The Russian manufacturing association Rosmetiz has confirmed to Fastener+Fixing Magazine that the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has initiated an investigation concerning imported steel bolts and steel nuts.  The decision to commence a  ‘special protective investigation reflects concern over the increase in imports of steel bolts and steel nuts to the Russian Federation customs territory  and was made in response to representations from two Russian enterprises – MMK-Metiz and Severstal-metiz.

 
The investigation will cover the following fastener ranges:

 
- Steel bolts from M6 to M30 diameter inclusive, with or without nuts or washers, in different strength grades, and whether plated or not plated

 
- Steel nuts thread diameters from M5 to M30 inclusive, of various strength grades, whether plated or not.

 
- Steel Spring washers from M6 to M42 diameter, whether plated or not

 
These product ranges correspond, says Rosmetiz, to the foreign tariff codes used in the Russian Federation since January, 1, 2007: 

 
- 7318 15 810 0, 7318 15 890 0, 7318 15 900 9, 7318 16 910 9, 7318 16 990 0, 7318 21 000 9.

 
It is understood that the investigation will not be considering fasteners or parts intended specifically for motor vehicle assembly or sub-assemblies.

 
The investigation is not limited to any specific country of origin. It is authorized by order number 393 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation dated on May, 7, 2009 and commenced on 14 May 2009The full text of the order (in Russian) can be downloaded from the Rosmetiz website using this link: 

 http://www.rosmetiz.ru/upload/files/antidemping/fasteners_antidemping_ru_2009.pdf