Anti-dumping investigations in the European Union

You are on the information portal on anti-dumping investigations by the European Commission. Here companies can find information and practical tips on the procedures, interests involved and implications of the European Anti-Dumping Regulation (Regulation 2016/1036 on protective measures against dumped imports from non-EU countries).

The European Commission (the “Commission”) may initiate an anti-dumping investigation when it suspects that products from third countries – i.e. outside the European Union – are being imported into the internal market of the European Union (”EU”) at artificially low prices. Dumping occurs when the export price of a product is lower than the normal value on the domestic market of the exporting producer.

Dumping can cause significant harm to the European industry, hindering its ability to effectively compete. The potential consequences of dumping include loss of customers, underutilisation of production facilities and, ultimately, even the closure of companies and the loss of jobs. Conversely, anti-dumping duties are not intended to protect inefficient market players against fair competition from outside the EU.

If dumping is established, the Commission may impose long-lasting anti-dumping duties to raise the price of the imported goods on the European market and level the playing field. The level of the duty may vary from exporter to exporter and depends, among other things, on the degree of cooperation during the investigation.

The following parties are involved in an anti-dumping:

• EU producers: they can lodge or support a complaint with the Commission;
• Non-European exporters: they can defend themselves against alleged dumping;
• European importers: they can comment on, among other things, the impact of the duties and the scope of the products concerned; and
• End users: they can comment on the Union interest, including impact of the duties.

For each of these groups it is crucial to act swiftly. The Commission applies short deadlines during the investigation and sets high standards for the evidence that parties must provide. Adequate and timely cooperation with the investigation is essential to influence the outcome of the anti-dumping investigation.