The European furniture industry may soon lodge a complaint with the European Commission, alleging upholstered sofas and chairs made in the Mainland are being dumped in the European Union market, the Trade & Industry Department warns.

The department held a special briefing today for local furniture traders to explain the EU's anti-dumping rules and procedures.

The European Commission is the EU's executive arm. If the complaint is lodged, the EU may also request anti-dumping proceedings begin against those furniture imports.

Although the anti-dumping case is not directly against Hong Kong products, some local companies with investment in the Mainland may be affected, the department said.

According to the EU's regulation, once an anti-dumping investigation is initiated, affected companies that fail to respond in time may be subject to the highest applicable anti-dumping duty rate if dumping should be established.

Trade & Industry Department officers explained the requirements of the EU's anti-dumping proceedings, to help affected companies prepare for a response to and participation in the possible investigations.

Regulations, procedures explained

The officers explained the EU's anti-dumping regulation and answered questions on procedural and related matters concerning the anti-dumping action.

They also provided contact information for the Guangdong authority that handles overseas anti-dumping actions against Mainland products.

The Government will continue to keep a close watch on the case and any possible anti-dumping action against goods of Hong Kong or Mainland origin.

Updated information will be broadcast promptly and widely through the department's anti-dumping website and in commercial information circulars.