National governments in the European Union (EU) have approved definitive duties on biodiesel (HVO and FAME) from China.
Although provisional anti-dumping duties were introduced in July, following a probe by the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), they were subject to the approval of national governments of EU member states.
Following approval on 8 January during the Trade Defence Instruments Committee, the definitive duties were due to be implemented for the next five years.
While welcoming the decision, the EBB said the protection against Chinese biodiesel imports was not perfect and there was still work to do to ensure the proper implementation of the duties and their efficiency.
“It has been a long journey since the EBB started this case, through first the circumvention case and later this anti-dumping case. After Indonesia, Argentina and the USA, we now have measures in place against China,” EBB secretary general Xavier Noyon said.
“It will be crucial to monitor the evolution of all biodiesel imports particularly in light of the recent Chinese export tax on used cooking oil. We will also closely monitor for circumvention as there are no duties imposed on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and the fact that some companies received lower anti-dumping duties than others.”
The duties will come into effect following publication in the EU Official Journal by 14 February.
