In view of the potentially large number of exporting producers in the Mainland of China involved in this partial interim review and in order to complete the investigation within the statutory time limits, the Commission may apply sampling.  To enable the Commission to decide whether sampling is necessary and, if so, to select a sample, all exporting 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 requested to provide the information requested in Annex I to the notice, including their identities and contact details, turnover and sales volume, activities of their companies/related companies, and indication of agreement to their possible inclusion in the sample which will involve completing a questionnaire and accepting a visit at their premises in order to verify their responses.  Such information should reach the Commission within 15 days from 18 December 2013, unless otherwise specified.

All interested parties wishing to submit any other relevant information regarding the selection of the sample must do so within 21 days from 18 December 2013, unless otherwise specified.

If a sample is necessary, the exporting producers may be selected based on the largest representative volume of exports to the Union which can reasonably be investigated within the time available.  All known exporting producers, the authorities of the Mainland of China, and associations of exporting producers will be notified of the companies selected to be in the sample.  All exporting producers selected to be in the sample and any known association of exporting producers will have to submit a completed questionnaire within 37 days from the date of notification of the sample selection, unless otherwise specified. 

All interested parties are invited to make their views known, submit information and to provide supporting evidence within 37 days from 18 December 2013, unless otherwise specified.  They may also request to be heard by the Commission investigation services.  Any request to be heard must be made in writing and should specify the reasons for the request.  For hearings on issues pertaining to the initial stage of the investigation, the request must be submitted within 15 days from 18 December 2013.  Thereafter, a request to be heard must be submitted within the specific deadlines set by the Commission in its communication with the parties.

Interested parties are required to make all submissions and requests in electronic format (non-confidential submissions via e-mail, confidential ones on CD-R/DVD), and must indicate their name, address, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers.  However, any powers of attorney, signed certifications, and any updates thereof, accompanying questionnaire replies must be submitted on paper, i.e. by post or by hand, at the address below.  If an interested party cannot provide its submissions and requests in electronic format, it must immediately contact the Commission.  For further information concerning correspondence with the Commission, interested parties may consult the relevant web page on the website of the Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade): http://ec.europa.eu/trade/tackling-unfair-trade/trade-defence.