Posted on September, 14 2007

Brussels, Belgium – WWF is disappointed at a decision by the EU Anti-dumping Committee to keep market barriers on energy-saving lamps imported from China. The committee, composed of representatives of EU Member States, has endorsed the European Commission proposal to continue anti-dumping duties of up to 66% for one year.

“The decision makes imported energy-saving lamps more expensive than they normally should be and this will encourage consumers to continue to buy cheaper, traditional, high-consuming lamps, which are not subject to any anti-dumping duties," said Eivind Hoff, Trade Advisor at WWF's European Policy Office.

"The measure is inconsistent with the EU targets on energy efficiency and climate change. The decision also sends a very regressive signal to countries like China at a crucial moment of international negotiations on how to tackle climate change.”

At a meeting of the Anti-Dumping Advisory Committee last 26 July, a majority of EU Member States showed support for an immediate end to the duties on integrated compact fluorescent lamps (CFL-i), as suggested by the EU Commissioner on Trade. However, due to intense industry lobbying, the commission changed its opinion, and on 29 August proposed to extend the duties for another year with no provisions on what will happen after that.

Today, the committee accepted this proposal, which now needs final approval by the European Council. WWF urges EU trade ministers to take into account EU commitments on climate change and reconsider the decision.

Earlier in August, WWF pointed out that with a rapid switch to more efficient lamps, 23 million tonnes of CO₂ could be saved per year, equivalent to 0.5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions.

"The EU is giving priority to short-term protectionist measures rather than environmental protection," Hoff added.

For further information:
Eivind Hoff, Trade and Investment Advisor
WWF European Policy Office 
Tel: +32 2 743 88 09
Mobile: +32 473 48 05 56
E-mail: ehoff@wwfepo.org
 
Claudia Delpero, Communications Manager 
WWF European Policy Office
Tel: +32 2 740 09 25
Mobile: +32 497 406381
E-mail: cdelpero@wwfepo.org