TDI, trade defence instruments, anti-dumping & anti-subsidy : a guide for small and medium-sized businesses

Global competition is not always fair, however, and EU competition law does not in general apply beyond EU borders. In cases of unfair competition from non-EU countries, producers in the EU can consider filing a trade defence complaint with the European Commission in order to remedy the situation, provided that the unfair competition creates difficulties for their business. Trade defence instruments (TDIs) are part of the legal framework of global trade rules established by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. Importers and users of a product that is subject to a trade defence investigation may want to know what the options are, and if and how to best cooperate in an investigation. This guide provides you with the necessary basic knowledge of TDIs and sets out the practical steps you may want to take. It is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (also referred to as small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs).