IDS Data for General Factfinding Investigations

IDS provides a new perspective and new information on general factfinding investigations at the Commission. Due to the restructuring of data in IDS and the addition of new data points, new fields and presentations exist in IDS that were not part of previously released information. All data in IDS for general factfinding investigations that started October 2021 and later will be accurate and complete.

For those investigations starting between October 2015 and October 2021 certain data will be complete. These data include investigation name, number, phase type, title, who requested the investigation, the official start date, other important dates, countries covered, staff contact information, and links to EDIS, the request letter and other important documents.

Commission staff are currently in the process of reviewing all data back to October 2015 to ensure that they are accurate and complete. To date, staff have reviewed all data back to 2021. In FY 2023 and beyond, additional years of historical data will be reviewed until all data have been evaluated back to October 2015 with the goal of completing this review by 2025.

Note: Factfinding data contained in IDS has been transferred from various database systems and is routinely maintained by Commission staff using multiple sources. As we work to review historical data, please let us know if you see something amiss. Additionally, prior to October 2022, recurring investigations were instituted under the same investigation number for every cycle. Beginning in October 2022, these investigations will be instituted with new investigation numbers each cycle.

Legacy data: Any data for general factfinding investigations that occurred prior to October 2015 are sourced from legacy data systems and are presented here as is. Except for investigation name, number, and phase type these data have not been reviewed for accuracy and should be used with that in mind.

If you have any questions, need assistance using IDS, and/or see any issues please email IDS-Help@usitc.gov

IDS General Factfinding FAQs

What factfinding information does the Investigation Data System provide?
IDS provides specific information on individual investigations. The investigation page provides the study title, who requested the study along with a link to the request letter, the official start date, as well as other important dates, countries covered, staff contact information, and links to EDIS and other important documents.
When is a factfinding investigation added to Investigation Data System?
The Commission creates a factfinding IDS investigation page when the Commission approves initiation of the request.
How can I access a factfinding investigation in Investigation Data System?

Type in a keyword or investigation number in the search bar to access the investigation page.

IDS case faq 1
How can I identify who requested an investigation in Investigation Data System?
Open the investigation page and under the Factfinding section look for Requestor. USTR represents The United States Trade Representative; W&M is the House Ways and Means Committee; and SFC is the Senate Finance Committee. Less frequently, the investigation is requested by legislation rather than USTR or one of the committees. It will be noted in the Requester field.
How can I find out when a factfinding investigation hearing will be held?
Type in a keyword or investigation number in the search bar to access the investigation page. Go to the Dates section of the investigation page to view hearing dates and other related information (e.g., pre-, and post-hearing briefs due dates).
How do I find factfinding documents in Investigation Data System (e.g., request letters, news releases)?
Type in a keyword or investigation number in the Investigation Data System search bar to access the investigation page. Look under the Documents Links section.