EU’s Tariffs on Fasteners From China Begin February 2

John Wolz

The European Union Council of Ministers adopted anti-dumping duties on certain fasteners from China and the tariffs will be imposed upon publication of the regulation, Fastener & Fixing Europe magazine reported.

Tariffs are expected to be imposed beginning February 2, 2009, following publication in the EU’s Official Journal on January 31.

On January 26, 2009, the Ministers adopted a regulation imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of certain iron or steel fasteners originating in China (5121/1/09.”

This was the final decision stage in an anti-dumping investigation against fasteners imported from the China, which started in November 2007. Tariffs begin the day after the regulation is published in the EU’s Official Journal.

The general tariff for a range of fasteners imported from China, including hex bolts, socket screws, small screws and washers, is 85%.

Approximately 100 Chinese exporters which cooperated with the investigation are accorded a 77.5% tariff. A handful of companies, which succeeded in obtaining so-called “individual treatment” are accorded specific tariffs ranging from 63% to 79.5%.

Exceptions include subsidiaries of two European fastener manufacturers with plants in China, which have been accorded no tariffs, and one Hong Kong registered company with a 26.5%.

The zero percent tariffs applied to Celo Suzhou Precision Fasteners and Yantai Agrati Fasteners have already caused contention, with particular criticism from Chinese fastener associations, F&FE reported.

Reactions from European importers have so far been muted. Since the publication of the Commission”s proposal to the Council early in January there have been few expectations that anti-dumping measures could be avoided.
�2009 FastenerNews.com and Fastener & Fixing Europe