European Commission Opens Acetylsalicylic Acid Anti-Dumping Investigation Into Chinese Imports

EU Acetylsalicylic Acid Anti-Dumping Investigation Begins

The EU acetylsalicylic acid anti-dumping investigation began with the publication of Notice C/2026/4913 on 23 September 2026. The European Commission is examining whether imports from China are dumped and causing injury to the European Union industry. The notice follows a complaint lodged by Novacyl SAS on 10 August 2026.

The development is an investigation, not a duty decision. The initiation notice itself imposes no anti-dumping duty. The Commission may impose provisional measures later, followed by definitive measures only if the legal tests on dumping, injury, causation and Union interest are met.

The product under investigation is o-acetylsalicylic acid, commonly called acetylsalicylic acid, with Chemical Abstracts Service number 50-78-2. It is currently classified under Combined Nomenclature code ex 2918 22 00 and TARIC code 2918 22 00 20. The notice makes clear that the product description controls the scope and that customs codes are indicative.

Participation Deadlines And Registration

The investigation period for dumping runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. Injury trends will be examined from 1 January 2022 to the end of that investigation period. The Commission identifies Brazil as a possible representative country for constructing normal value under Article 2(6a) of the Basic Anti-Dumping Regulation, although interested parties may comment on that choice.

Exporting producers and unrelated importers wishing to participate were asked to provide sampling information by 30 September 2026. Selected companies’ questionnaire replies are generally due within 30 days of notification of selection. Product-scope comments were due on 5 October, applying the EU rule that moves a Saturday deadline to the next working day. Initiation hearing requests and input or representative-country comments were due on 8 October. General initiation comments remain due on 30 October.

The Commission also states that it intends to register imports under Article 14(5). Registration does not itself create a duty, but it can support retroactive collection of definitive duties if the statutory conditions are later satisfied. The initiation notice does not itself effect registration.

The investigation should normally conclude within one year and no later than 14 months after publication. Provisional measures may be imposed within seven months and, at the latest, eight months after initiation.