Regulation Strengthening Accountability of Attorneys and Non-Attorney Representatives Appearing Before the Department

Resumo

The Department of Commerce (the Department) proposes to amend its regulations to add a subsection that strengthens the accountability of attorneys and non-attorney representatives who appear in proceedings before the Import Administration (IA). If this proposed rule is implemented, the Department will continue its long-standing practice of permitting attorneys and non-attorney representatives to appear before IA. The proposed rule provides that both attorneys and non-attorney representatives will be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct based upon good cause. The proposed rule will assist the Department in maintaining the integrity of its proceedings by deterring misconduct by those who appear before it in antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) proceedings. The Department is requesting comments on the proposed rule as discussed in more detail below.