EU Countervailing Duties on Chinese Glass Fibre Imports
Quick answer
EU countervailing duties are currently imposed on certain continuous filament glass fibre products imported from China, with specific rates depending on the producer. EU businesses importing these products must comply with detailed customs and documentation requirements to ensure correct duty application and avoid penalties.
Key takeaways
- EU countervailing duties apply to specific types of glass fibre products originating from China, including chopped strands, rovings, and mats, under defined CN and TARIC codes [1].
- Duty rates vary by Chinese producer, ranging approximately from 4.9% to 10.3% on the net, free-at-Union-frontier price [1:1].
- Importers must present valid commercial invoices meeting EU requirements to benefit from company-specific duty rates; otherwise, the highest rate applies [1:2].
- Customs declarations must accurately reflect product classification, origin, and applicable TARIC codes to ensure compliance [1:3].
- Recent amendments and corrections to the regulations have updated duty rates and procedural details, so ongoing monitoring is essential [2].
- Similar duties also apply to glass fibre products from other origins, such as Egypt, but with different rates and regulations [3][4].
- Non-compliance or incorrect declarations may lead to the imposition of the highest duty rate and potential enforcement actions by national customs authorities [1:4].
Understanding EU Countervailing Duties (CVDs)
EU countervailing duties (CVDs) are trade defence measures imposed to offset subsidies provided by non-EU governments to exporters, which can distort fair competition in the EU single market. These duties are applied to imports when the European Commission determines that subsidised imports cause injury to EU producers. CVDs are directly applicable across all Member States and enforced by their customs authorities under the EU’s common customs tariff framework.
For glass fibre products originating in China, the EU has imposed definitive countervailing duties following investigations and expiry reviews pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/1037. These duties aim to neutralise the effects of subsidies granted by the Chinese government to its glass fibre producers, thereby protecting EU industry from unfair pricing advantages [1:5][2:1].
Products and Origin Affected by the CVDs
The EU countervailing duties on Chinese glass fibre imports specifically target continuous filament glass fibre products. The products covered include:
- Chopped glass fibre strands, with a length not exceeding 50 mm.
- Glass fibre rovings, excluding those impregnated and coated with a loss on ignition exceeding 3%, as per ISO Standard 1887.
- Mats made of glass fibre filaments, excluding mats of glass wool.
These products fall under CN codes 7019 11 00, ex 7019 12 00, and 7019 31 00, with corresponding TARIC codes 7019120022, 7019120025, 7019120026, and 7019120039. The duties apply exclusively to products originating in the People’s Republic of China [1:6].
It is important for importers to verify the exact product classification and origin to determine whether the CVD applies.
Who is Affected: Importers and Producers
The primary entities affected by these EU countervailing duties are:
- Importers within the EU single market who bring in the specified glass fibre products from China.
- Chinese producers of the glass fibre products, whose exports are subject to differentiated duty rates depending on their cooperation status and company identity.
The Commission’s regulation lists specific Chinese companies with individual duty rates. For example:
- Jushi Group Co., Ltd and its affiliates face a 10.3% duty.
- Changzhou New Changhai Fiberglass Co., Ltd and related companies have a 4.9% duty.
- Chongqing Polycomp International Corporation is subject to a 9.7% duty.
- Other cooperating companies have a 10.2% duty.
- All other companies not listed face the highest 10.3% duty [1:7].
EU importers must identify the producer of the imported goods and apply the correct duty rate accordingly.
Applicable Duty Rates and TARIC Codes
The definitive countervailing duty rates are applied to the net, free-at-Union-frontier price of the imported product before customs duty. The duty rates are linked to specific TARIC additional codes, which must be declared in customs documentation:
| Company Group | Duty Rate (%) | TARIC Additional Code |
|---|---|---|
| Jushi Group Co., Ltd and affiliates | 10.3 | B990 |
| Changzhou New Changhai Fiberglass Co., Ltd etc. | 4.9 | A983 |
| Chongqing Polycomp International Corporation | 9.7 | B991 |
| Other cooperating companies | 10.2 | (as per Annex I) |
| All other companies | 10.3 | A999 |
These codes must be correctly used in the customs declaration to ensure the proper duty rate is applied. If the importer fails to provide evidence of the producer or uses incorrect TARIC codes, the highest duty rate (10.3%) will generally apply [1:8].
Key Compliance Requirements for Importers
To comply with EU countervailing duties on Chinese glass fibre imports, EU businesses should:
- Verify product classification and origin: Confirm that the goods fall under the specified CN and TARIC codes and originate in China.
- Identify the producer: Obtain accurate information on the Chinese manufacturer to apply the correct duty rate.
- Secure valid commercial invoices: The Commission requires presentation of commercial invoices that meet specific requirements to customs authorities. These invoices must clearly identify the producer and product details to benefit from company-specific duty rates [1:9].
- Declare correct TARIC codes and additional codes: Use the correct TARIC codes and additional duty codes in customs declarations.
- Maintain records: Keep documentation supporting the origin, classification, and producer identity for potential audits by customs authorities.
- Monitor regulatory updates: Stay informed of any amendments or corrections to the regulations imposing these duties, as rates and procedural requirements may change [2:2].
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to the imposition of the highest duty rate, delays in customs clearance, or enforcement actions.
The Role of Customs and Documentation
The customs authorities of each EU Member State are responsible for enforcing EU countervailing duties. They control imports at the point of entry and verify declarations, documentation, and compliance with applicable regulations.
Key documentation includes:
- Commercial invoices: Must conform to the Commission’s specifications, identifying the producer and product details.
- Customs declarations: Must accurately reflect the product’s CN and TARIC codes, origin, and applicable countervailing duty code.
- Proof of origin: Documentation proving the goods originate from China is essential.
- Supporting documents: Any certificates or supplier declarations that substantiate the classification and origin.
Customs may request additional information or conduct audits to verify compliance. Incorrect or incomplete documentation can lead to the application of the highest duty rate or penalties.
Recent Updates and What They Mean for You
The Commission has recently updated and corrected the implementing regulations related to countervailing duties on Chinese glass fibre imports. For example, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/716 of 26 March 2026 corrected earlier amendments and clarified duty rates and procedural details following partial interim reviews [2:3].
These updates underscore the importance for EU businesses to:
- Regularly review the consolidated and current versions of relevant implementing regulations on EUR-Lex.
- Adjust internal compliance procedures accordingly.
- Liaise with customs authorities or trade compliance experts to ensure adherence to the latest requirements.
Additionally, EU countervailing duties on glass fibre products from other countries, such as Egypt, are governed by separate regulations with different rates and procedures, which should not be confused with those applying to Chinese imports [3:1][4:1].
FAQ
What are the current EU countervailing duties on glass fibre from China?
Definitive countervailing duties range from 4.9% to 10.3% on the net, free-at-Union-frontier price of specified continuous filament glass fibre products, depending on the Chinese producer. The highest duty rate of 10.3% applies to all other companies not specifically listed [1:10].
Which types of glass fibre products from China are subject to EU countervailing duties?
The duties apply to chopped glass fibre strands (length ≤ 50 mm), glass fibre rovings (excluding certain impregnated/coated types), and mats made of glass fibre filaments excluding mats of glass wool, classified under CN codes 7019 11 00, ex 7019 12 00, and 7019 31 00 with specified TARIC codes [1:11].
How do I calculate the countervailing duty for Chinese glass fibre imports?
Calculate the duty as a percentage of the net, free-at-Union-frontier price before customs duty. The applicable percentage depends on the producer and must be applied using the correct TARIC additional code declared at customs [1:12].
What documentation is required for importing Chinese glass fibre to avoid higher duties?
Importers must provide valid commercial invoices that meet the Commission’s requirements, clearly identifying the producer and product. Accurate customs declarations with correct TARIC codes and proof of origin are also essential [1:13].
Are there any exemptions to the EU countervailing duties on Chinese glass fibre?
The regulations do not specify exemptions for these products. However, company-specific duty rates apply to cooperating producers. All other companies face the highest duty rate. Importers should verify if their supplier is listed to apply the correct rate [1:14].
What happens if I incorrectly declare the origin or type of glass fibre?
Incorrect declarations may result in the application of the highest countervailing duty rate, delays, or enforcement actions by customs authorities. It may also lead to penalties or additional checks [1:15].
EU businesses importing Chinese glass fibre products should maintain robust compliance processes, regularly monitor regulatory updates, and engage with their national competent authorities or legal advisors to navigate the complexities of EU countervailing duties effectively.
