EU Opens Safeguard Investigation Into PET Resin Chemicals

The European Commission announced a safeguard investigation on 6 November into imports of PET resin chemicals. The proceeding will examine whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to EU producers. Opening the investigation does not itself impose a new safeguard tariff or quota.

The inquiry covers materials used by PET producers and downstream businesses, particularly packaging manufacturers. Importers, producers, users and their associations can submit evidence.

PET And Upstream Chemicals

Notice C/2026/5775 covers PET with a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher, under CN code 3907 61 00. This includes virgin PET, recycled PET and PET glycol, or PET-G.

The other segments are terephthalic acid and its salts, ethylene glycol, also called mono-ethylene glycol, and purified isophthalic acid. The full notice, reproduced by Taiwan’s International Trade Administration, identifies the applicable customs codes and product descriptions.

Evidence And Hearing Window

Completed questionnaires and written submissions must reach the Commission within 21 days of the notice’s publication. The same period applies to requests for a hearing. Interested parties should make themselves known immediately, normally no later than 15 days after publication.

The notice says late views and information may be disregarded. Submissions seeking confidential treatment must include reasons and a sufficiently detailed non-confidential summary.

What The Investigation Will Assess

The Commission’s opening notice records that imports increased from 2.12 million tonnes in 2021 to 2.70 million tonnes in 2025. It describes evidence sufficient to begin an investigation, rather than a final injury determination.

If measures are considered necessary, decisions must be taken within nine months of initiation. Exceptional circumstances can extend that period by up to two months, with an Official Journal notice explaining the extension.