Tougher defence tools against unfair imports, MEPs strike deal with ministers | WPN World People News

● Higher tariffs against dumped or subsidised imports

● Shorter and more transparent investigations, helpdesk for SMEs, trade unions involved

● Social and environmental dumping to be taken into account

The EU could protect itself better against unfairly cheap imports and combat environmental or social dumping more effectively, under a draft law agreed on Tuesday.

Higher tariffs can be imposed on dumped or subsidised imports to better protect EU jobs and businesses, under an informal agreement struck by Parliament’s negotiating team and EU ministers in Brussels on Tuesday evening.

The agreed measures target unfair trade practices from non-EU countries and complement the recently approved anti-dumping rules focusing on third countries that interfere heavily in the economy.

In negotiations, MEPs ensured that:

● the EU is able to set higher tariffs on dumped imports (see tools in Quick Facts);

● investigations into anti-dumping cases would be significantly shorter;

● costs for EU industry resulting from international and environmental agreements would be reflected in the calculation of the duties;

● an SMEs help-desk would deal with complaints and investigative proceedings; trade unions would be involved in investigations and assess the future duties;

● all products arriving into the EU between an investigation being notified and its actual start would be strictly monitored and registered to avoid stockpiling;

● continental shelves and economic exclusive zones (sea zones, mainly used for energy production) would be covered by the regulation to close loopholes.

Source: European Parliament