Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916 — CELEX:32026R0916 |
|---|---|
| Publication | April 28, 2026 |
| Entry into force | April 27, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Importers, food manufacturers, plant and animal nutrition companies using Chinese pea protein |
| Category | European Regulation — Provisional anti-dumping measure |
| Year | 2026 |
| Affected product | Pea protein originating from the People's Republic of China |
| Type of measure | Provisional anti-dumping duty (may become definitive) |
| Beneficiary European producers | European pea protein industry, especially in France and Belgium |
European importers of Chinese pea protein face an immediate increase in their procurement costs following the entry into force of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916, published on April 28, 2026. The European Commission has found that this ingredient was being sold at artificially low prices—dumping—causing harm to the European producing industry, which has triggered the imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties.
The measure affects the entire value chain using Chinese-origin pea protein: from large food manufacturers to sports nutrition brands, vegan product companies and animal feed producers. Meanwhile, European producers of the same ingredient, with particular presence in France and Belgium, gain competitive protection against low-price imports.
What does this regulation establish?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916 imposes provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of pea protein originating from the People's Republic of China. The legal basis is the European Commission's finding that the Chinese product was entering the European market at artificially low prices, below its actual production cost, causing economic harm to producers established in the EU.
Anti-dumping duties are additional tariffs applied to the customs value of the product at the time of import. They are added to the existing ordinary tariff, increasing the total cost of introducing the product to the European market.
As this is a provisional measure, the Commission will continue the anti-dumping investigation. Once completed, it may:
- Confirm and convert the provisional duties into definitive ones.
- Modify the applicable amounts based on the investigation results.
- Lift the measure if final data does not justify it (less likely scenario given the procedure's progress).
European pea protein producers, with particular concentration in France and Belgium, are the main beneficiaries of this protection, as they recover competitiveness against Chinese product that entered at prices below market rates.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact occurs in the procurement costs of all companies importing pea protein from China. The provisional anti-dumping tariff is applied at the moment of customs clearance, meaning the additional cost is immediate and affects any import made from April 27, 2026.
The most relevant operational and economic consequences are:
- Increase in raw material costs: The additional tariff raises the ingredient's cost price, compressing margins or passing the increase to the final selling price.
- Urgent contract review: Supply contracts signed before April 27, 2026 that do not include tariff variation clauses may generate losses if the importer assumes the additional cost.
- Pressure on supply chains: Companies that depend exclusively on Chinese suppliers will need to evaluate European alternatives, with France and Belgium as the main substitution markets.
- Uncertainty about the definitive amount: As these are provisional measures, the final tariff may vary, making medium-term cost planning difficult.
- Opportunity for European producers: Companies already working with European pea protein suppliers gain competitive advantage over competitors dependent on Chinese supply.
Who is affected?
This regulation directly affects the following companies and sectors:
- Importers of pea protein of Chinese origin operating in any EU country.
- Food manufacturers using Chinese pea protein as an ingredient in their formulations.
- Sports nutrition companies that include pea protein in shakes, bars or other products.
- Vegan and plant-based food producers that use this ingredient as a protein source.
- Animal feed manufacturers (feed and pet food) that incorporate Chinese pea protein in their formulations.
- Traders and distributors that market this ingredient in the European market.
Conversely, the following benefit from this measure:
- European pea protein producers, especially those established in France and Belgium, who recover price competitiveness against Chinese product.
Practical example
A Spanish company manufacturing plant-based beverages and sports nutrition products that imports pea protein directly from China faces the following situation from April 27, 2026:
Until that date, the import cost included only the product price plus the ordinary import tariff. From the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/916, each shipment crossing European customs must additionally pay the provisional anti-dumping duty, which is calculated on the declared customs value of the product.
If this company has closed supply contracts with Chinese suppliers at fixed price and without tariff adjustment clauses, the cost of the anti-dumping tariff falls entirely on it, reducing its operating margin. For a company with significant import volumes, this impact can be material within weeks.
The immediate decision it must make is: absorb the cost, pass it on to the customer or find a European supplier—with France and Belgium as the most developed options—although probably at a higher base price than the Chinese price prior to the tariff.
What should companies do now?
- Identify the origin of your pea protein: Confirm whether your current supplier provides Chinese-origin product. If so, the provisional anti-dumping tariff already applies to your imports from April 27, 2026.
- Review current supply contracts: Analyze whether they include clauses for tariff variation adjustments. If not, negotiate with your supplier or customer who assumes the additional cost.
- Calculate the impact on margins: Quantify the effect of the additional tariff on your raw material cost and decide if it is necessary to adjust selling prices.
- Evaluate alternative European suppliers: Contact pea protein producers in France and Belgium to compare prices including the new tariff scenario for Chinese product.
- Monitor the progress of the investigation: As these are provisional measures, the European Commission will publish the results of the complete investigation. Definitive tariffs may differ from provisional ones. Stay informed to adjust your procurement strategy.
- Consult with a foreign trade specialist: A customs advisor can help you verify the exact tariff classification of the product you import and confirm whether it is subject to this regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What tariffs apply to Chinese pea protein from 2026?
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916 establishes provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of pea protein originating from the People's Republic of China. These duties are applied in addition to the ordinary import tariff and take effect from April 27, 2026.
Are these tariffs definitive or provisional?
They are provisional. The European Commission will continue its anti-dumping investigation and will publish the results of the complete investigation. The definitive tariffs may be different from the provisional ones, higher, lower, or the measure may be lifted if the investigation does not justify it.
Does this affect all pea protein imports or only from China?
This regulation specifically affects pea protein originating from the People's Republic of China. Pea protein from other origins is not affected by this anti-dumping measure.
What should I do if I have a fixed-price contract with a Chinese supplier?
You should immediately review your contract to see if it includes tariff adjustment clauses. If it does not, you should negotiate with your supplier to clarify who will assume the cost of the anti-dumping tariff. If negotiation is not possible, you may need to absorb the cost or evaluate alternative suppliers.
Can I import pea protein from European producers instead?
Yes. France and Belgium are the main European producers of pea protein. You can contact suppliers in these countries to evaluate alternative sourcing, although the base price may be higher than Chinese product before the tariff.
When will the definitive tariffs be published?
The European Commission has not yet announced a specific date. The investigation typically takes several months. You should monitor the Official Journal of the European Union and the Commission's website for updates.
Does this affect only importers or also manufacturers?
It affects both. Importers must pay the tariff when importing. Manufacturers that use Chinese pea protein as an ingredient will see their raw material costs increase, which may force them to adjust their selling prices or seek alternative suppliers.
Official source
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/916 of April 27, 2026, imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of pea protein originating in the People's Republic of China.
Official Journal of the European Union: L 2026/916, published April 28, 2026.
CELEX reference: 32026R0916
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. The information contained herein is based on the regulatory text published as of the date of publication. Regulations may be modified or updated. We recommend consulting with a specialized advisor in foreign trade, customs or food law to assess the specific impact on your business. CambiosLegales is not responsible for any decisions made based on this information.