)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/141 of 26 January 2017 imposing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain stainless steel tube and pipe butt-welding fittings, whether or not finished, originating in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan (OJ L 22, 27.01.2017, p. 14).

(4)  Commission Staff Working Document, on Significant Distortions in the Economy of the People’s Republic of China for the Purposes of Trade Defence Investigations, 20 December 2017, SWD(2017) 483 final/2, available at: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2017/december/tradoc_156474.pdf

(5)  Overcapacity in China: an impediment to the Party’s reform agenda

(6)  OECD Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, What’s the issue?

(7)  Global Forum on steel excess capacity, Ministerial Report, 20 September 2018

(8)  Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/635 of 16 April 2021 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain welded pipes and tubes of iron or non-alloyed steel originating in Belarus, the People’s Republic of China and Russia following an expiry review pursuant to Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 132, 19.4.2021, p. 145) and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/508 of 7 April 2020 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of certain hot rolled stainless steel sheets and coils originating in Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan (OJ L 110, 8.4.2020, p. 3).

(9)  Documents cited in the country report may also be obtained upon a duly reasoned request.

(10)  OJ C 86, 16.3.2020, p. 6 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020XC0316%2802%29).

(11)  All references to the publication of this Notice will be references to publication of this Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union, unless otherwise specified.

(12)  A producer is any company in the countries concerned which produces the product under review, including any of its related companies involved in the production, domestic sales or exports of the product under review.

(13)  Only importers not related to producers in the country(ies) concerned can be sampled. Importers that are related to producers have to fill in Annex I to the questionnaire for these producers. In accordance with Article 127 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, two persons shall be deemed to be related if: (a) they are officers or directors of the other person’s business; (b) they are legally recognised partners in business; (c) they are employer and employee; (d) a third party directly or indirectly owns, controls or holds 5 % or more of the outstanding voting stock or shares of both of them; (e) one of them directly or indirectly controls the other; (f) both of them are directly or indirectly controlled by a third person; (g) together they control a third person directly or indirectly; or (h) they are members of the same family (OJ L 343, 29.12.2015, p. 558). Persons shall be deemed to be members of the same family only if they stand in any of the following relationships to one another: (i) husband and wife, (ii) parent and child, (iii) brother and sister (whether by whole or half blood), (iv) grandparent and grandchild, (v) uncle or aunt and nephew or niece, (vi) parent-in-law and son-in-law or daughter-in-law, (vii) brother-in-law and sister-in-law. In accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code, ”person” means a natural person, a legal person, and any association of persons which is not a legal person but which is recognised under Union or national law as having the capacity to perform legal acts (OJ L 269, 10.10.2013, p. 1).

(14)  The data provided by unrelated importers may also be used in relation to aspects of this investigation other than the determination of dumping.

(15)  In case of technical problems please contact the Trade Service Desk by Email: trade-service-desk@ec.europa.eu or by Tel. +32 22979797.

(16)  A ‘Sensitive’ document is a document which is considered confidential pursuant to Article 19 of the basic Regulation and Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Anti-Dumping Agreement). It is also a document protected pursuant to Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43).

(17)  Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 and Decision No 1247/2002/EC (OJ L 295, 21.11.2018, p. 39).

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case M.10569 – KKR / GIP / CYRUSONE)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2022/C 40/02)

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(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1 (the ‘Merger Regulation’).

(2)  OJ C 366, 14.12.2013, p. 5.

Publication of an application for registration of a name pursuant to Article 50(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs

(2022/C 40/03)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 51 of Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within three months from the date of this publication.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

’Wrångebäcksost’

EU No: PDO-SE-02413 – 14 March 2018

PDO (X) PGI ( )

1.   Name(s) [of PDO or PGI]

’Wrångebäcksost’

2.   Member State or Third Country

Sweden

3.   Description of the agricultural product or foodstuff

3.1.   Type of product

Class 1.3. Cheeses

3.2.   Description of the product to which the name in (1) applies

‘Wrångebäcksost’ is the name of a semi-hard cheese made from thermised organic full-fat cow’s milk.

‘Wrångebäcksost’ exhibits the following characteristics:

Shape: The cheese is cylindrical and has a diameter of 30-45 cm and a height of 10-18 cm.

Weight: 8-13 kg.

Ripening period: Not less than 9 months.

Surface: Rind of mould bacteria.

Colour:

Surface: Orange to rust red, with dark-brown tones. The colour varies with age.

Cut surface: Yellowish. The colour varies according to the season and ripening, from a light yellowish beige to a light yellow with streaks of orange.

Texture: The cut surface is compact with occasional holes.

Consistency: Firm and creamy with crystals.

Aroma: Slightly sour with notes of barnyard and milk.

Taste: Full and complex with a long aftertaste, elements of umami and barnyard, a pronounced saltiness and some sweetness.

Eating experience: Melty.

Moisture content: 34-38 %

Fat content: 34-38 %

Fat in dry matter: 55-60 %

Protein content: 21-24 %

Salt content: 1,7-2,1 %

Volatile carboxylic acids: 14-27 mmol/kg

Free amino acids: 32-46 g/kg

Ratio of oleic acid to palmitic acid: 0,8-0,9

3.3.   Feed (for products of animal origin only) and raw materials (for processed products only)

The dairy cattle’s feed is key to obtaining the typical characteristics of ‘Wrångebäcksost’. During the summer period, from 15 April to 15 October, the cows live outdoors. During this period the feed consists primarily of grass and herbs from pastures in the Guldkroken region. The pastures consist mainly of cultivated grassland and of some natural pastures.

During the period when too little grass grows on the pastures to provide sufficient feed, the cows are fed a feed mix consisting of silage, straw, cereals (barley (Hordeum vulgare), oats (Avena sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum)), field beans / broad beans (Vicia faba), rapeseed oil cake (made from grains of oilseed rape (Brassica napus)), minerals, salt and lime.

The grassland is sown with a mix of meadow seeds (white clover (Trifolium repens), timothy (Phleum pratense), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis), English ryegrass (Lolium perenne), creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra), common meadow grass (Poa pratensis), chicory (Cichorium intybus), caraway (Cuminum cyminum) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), while arable meadows are sown with a seed mix including red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), lucerne (Medicago sativa), timothy (Phleum pratense), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) and English ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

The grassland is maintained for 6-8 years and the arable meadows for 3-5 years before they are planted again. The long fallow periods make it possible for the seed bank in the soil and the seeds blown in by the wind from surrounding areas to germinate. This means that the species composition of the grassland and meadows changes from year to year. This change is further encouraged by the mosaic of soil types present on the land and their varying capacity to hold water. Consequently the species growing on the grassland, in particular, gradually start to resemble the species found in natural pastures.

At least 85 % of both concentrates and coarse fodder must be produced within the identified geographical area. Imported feed may only be used in the event of extreme weather conditions that may cause a shortage of farm-produced feed.

‘Wrångebäcksost’ is made from fresh unpasteurised organic whole cow’s milk produced in the area referred to in point 4. The milk comes mainly from cows of the SLB and Brown Swiss breeds and their crosses. The cows are milked twice a day. The milk is chilled until it is used at the cheese dairy. Milk used to make ‘Wrångebäcksost’ must not be more than 24 hours old.

The quality of the milk, rather than the cows’ breed, determines the properties of ‘Wrångebäcksost’. The number of spores and bacteria should be below 20 and 50 for enterococci and spores, respectively. The fat and protein contents vary between 3,8 and 4,4 % and 2,9 and 3,3 %, respectively, depending on the season. The levels are the highest in the winter. When making ‘Wrångebäcksost’, the fat-to-protein ratio should be around 1,15-1,30.

The proportion of free fatty acids, such as butyric acid and capric acid, which can make the cheese rancid, must be kept low (3,0-3,5 mmol/10 kg) so that the cheese can be ripened for the long period of time required for ‘Wrångebäcksost’ to acquire its typical characteristics.

When making ‘Wrångebäcksost’, only the addition of bovine rennet and mesophilic starter cultures is permitted. ‘Wrångebäcksost’ does not contain any additives other than cooking salt (NaCl).

3.4.   Specific steps in production that must take place in the identified geographical area

All the steps, from pasturage and milk production to curdling must be carried out in the identified geographical area referred to in point 4.

3.5.   Specific rules concerning slicing, grating, packaging, etc. of the product the registered name refers to

–

3.6.   Specific rules concerning labelling of the product the registered name refers to

–

4.   Concise definition of the geographical area

The production area for ‘Wrångebäcksost’ consists of the region along the western shore of Lake Vättern, which is traditionally called ‘Guldkroken’. It comprises the parishes of Grevbäck, Mofalla, urban and rural Hjo, and Norra and Södra Fågelås.

5.   Link with the geographical area

The Guldkroken region is an elongated plain situated between Lake Vättern in the east and the Hökensås massif, a spur of the Tiveden range, in the west. The majority of the region consists of open agricultural land.

The location of Guldkroken is comparatively favourable to agriculture. The Hökensås massif provides shelter from westerly winds, while the proximity to Lake Vättern, Europe’s fifth largest lake, has a moderating effect on temperature. This gives Guldkroken a somewhat higher average temperature than in surrounding areas (about 6 °C). Similarly, the number of sunshine hours is higher and the average precipitation slightly lower (about 500 mm, with the maximum in mid- and late summer and the minimum in mid-winter).

The soil consists of a blend of soil types – clay, fine sand, silt, sandy soil, mossy soil and chernozem – that create a variety of farming conditions on the individual grasslands and arable meadows. The run-off from Hökensås, whether it is visible or takes place underground, contributes to this mosaic.

Owing to the favourable natural conditions for both feed and livestock production, feed is today produced extensively in Guldkroken for the organic (KRAV-approved) production of milk, which is the basis for making ‘Wrångebäcksost’.

At the end of the Middle Ages, Guldkroken was home to the production of cheese for the Östergötland monasteries in Alvastra and Vadstena. After the Reformation, dairy production became primarily a domestic activity. Cheese started being produced for sale in the mid-19th century. At the turn of the 20th century there were about 15 dairies in Guldkroken. The cheeses made were often known under the name of the farm where they were produced. ‘Wrångebäcksost’ is one of these cheeses that was originally produced at a dairy farm called Wrångebäck.

The commercial production of ‘Wrångebäcksost’ ceased in the 1960s and resumed in 2008 under the leadership of the cheesemaker who, in the 1960s, was responsible for producing ‘Wrångebäcksost’. Therefore the know-how related to the making and processing of the cheese, acquired by the cheesemaker from his predecessor, and that had been passed on from one dairy producer to the next since 1889, could be transferred to a new generation of dairy producers. ‘Wrångebäcksost’ continues to be produced on a craft basis, in accordance with the original recipe.

The cheese is pressed under whey and ripened at 90-94 % humidity. During the first three months, the cheese is ripened at 14-15 °C on shelves of close-grained fir. For the first three weeks, the cheeses are turned daily. During this time the cheeses are also washed daily with a 5 % salt solution (NaCl) to encourage the growth of micro-organisms on the cheese’s surface and protect it from the undesired growth of mould. The cheese is turned and washed with a salt solution three times a week for the following two months.

The maturation process continues at 10-11 °C and 90-94 % humidity. During this period, the cheese is turned and washed with a salt solution once a week.

‘Wrångebäcksost’ is ripened until it reaches the age of at least nine months. The cheese’s weight decreases by approximately 12-14 % during ripening.

The washing with a salt solution results in the growth of mould bacteria, including Brevibacterium linens ssp., on the cheese. Many of the varieties of these bacteria are site-specific and grow on the surface of the cheese. These micro-organisms are transferred from cheese to cheese by washing older cheeses with a salt solution that is then used to wash younger cheeses. Mould bacteria have a marked effect on the cheese’s aroma and flavour and are very important during the maturation process in order for the cheese to obtain the characteristics of ‘Wrångebäcksost’.

The characteristics of ‘Wrångebäcksost’ also depend on the human capacity to use, harness and manage the natural conditions of Guldkroken in order to produce animal feed and milk. The selection of the seed mixes for the grassland and arable meadows is adapted to the diverse growing conditions in Guldkroken and to the organic certification requirements and the dairy animals’ need for good feed so that they can produce high-quality milk that can be used to make ‘Wrångebäcksost’.

High milk quality, a well-controlled cheese-making process and a well-adapted ripening strategy are prerequisites for the good ripening capacity and very low levels of volatile carboxylic acids that characterise ‘Wrångebäcksost’. It is those same conditions that enable the proteolysis and relatively high arginine deamination that give rise to the intense aroma formation of ‘Wrångebäcksost’.

It is thanks to the provision of suitable high-quality feed to the dairy animals that ‘Wrångebäcksost’ has the ideal ratio of oleic acid to palmitic acid. The relationship between oleic acid and palmitic acid is also the reason for the creaminess that characterises ‘Wrångebäcksost’ and for it being described as ‘melty’ in sensory analyses.

The properties of ‘Wrångebäcksost’ differ markedly from those of the traditional semi-hard European cheeses made from thermised milk. The characteristics are the result of a well-integrated production process, from the production of the feed to the ripe cheese, that is based on a long tradition of artisan activity.

Reference to publication of the specification

(the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of this Regulation)

https://www.livsmedelsverket.se/globalassets/produktion-handel-kontroll/livsmedelsinformation-markning-halsopastaenden/skyddade-beteckningar/2017-01461-34-ansokan_wrangebacksost_2020_06_14.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 1.

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2022/C 40/04)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATION OF STANDARD AMENDMENT MODIFYING THE SINGLE DOCUMENT

‘Almansa’

PDO-ES-A0044-AM04

Date of communication: 26 October 2021

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1.   The terminology used for the analytical parameters of residual sugar has been brought into line with the legislation in force

Description:

The ‘residual sugar’ analytical parameter has been renamed ‘total sugars expressed as glucose plus fructose’ in accordance with Article 20 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/34 of 17 October 2018, which provides for the determination of total sugars expressed in terms of fructose and glucose.

Point 2.1 of the product specification has been amended, but the single document is not affected.

This is a standard amendment as it adapts the terminology used for the physical and chemical characteristics, but does not entail any change to the final product. The product retains the characteristics and profile described in the link, which result from the interplay between natural and human factors. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

It was necessary to specify the way in which the wines’ sugar content is expressed.

2.   Revision of analytical parameters

Description:

The following changes have been made: reduction of the acidity and reduction of the colour limit for red wines.

The types of wines have also been changed to the following: dry white and rosé wines, dry red wine, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines, and quality sparkling wines.

Point 2 of the product specification and point 4 of the single document have been amended.

This is a standard amendment as it does not entail any changes to the final product. The product retains the characteristics and profile described in the link, which result from the interplay between natural and human factors. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

Total acidity reduced by 0,5 g/l: In recent years average temperatures have increased, which has led to a general decline in acidity for all grape varieties. As a result, the wines present lower total acidity levels, which decrease even further during the prolonged time they spend in the barrel due to the precipitation of salts from the tartaric acid. It is therefore necessary to adjust the physico-chemical parameters.

Lower minimum colour limit for red wines: Different grape varieties coexist in the production area of the ‘Almansa’ designation of origin. On the one hand, Garnacha Tintorera naturally results in wines with a very high colour potential, while on the other hand, Monastrell and Garnacha Tinta produce smoother wines with medium colour intensity. In general, over the last decade, markets have been demanding fruitier monovarietal wines, which appeal to new generations of consumers entering wine culture. The oenologists at each winery must have the tools necessary to produce wines that appeal to national and international markets while retaining the characteristics offered by our production area and varieties.

Lowering the minimum colour intensity limit for red wines does not lead to a drop in quality; on the contrary, it broadens the range of options provided by the different grape varieties in the area, producing more subtle, complex and attractive wines.

3.   Redefinition of the organoleptic characteristics

Description:

The organoleptic descriptions of the different types of wine have been rewritten.

Point 2.2 of the product specification and point 4 of the single document have been amended.

This is a standard amendment as it adapts the organoleptic characteristics so that they can be better assessed in sensory analysis, and it does not entail a change to the product. The product retains the characteristics and profile described in the link, which result from the interplay between environmental and human factors. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

The implementation of standard UNE-EN-ISO 17065 in the verification of the specification makes it necessary to amend the organoleptic description of the wines covered so that their characteristics can be linked to descriptors that can be assessed by a tasting panel meeting the criteria laid down in the UNE-EN-ISO 17025 standard.

4.   Adaptation of specific oenological practices

Description:

—	Certain oenological requirements have been removed and the rate for processing red grapes into wine has been increased so that the yield does not exceed 74 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes; in white grape varieties, the yield is kept at 70 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes.

—	The mixing of white and red grape varieties has been prohibited.

—	Limits have been set on the grapes’ alcoholic potential.

—	Heating techniques to force colour extraction have been prohibited.

Points 3 and 5 of the product specification and point 5 of the single document have been amended.

This is a standard amendment as it does not entail any changes to the product. The product retains the characteristics and profile described in the link, which result from the interplay between natural and human factors. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

Like any agri-food industry, the wine sector has undergone technological developments in recent years. These developments offer new tools to oenologists to make wines more attractive, sustainable and environmentally friendly. The oenological practices set out in the specification are outdated in many respects and do not take into account new oenological technologies, new types of production or the new types of wine currently demanded by the markets. These oenological practices include fully fermenting sugars, setting minimum maceration times, placing limits on fermentation temperatures and limiting wine extraction to 70 %, which not only help to improve the quality of the wine, but in many respects require the technicians to extract only the best from the grapes in each production batch. In view of the above, oenological practices must be geared towards the production of quality wine, so that each team of technicians’ knowledge, experience and ability contribute to the application of the best techniques that comply with the characteristics of the wines covered by the ‘Almansa’ designation of origin as laid down in the specification.

The increase in yield from 70 litres to 74 litres per 100 kilograms of red grapes is based on the fact that, when subjected to slightly higher pressure in the presses, some of the varieties in this production area, such as Monastrell, Cabernet, Garnacha and Merlot, produce musts with a concentration of very high-quality polyphenols, which under the existing rules must be discarded in order not to exceed the established limit.

The quality of the wines produced from some varieties under the ‘Almansa’ PDO which are less rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols would be improved by this increase of 4 %, resulting in a wine with a higher concentration of these compounds.

As regards the ban on mixing red and white grapes, the aim is to maintain the expressiveness and character of the red wines from our area, the high concentration of colour, tannins and aroma provided by our red grapes being a fundamental and distinguishing characteristic of our designation of origin. This type of mixing is therefore considered to undermine this character and to distance us from the essential differentiating factor on which our designation of origin is based by removing one of our most important hallmarks.

As regards the potential alcoholic strength of the grapes, it has been shown in oenological terms that the ripeness of the grapes is a key factor in the production of quality wines. The grapes that are below the set limits when harvested will produce wines with qualities that do not reflect the true character of our designation of origin, undermining the image and prestige of this wine-growing area.

Likewise, one of the aims of this designation of origin is to distinguish our wines from those of other areas. This would not be possible without trying to extract the full potential our grapes have to offer.

As regards heating techniques, the period of macerating the skins with the must is essential for extracting the characteristics of each grape variety. The techniques used to extract colour by heating do not preserve the skins for long enough to imbue the wines with the aromas and flavours obtained in traditional maceration. They produce wines of good quality but which lose the distinctive character of the ‘Almansa’ PDO. For this reason, these techniques have been prohibited.

5.   Addition of new wine grape variety(ies)

Description:

Two new varieties have been added: Macabeo under white varieties and Cabernet Franc under red varieties.

Point 6 of the product specification has been amended. The single document is not affected as they have been added as secondary varieties.

This is a standard amendment resulting in the production of the same types of wine with the same characteristics and profile as described in the link, which derive from the interplay between natural and human factors. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

These varieties are already planted within the ‘Almansa’ PDO production area, producing wines that maintain the characteristics laid down in the specification for wines covered by this designation of origin, and their inclusion is justified on the basis of current market demand.

6.   Redrafting of further conditions (labelling)

Description:

The percentage of a variety required in order to mention only that variety has been changed. Two traditional terms (‘Superior’ and ‘Rancio’) have also been deleted.

Point 8 of the product specification and point 9 of the single document have been amended.

This is a standard amendment as it constitutes an update to the legislation and adaptation to the applicable requirements. This amendment allows production of the same types of wine with the same characteristics as those of the protected product. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

In the first paragraph, the percentage of a specific vine variety required in order to mention only that variety has been amended to 85 %. This has therefore been brought into line with the applicable legislation (Article 50(a)(i) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33). In the third paragraph, two traditional terms have been deleted as they are not used.

7.   Update to the certification bodies and the legislation in force

Description:

The list of approved control bodies and the reference to the EU regulations in force have been updated.

Points 8 and 9 of the product specification have been amended, but the single document is not affected.

This is a standard amendment as it constitutes an update of the list of certification bodies and of the legislation in force. This amendment therefore does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 14(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/33.

Reason:

This information required updating.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1.   Name(s)

Almansa

2.   Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3.   Categories of grapevine product

1.

Wine

5.	Quality sparkling wine

4.   Description of the wine(s)

1.   Dry white and rosé wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The white wines are light, of moderate alcoholic strength, and range from paler yellow to more golden yellow in colour. Fruit sensations dominate, but can combine with woody and toasted aromas. Good acidity, fresh and fruity flavours. Light woody and toasted flavours may appear.

The rosé wines are strawberry pink to raspberry or salmon in colour. They are fresh and light with medium acidity. In the mouth, they are lively and fruity.

*	The maximum total alcoholic strength is within the legal limits set by the relevant EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

11,5

Minimum total acidity

4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

10

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

180

2.   Semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet white, rosé and red wines

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The appearance and aroma of these wines resemble those of other dry wines produced from the same variety.

Their flavour is balanced in terms of alcoholic strength, acidity and residual sugar content.

*	The maximum total alcoholic strength is within the legal limits set by the relevant EU legislation.

*	Maximum total sulphur dioxide: 180 mg/l if the total sugar content exceeds 5 g/l expressed as fructose plus glucose, and the limit laid down in legislation if the total sugar content is less than 5 g/l expressed as fructose plus glucose.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

9

Minimum total acidity

3 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

16,7

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

—

3.   Dry red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

These may range from medium to high colour intensity, with shades ranging from red to violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby, and may present brick-red tones.

Medium to high intensity with clean aromas, while also allowing for woody and toasted aromas.

Medium to high intensity, well-balanced and well-structured, these wines may present characteristic woody flavours with toasted hints.

*	The maximum total alcoholic strength is within the legal limits set by the relevant EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

12

Minimum total acidity

4 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

11,7

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

150

4.   Quality sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Fine and long-lasting bubbles, pale to golden and brilliant shades for white wines, pink to tile-coloured shades for rosé wines. Aromas are clean and fruity. ‘Reserva’ wines have intense aromas. Balanced in the mouth, with a structure that is easy on the palate.

*	The maximum total alcoholic strength is within the legal limits set by the relevant EU legislation.

GENERAL ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)

—

Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)

10

Minimum total acidity

3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid

Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)

13,3

Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

185

5.   Wine-making practices

5.1.    Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

When extracting the must or wine and separating it from the pomace, the right pressure must be applied to ensure that the yield does not exceed 74 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of red grapes and 70 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of white grapes.

For the production of red wines, the minimum maceration time is 48 hours.

Blending white wine and red wine varieties is not permitted.

The wooden containers used in the ageing processes must be made of oak and have a capacity that complies with the volume limits laid down by the legislation in force for the use of certain traditional terms.

Ageing in barrels.

5.2.    Maximum yields

Goblet-trained white varieties

7 860 kilograms of grapes per hectare

55 hectolitres per hectare

Goblet-trained red varieties

6 430 kilograms of grapes per hectare

47,58 hectolitres per hectare

Trellised white varieties

11 430 kilograms of grapes per hectare

80 hectolitres per hectare

Trellised red varieties

10 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

74 hectolitres per hectare

6.   Demarcated geographical area

The area includes parcels and sub-parcels located in the following municipalities:

—

Almansa

—

Alpera

—

Bonete

—	Corral Rubio

—	Higueruela

—	Hoya Gonzalo

—

Pétrola

—	Chinchilla: the area bounded by service road AB-402 (going from Horna to Venta de Alhama) and bordering on one side the municipalities of Pétrola and Corral Rubio and on the other the municipalities of Bonete, Higueruela and Hoya Gonzalo.

7.   Main wine grape variety(ies)

GARNACHA TINTORERA

MONASTRELL

VERDEJO

8.   Description of the link(s)

8.1.    Wine

The production area of the ‘Almansa’ designation of origin is located in a climate transition zone. The vineyards are situated on lowlands characterised by permeable soils that are rich in limestone and low in nutrients. The average precipitation is low, at 250 mm/year. The low rainfall, permeability of the soil and low yield allow the production of wines with a strong aroma and intense colour.

8.2.    Quality sparkling wine

The extreme temperatures and the richness of the limestone soil enables cultivation of the authorised varieties, which give the wines body and balance. Similarly the lack of rainfall and the hours of sunlight produce a natural alcoholic strength enabling the production of wines with the established levels of alcoholic strength. For the production of sparkling wines, the wines referred to in the preceding paragraph are used as the cuvée, so the description of their link also applies to sparkling wines.

9.   Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

In order to use the name of a single specific vine variety, it is necessary for at least 85 % of the grapes to come from that variety and for this to be recorded in the wine registers.

Link to the product specification

http://pagina.jccm.es/agricul/paginas/comercial-industrial/consejos_new/pliegos/Mod_AM04%20_ALMANSA_cc_20210423.pdf

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(1)  OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.