Kitchen Cabinet Group Backs Commerce Dept. Plan on Asian Imports

A new Commerce Department certification process that aims to restrict imports of Asian cabinets and components is getting backing from the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is now proposing a new set of procedures that are aimed at preventing the importation of Chinese-made cabinets and cabinet components used to complete products finished in Malaysia and Vietnam that may be circumventing American anti-dumping and duty regulations. Under the provisions, which were introduced in early April, both importers and exporters would be required to certify country of origin for these products. If enacted the new regulations could be finalized by June.

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, in backing the new provisions, said it sees this as “a great step forward as we work to ensure that all cabinets and components flowing through Malaysia and Vietnam are manufactured in those countries, not in the People’s Republic of China.”

The organization’s CEO Betsy Natz, in commenting, added “On behalf of KCMA-member companies, I commend the Commerce Dept. for its continued efforts to enforce existing anti-dumping and countervailing duty orders, and stop the cheating.”

The organization has charged that Chinese companies were getting around existing duties and regulations by transshipping components, including doors, drawer faces and frames to Malaysia and Vietnam where they were then completed and shipped to the U.S.

Companies have the opportunity to comment and submit rebuttals by April 26, the Reston, VA-based organization said. “As we move forward, KCMA will continue our work to fight for fair trade and ensure that domestic cabinet manufacturers are competing on a level playing field,” Natz said.

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