EU Repeals Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Chinese Solar Glass

On October 21, the European Commission announced that, following an expiry review, the definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar glass originating in China would be repealed, effective October 22 — the day after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The EU's trade measures on Chinese solar glass date back to 2014, when Implementing Regulation (EU) No 470/2014 imposed definitive anti-dumping duties, supplemented by countervailing duties the same year. The measures were extended in July 2020 under Regulations (EU) 2020/1080 and 2020/1081, and adjusted in May 2023 under Regulation (EU) 2023/1033. The repeal follows the expiry review's finding that no active solar glass producers remain in the EU — the industrial basis the measures were designed to no longer exists, leaving continued duties without justification.

On rates, anti-dumping duties for companies with individual rates previously ranged from 17.5% to 75.4%, with countervailing duties of 3.2% to 17.1% — a combined maximum of 84.2%. The measures covered toughened soda-lime flat glass, defined by key specifications including iron content below 300 ppm and solar transmittance above 88%, previously classified under CN code ex 7007 19 80 with TARIC subheadings 7007 19 80 12, 18, 80 and 85. The glass is used chiefly as cover glass for PV modules, as well as in flat-plate solar thermal collectors, greenhouses and furniture.

Importers should pay particular attention to the refund arrangement: duties collected from July 22, 2025 onward are refundable, with EU customs authorities to repay amounts levied during the review period, without interest. Refund claims are processed by national customs authorities under EU customs law; importers with a payment history should compile declaration records and duty receipts and file claims without delay.

The repeal will directly lower the landed cost of Chinese solar glass in Europe, with room for European module makers' procurement costs to fall. That said, duty removal does not guarantee a matching drop in export prices — final pricing will still depend on supply and demand, seller strategies and European buyers' purchasing schedules.

On the logistics side, the change is expected to gradually revive inquiries and bookings for PV glass. As a reminder, solar glass is oversized, heavy and fragile: exports typically require plywood crating, flat-rack or open-top equipment and strict lashing standards, and shippers should confirm carriers' acceptance policies for glass cargo and discharge conditions at destination ports before booking.

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