Q: What is dumping?
Dumping occurs when a product is exported to the EU at a price lower than its normal value on the exporter’s domestic market.
Q: Why is dumping considered a problem?
It can harm EU producers by creating unfair competition and driving prices down artificially. The European Commission aims to protect EU producers from unfair trading practices and to restore fair competition.
Q: What is an anti-dumping measure?
A measure, usually in the form of an import duty, imposed by the EU to offset injury caused by dumped imports. These measures consist of duties imposed by the European Commission but are collected by the national customs authorities.
Q: Who can trigger an anti-dumping investigation?
An investigation is triggered if it is established that a complaint has been filed on behalf of the EU industry. That is, in any event, the case if the complaint is supported by EU producers whose collective output exceeds 50% of the total EU production. In practice, at least 25% of the total EU production must expressly support the complaint.
Q: What must an anti-dumping complaint include?
The complaint must provide evidence on the basis of which it is reasonable to conclude that dumping has occurred. Additionally, it must be apparent from the complaint that the alleged dumping is causing injury to the EU industry.
Q: How long does the entire process of an anti-dumping investigation take?
Within seven months after the start of the investigation, the European Commission publishes its preliminary findings. The entire investigation must be concluded within 14 months after the start of the investigation. Anti-dumping investigations are therefore characterised by a relatively short but intensive process – much shorter than antitrust investigations. The timeline to respond, for instance, to the European Commission’s questionnaire after initiation of the investigation is often 30 to 37 days.
Q: What types of anti-dumping measures exist?
Typically, two types of measures are used: ad valorem duties and specific duties. Ad valorem duties add a percentage to the import price of the product concerned. In case of specific duties, a fixed duty for a certain amount is imposed. The European Commission may also accept a price commitment from an exporter to revise its prices or to cease exports at dumped prices if the injury is thereby eliminated.
Q: How long do anti-dumping measures typically apply?
Definitive measures typically apply up to five years, although measure can get extended by means of an expiry review before the initial five-year period ends. During the investigation also provisional measures can be imposed after 7 months, which can apply for up to 9 months (i.e. until a final decision is taken by the European Commission).
Q: Is it possible for the European Commission to impose fines for not cooperating with the investigation or for dumping practices in general?
No, the European Commission does not have the power to impose fines for non-cooperation or for dumping practices. However, non-cooperation by exporters can result in higher anti-dumping duties.
Q: Can duty rates differ between exporters?
Yes, this depends on the individual level of dumping and/or injury per exporter. If the number of cooperating exporters involved is limited, they can request an individual dumping calculation which can be lower than the general level of dumping based on the sampled exporters. In principle, exporters that cooperate with the investigation often receive lower rates than those that do not.
Q: Are exporters obliged to cooperate in the investigation?
Exporters are not obliged to take part in the investigation. However, they are often subject to higher duties than in the situation where they would have cooperated. For example, lower anti-dumping rates can be imposed on cooperating exporters based on their own data rather than average duty rates based on sampled exporters.
Q: Which parties can take part in the investigation?
EU producers, exporters from outside the EU, importers in the EU, end users of the product concerned, trade associations and even consumer organisations.
Q: How can importers or end users get involved?
Importers and end users can respond to the complainants, for example regarding the alleged injury to the EU industry. They can also provide input on product definition and the calculation of the normal value, including the choice of the representative country. They can also comment on the negative effects of duties being imposed (e.g. shortage of supply or higher consumer prices).
Q: How often are anti-dumping investigations initiated by the European Commission?
Roughly 2 per month (as per mid-2025 figures).
Q: Which sectors are most often targeted in anti-dumping investigations?
In principle, any sector importing goods into the EU can be targeted. In practice, metal products, chemicals, building materials and other mass production goods are most often targeted. Other examples are electric cars, candles, hand pallet trucks, decor paper, tyres and fibre optic cables.
Q: What is the legal basis for the procedure?
EU Regulation 2016/1036, often referred to as the ‘Basic Regulation’.
Q: Who conducts the investigation?
The European Commission, Directorate General Trade.
Q: What is a provisional duty?
A temporary duty imposed during the anti-dumping investigation to prevent injury while the investigation is still ongoing, i.e. prior to the definitive decision.
Q. What is circumvention of anti-dumping duties?
Anti-dumping measures can be extended to other countries, if undertakings circumvent the anti-dumping duties. Circumvention is defined as a change in the pattern of trade which stems from a practice for which there is insufficient due cause or economic justification other than the imposition of the duty. There should also be evidence of dumping and of injury or undermining of prices and/or quantities.
Q: What if the investigation finds no dumping or no injury?
No measures are imposed, and any provisional duties are withdrawn.
