Safeguard action investigations

The Productivity Commission (PC) is Australia’s authorised body to undertake inquiries to investigate potential safeguard procedures for Australian industries. Safeguard action is temporary action that may be taken where a surge of imports causes or threatens to cause serious injury to a domestic industry.

Under Australia’s agreement with the World Trade Organisation, Australia can only impose safeguard actions (other than on an interim basis) after a full inquiry by the PC.

Safeguard inquiry initiation

The PC can only undertake a safeguard action inquiry if formally requested to do so by the Treasurer. Australian industry wishing to activate Australia's safeguard procedures should contact the Treasurer, the relevant portfolio Minister responsible for the product involved or the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

If the Australian Government decides to initiate a safeguard investigation, a reference is sent to the PC by the Treasurer. The PC would provide notice of the initiation of a safeguard investigation, engage with importers, exporters and other interested parties on their evidence and their views, and may compel production of relevant information.

Further details

Australia's safeguards investigation procedures are contained in the Commonwealth Gazette No S 297 of 25 June 1998 (as notified to the WTO in document G/SG/N/1/AUS/2 of 2 July 1998) and amended by Commonwealth Gazette No GN39 of 5 October 2005 (as notified to the WTO in document G/SG/N/1/AUS/2/Suppl. 1 of 16 December 2005).

This and more information on safeguard actions is on the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Trade remedies web page.

Email: safeguards@pc.gov.au