The European Commission on October 15 approved a one-year extension of anti-dumping duties on imports of energy-saving light bulbs from China, despite protests from environmentalists, leading bulb manufacturers and several member nations.
Many of these European bulb manufacturers, such as Italian lighting company Targetti and the Dutch-based Philips, have their facilities in China
"The measures are aimed at addressing unfair competitive advantages resulting from the dumping of imports onto the [eu] market," said the 27-nation bloc in a statement issued at a foreign ministers meeting at Luxembourg. The decision came despite eu's ambitious targets of phasing out high-energy light bulbs and replacing them with energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
In 2001, the eu hiked duties on imports of bulbs from units in China--and those in Pakistan, Vietnam and the Philippines--to 66.1 per cent. The duties were to expire this month.
The extension now faces a court challenge from Targetti, which says the commission's move contradicts its objective for energy efficiency. Targetti has sought reimbursement for duties paid since 2001.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.