The European Commission has launched an investigation, pursuant to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1925, into the possible circumvention of existing anti-dumping measures against so-called open-mesh glass fiber fabrics (OMF). The investigation covers imports from North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, and Kosovo.

The background to this is the suspicion that existing anti-dumping duties – intended to protect the European economy against unfair competition from companies based in these countries – are being circumvented by routing Chinese glass fiber products through these countries into the European Union. In this regard, the European Commission points, among other things, to changes in trade flows as well as to evidence that dumped glass fiber yarns and rovings of Chinese origin are predominantly used in the manufacture of the products under investigation.

Since the regulation took effect, all affected imports have been registered by customs authorities. Imports remain possible, but this registration establishes the basis for the subsequent retroactive collection of anti-dumping duties.

If the investigation confirms the suspicion of circumvention, the anti-dumping duties of 48.4% to 62.9% already in effect for Chinese goods could be applied retroactively to registered imports from the four countries. This poses significant financial risks for importers and distributors.

Regardless of the outcome of the proceedings, current developments highlight the importance that supply chain transparency, proof of origin, local value creation, and compliance have come to hold for European industry. For many companies today, these factors are essential criteria for a secure procurement strategy.

As a European manufacturer of open-mesh fiberglass fabrics, KAST is closely monitoring the development of this process. For more than 65 years, we have stood for quality, reliability, and long-term partnerships. Fair competition, traceable supply chains, and strong European value creation are essential prerequisites for industrial development in Europe.

The investigation is intended to protect fair competition within the European Union and to ensure that existing trade defense measures achieve their intended effect.

Legal reference: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1925 of 6 August 2026, Official Journal of the European Union, published 7 August 2026.