12.1.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L7 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 33/2006 of 9 January 2006 extending the definitive anti-dumping duty imposed by Regulation (EC) No 2074/2004 on imports of certain ring-binder mechanisms originating in the People’s Republic of China to imports of the same product consigned from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 384/96 of 22 December 1995 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Community (') (the basic Regulation), and in particular Articles 9 and 13 thereof, Having regard to the proposal submitted by the Commission after consulting the Advisory Committee, Whereas: A. PROCEDURE 1. Existing measures (1) By Regulation (EC) No 119/97 (%) (the original Regu- lation), the Council imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of certain ring-binder mechanisms (RBMs or the product concerned) originating in the People’s Republic of China (China), equal to the difference between the minimum import price of EUR 325 per 1 000 pieces for mechanisms with 17 and 23 rings and the net, free-at-Community-frontier price, before duty, ranging from 32,5% to 39,4% for mechanisms other than with 17 and 23 rings. (2)  Following an investigation pursuant to Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 384/96, the Council amended and increased the above duties for mechanisms other than with 17 or 23 rings through Regulation (EC) No 2100/2000 (}) (the anti-absorption investigation). The amended definitive anti-dumping duties ranged from 51,2 % to 78,8 %. L 56, 6.3.1996, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation ) No 4612004 (O] L 77, 13.3.2004, p. 12). %) Of L 22, 24.1.1997, p. 1. L 250, 5.10.2000, p. 1. G) C) By Council Regulation (EC) No 1208/2004 (%), the Council extended the measures imposed by the original Regulation to imports of RBMs consigned from the socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam). Following an expiry review, the duties were re-imposed by Council Regulation (EC) No 2074/2004 (%). 2. Request On 28 February 2005, the Commission received a request pursuant to Article 13(3) of the basic Regulation to investigate the alleged circumvention of the anti- dumping measures imposed on imports of certain RBMs originating in China. The request was submitted by Ring Alliance Ringbuchtechnik GmbH on behalf of producers representing a major proportion of the Community production of certain RBMs (the applicants). The request alleged that the anti-dumping measures in force on imports of certain RBMs originating in China were being circumvented by means of transhipment via Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). The request further alleged that there was insufficient due cause or justification other than the imposition of anti- dumping measures for such change in the pattern of trade and that the remedial effects of the existing anti- dumping measures were being undermined both in terms of quantity and price. Significant volumes of imports of certain RBMs from Laos appeared to have replaced imports of certain RBMs from China and Vietnam. In addition, there was sufficient evidence that this increase in imports was made at prices below the non-injurious price established in the investigation that led to the existing measures. Finally, the applicants alleged that the prices of certain RBMs consigned from Laos were dumped in relation to the normal value previously established for the product concerned. 232, 1.7.2004, p. 1. oJ L 0] L 359, 4.12.2004, p. 11.