Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1925 |
|---|---|
| Publication | August 7, 2026 |
| Entry into force | August 6, 2026 |
| Affected parties | European importers and distributors of open mesh fiberglass fabrics from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia |
| Category | European Regulation — Anti-evasion investigation of anti-dumping measures |
| Reference standard (original tariffs) | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/357 — anti-dumping tariffs against China |
| Active precautionary measure | Mandatory customs registration of all affected imports |
European importers of open mesh fiberglass fabrics have a problem on their hands as of August 6, 2026. The European Commission has opened a formal investigation —through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1925— to determine whether imports of this product from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia are being used as a way to evade the anti-dumping duties that Regulation (EU) 2024/357 imposed on imports originating from China.
The suspicion is clear: products manufactured in China or with Chinese components would be re-exported or minimally processed in those four countries to reach the EU without paying the corresponding anti-dumping tariffs. The precautionary measure is already in force: mandatory registration in customs of each affected import.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation (EU) 2026/1925 activates the anti-evasion investigation mechanism provided for in European trade defense regulations. This means two concrete things:
- Opening of formal investigation on whether open mesh fiberglass fabrics from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia serve as a transit route to evade the anti-dumping tariffs against China established in Regulation (EU) 2024/357.
- Mandatory customs registration of all affected imports during the investigation period, which allows measures to be applied with retroactive effect if evasion is confirmed.
The four countries under investigation are:
| Country of origin under investigation | Situation with respect to the EU |
|---|---|
| Kosovo | Potential EU candidate country, without full free trade agreement |
| Moldova | EU candidate country, with Association Agreement |
| North Macedonia | EU candidate country, with Stabilisation and Association Agreement |
| Serbia | EU candidate country, with Stabilisation and Association Agreement |
The product under investigation is open mesh fabrics made of fiberglass, commonly used as reinforcement material in construction, facade rehabilitation and external thermal insulation systems (ETICS). The investigation applies regardless of whether imports have been declared as originating from those countries.
Economic and operational impact
The economic impact has two dimensions that importers must assess now:
1. Risk of retroactive tariffs. Mandatory customs registration is not an innocuous bureaucratic procedure. It is the tool that allows the European Commission to collect anti-dumping tariffs on imports already made if the investigation concludes with a positive result. Any import registered since August 6, 2026 may be subject to the tariffs of Regulation (EU) 2024/357 if evasion is confirmed.
2. Supply price increases. Construction, rehabilitation and thermal insulation companies that use these fabrics as reinforcement material could see their supplies become more expensive if anti-dumping tariffs are extended to the four countries under investigation. The additional cost would depend on the tariff rates set in Regulation (EU) 2024/357, which is the reference standard.
3. Immediate documentary burden. Importers must prepare and retain detailed documentation on product origin and supply chain from now, not when the investigation concludes.
Who does it affect?
- European importers of open mesh fiberglass fabrics from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia and Serbia.
- Wholesale distributors of construction and insulation materials that market this type of product in the EU.
- Construction and rehabilitation companies that use fiberglass fabrics as reinforcement material (especially in ETICS systems and facade rehabilitation).
- Customs agents and logistics operators that manage clearance of these products at European ports and borders.
- European fiberglass manufacturers, who are the potential beneficiaries of this protective measure against unfair competition.
Practical example
A Spanish construction materials importing company has a regular supply contract for fiberglass mesh fabrics from Serbia, with which it supplies several construction companies executing facade rehabilitation projects.
As of August 6, 2026, each shipment arriving at Spanish customs is automatically registered under Regulation (EU) 2026/1925. If the investigation concludes —in the coming months— that those Serbian fabrics are actually Chinese products re-exported to evade the anti-dumping tariffs of Regulation (EU) 2024/357, the Commission may require retroactive payment of anti-dumping tariffs on all shipments registered since August 2026.
The result: the importing company faces an unexpected tariff bill on months of imports, plus the impact on selling prices to its construction clients. That is why immediate action is not to wait: it is to audit the real origin of the product and prepare documentation proving there is no evasion.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if you import the affected product. Check whether your company imports open mesh fiberglass fabrics from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia or Serbia. If so, you are within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2026/1925 as of August 6, 2026.
- Audit the real origin of the product. Request detailed documentation from your suppliers on the origin of raw materials and the manufacturing process. The objective is to prove that the product is not of Chinese origin re-exported. This documentation will be key if the Commission requires it during the investigation.
- Retain all import documentation. Keep invoices, certificates of origin, customs declarations and any document proving the supply chain of each shipment registered since August 2026.
- Evaluate retroactive financial risk. Calculate what anti-dumping tariff payment would mean for your company on imports made since the entry into force date, to assess the risk and, if appropriate, set up accounting provisions.
- Consult with a foreign trade and customs specialist. Anti-evasion investigation is a technical procedure with deadlines and opportunities for participation. A specialized advisor can help you submit comments or prove the legitimate origin of the product to the Commission.
- Explore alternative supply sources. If the risk is high, consider diversifying suppliers towards countries not affected by the investigation to reduce exposure to retroactive tariffs.
Frequently asked questions
What is mandatory customs registration and what does it mean for my company?
Mandatory customs registration means that each import of open mesh fiberglass fabrics from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia or Serbia is recorded in customs as of August 6, 2026. It does not prevent the import, but allows the European Commission to apply anti-dumping tariffs retroactively on those imports if the investigation confirms evasion. In practice, it is a guarantee of future collection.
When can retroactive tariff be applied and on which imports?
Retroactive tariff can be applied on all imports registered since the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2026/1925, that is, since August 6, 2026, if the investigation concludes confirming evasion. The reference tariffs are those established in Regulation (EU) 2024/357 against imports originating from China.
What documentation should I prepare as an importer during the investigation?
You should prepare detailed documentation on product origin and supply chain: certificates of origin, purchase invoices from the supplier, documentation of the manufacturing process in the country of origin and any evidence proving that the product is not of Chinese origin re-exported. This documentation may be required by the Commission during the investigation.
Does this investigation also affect construction companies that use these fabrics?
Yes, indirectly. Construction and rehabilitation companies that use fiberglass fabrics as reinforcement material could see their supplies become more expensive if anti-dumping tariffs are extended to the four countries under investigation. The impact will depend on the final outcome of the investigation.
Can I continue importing these products while the investigation is ongoing?
Yes. Regulation (EU) 2026/1925 does not prohibit imports during the investigation. It only establishes mandatory customs registration as a precautionary measure. Imports can continue normally, but are registered and exposed to retroactive tariffs if evasion is confirmed.
Official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R1925