The European Union has finalized anti-dumping duties on imports of glyoxylic acid originating in China, following a year-long investigation triggered by a complaint from EU producer WeylChem Lamotte SAS. Overseas buyers sourcing this key intermediate for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemicals should expect higher landed costs and tighter customs scrutiny for Chinese-origin material.
Product scope and tariff codes
The affected product is glyoxylic acid (CAS 298-12-4, also commonly classified under CAS 6000-59-5) with a purity of 95% by weight or more on a dry basis, whether in solid form or in aqueous solution at a concentration of 40% by weight or more. It is currently classified under CN code ex 2918 30 00 (TARIC code 2918 30 00 13).
Definitive duty rates and timeline
The European Commission initiated the anti-dumping proceeding on 25 July 2024 (Notice C/2024/4751). Provisional duties were imposed via Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/591 on 24 March 2025, corrected on 6 May 2025. Definitive duties were established by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1901 on 22 September 2025. The definitive duty applies to the net free-at-Union-frontier price, before customs clearance.
Customs registration and retroactive collection
Customs authorities were instructed to register imports of the subject Chinese glyoxylic acid under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2715 of 25 October 2024. Registration remains valid for nine months from entry into force. The possibility of retroactive collection of duties will be assessed in the definitive duty regulation.
What buyers should watch
Importers into the EU should verify that their glyoxylic acid shipments are correctly classified under TARIC 2918 30 00 13 and confirm the purity and concentration specifications. Any Chinese-origin material falling within the product scope will be subject to the definitive duty upon entry. Buyers should also monitor any retroactive duty claims for registered imports.
China sourcing context
China is a major global producer of glyoxylic acid, and the EU market has relied on Chinese supply for this intermediate. The definitive duties may shift sourcing patterns toward alternative origins such as Europe or India. Buyers should evaluate contract terms and consider diversifying suppliers to mitigate tariff risk.
Source: Read the original report | Published: July 27, 2024