Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/831 |
|---|---|
| Publication | 15 April 2026 (EU Official Journal) |
| Entry into force | 14 April 2026 |
| Affected parties | Importers, manufacturers and industrial users of continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) in the EU |
| Countries of origin affected | Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand |
| Product | Continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) |
| Category | European Regulation — Foreign Trade / Anti-dumping Tariffs |
| Scope of application | All EU Member States (direct application) |
European importers of continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) from Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand face an immediate increase in their purchasing costs. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/831, published on 15 April 2026 and in force from 14 April, establishes definitive anti-dumping duties on these imports after concluding that they were being sold at artificially low prices, causing harm to the European industry in the sector.
The regulation is directly applicable in all Member States. It requires no transposition: any Spanish company importing GFR from these three countries is already subject to the new tariffs.
What does this regulation establish?
The European Commission has concluded its anti-dumping investigation and determined that imports of continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) products originating from Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand were being marketed at dumping prices, that is, below their normal market value, causing harm to producers established in the European Union.
As a result, the regulation establishes definitive anti-dumping duties that are added to the ordinary customs tariff at the time of import. The affected countries and products are:
| Country of origin | Affected product | Type of duty |
|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | Continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) | Definitive anti-dumping (general rate; individual rates for cooperating exporters) |
| Egypt | Continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) | Definitive anti-dumping (general rate; individual rates for cooperating exporters) |
| Thailand | Continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) | Definitive anti-dumping (general rate; individual rates for cooperating exporters) |
Exporting companies from these countries that cooperated in the Commission's investigation may be subject to individual rates, which may differ from the general rate applied to other exporters from the same country.
Economic and operational impact
The immediate effect is an increase in the cost of procuring GFR for any company importing this material from the three affected countries. This additional cost is passed directly down the value chain of sectors that use glass fibre as a raw material.
The specific operational impacts are:
- Increase in import cost: The anti-dumping tariff is added to the existing ordinary customs tariff, raising the entry price of GFR into the EU.
- Pressure on production margins: Manufacturers of composites, automotive parts, aeronautical components and construction materials using GFR from these origins will see their production costs increase.
- Need to review supply contracts: Contracts with suppliers from Bahrain, Egypt or Thailand that do not account for this additional cost may result in losses if not renegotiated.
- Opportunity for alternative suppliers: GFR producers established in the EU or in countries not affected by the regulation may gain relative competitiveness.
- Individual rates for cooperating exporters: Some exporting companies may have lower rates if they cooperated in the investigation, which may influence the choice of supplier within the same country of origin.
Who does it affect?
The regulation directly affects companies and professionals operating in the following areas:
- GFR importers bringing continuous filament glass fibre from Bahrain, Egypt or Thailand into any EU Member State.
- Composite manufacturers using GFR as a raw material and sourcing from the affected countries.
- Construction sector using glass fibre reinforced materials from these origins.
- Automotive industry using GFR components or materials imported from Bahrain, Egypt or Thailand.
- Aeronautical sector incorporating GFR in its manufacturing processes with supplies from these countries.
- Traders and distributors marketing GFR from these origins in the European market.
- Procurement and supply chain departments of any industrial company that has these countries in its supply chain.
Practical example
A Spanish composite parts manufacturer for the automotive sector regularly imports continuous filament glass fibre from Thailand. Until 13 April 2026, it paid only the ordinary customs tariff when introducing the material into the EU.
From 14 April 2026, each GFR import operation from Thailand is additionally subject to the definitive anti-dumping duty established by Regulation (EU) 2026/831. If the Thai supplier cooperated in the Commission's investigation, it could be assigned an individual rate different from the country's general rate; if it did not cooperate, the general rate applies.
The procurement manager of this company must verify whether its specific supplier has an individual rate or general rate, recalculate the total import cost with the new tariff, and decide whether to absorb the additional cost, pass it on to the customer or seek an alternative supplier in a country not affected by the regulation.
What should companies do now?
- Audit the supply chain: Identify whether any current GFR supplier is located in Bahrain, Egypt or Thailand and what volume of purchases it represents.
- Verify the rate applicable to each exporter: Check whether the specific supplier cooperated in the Commission's investigation and has been assigned an individual rate, or whether the country's general rate applies.
- Recalculate import costs: Update cost sheets with the new anti-dumping tariff added to the ordinary tariff, to know the real impact on margin per product.
- Review current supply contracts: Identify whether current contracts with suppliers from the affected countries include adjustment clauses for tariff changes or whether renegotiation of terms is necessary.
- Evaluate alternative suppliers: Analyse whether there are sources of GFR in countries not affected by the regulation (EU producers or other third countries) that allow maintaining cost competitiveness.
- Inform customers if appropriate: If the additional cost is passed downstream, communicate it in advance and document the regulatory basis to avoid contractual conflicts.
- Consult with customs broker: Ensure that import declarations correctly reflect the product's origin and applicable tariff code to avoid errors in duty settlement.
Frequently asked questions
What glass fibre products are subject to the new anti-dumping tariffs?
The tariffs affect continuous filament glass fibre (GFR) products originating from Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand. This includes all forms of GFR used as raw material in composites, construction, automotive and aeronautical applications. The regulation specifies the product by its CN code and technical characteristics.
Do the tariffs apply to all companies or only to certain sectors?
The tariffs apply to all companies that import GFR from the three affected countries, regardless of sector. However, the economic impact varies depending on the proportion of GFR in the cost structure and the ability to pass costs on to customers.
Can a company avoid the tariff by importing from a different country?
Yes. Companies can source GFR from countries not affected by the regulation, such as EU producers or other third countries. However, this requires identifying alternative suppliers and potentially renegotiating supply agreements.
What is the difference between the general rate and individual rates?
The general rate applies to all exporters from the affected country that did not cooperate in the investigation. Individual rates are lower rates assigned to specific exporting companies that cooperated with the Commission during the investigation. Companies should verify their supplier's status to determine which rate applies.
When do the tariffs take effect?
The tariffs take effect on 14 April 2026. Any GFR import from the three affected countries from that date onwards is subject to the anti-dumping duty.
Can the tariffs be challenged or appealed?
The regulation can be challenged before the Court of Justice of the European Union within specific timeframes and under certain conditions. Companies should consult with legal counsel specialised in EU trade law if they believe they have grounds for challenge.
How should companies document the origin of imported GFR?
Companies must ensure that import declarations and customs documentation correctly identify the country of origin of the GFR. The customs broker or import department should verify this information with the supplier and maintain supporting documentation (invoices, certificates of origin, etc.) to ensure proper application of the tariff.
Official source
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/831 of 15 April 2026 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of continuous filament glass fibre originating in Bahrain, Egypt and Thailand (EU Official Journal L 2026/831).
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The information is based on the regulation as published and may be subject to updates or clarifications. Companies should consult with legal and customs specialists before making decisions based on this content. CambiosLegales is not responsible for damages arising from the use or misuse of this information.