EU Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation into Imports of Primary Cells and Primary Batteries of Alkaline Manganese Dioxide Originating in China_News_About_

On 2 July 2026, the European Commission initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain alkaline manganese dioxide batteries originating in China. The investigation followed a complaint submitted by VARTA Consumer Batteries GmbH & Co. KGaA, a German battery manufacturer, alleging that Chinese alkaline battery imports are being sold in the EU at dumped prices and are causing material injury to the European battery industry.

The product under investigation

The product subject to this investigation is primary cells and primary batteries of alkaline manganese dioxide, in the form of cylindrical cells, not rechargeable, not spent, not waste and scrap, excluding parts. The products are currently classified under CN code 8506 10 11.

This product category includes commonly used household alkaline batteries, making the investigation relevant to manufacturers, exporters, importers, distributors and private-label brands supplying the European market.

Main reasons Behind the EU Investigation

According to the European Commission's notice, the complaint contains evidence alleging that Chinese alkaline batteries are being imported at unfairly low prices and that these imports are causing injury to EU producers. The investigation will examine whether dumping has occurred and whether there is a causal link between the dumped imports and the alleged injury to the EU industry.

No Anti-Dumping Duty Has Been Imposed Yet

The current action is an investigation, not a final anti-dumping measure. No definitive anti-dumping duty has been imposed on the investigated Chinese alkaline batteries at this stage.

The European Commission will collect information from producers, exporters, importers and other interested parties before determining whether dumping and material injury have occurred. If the investigation confirms the allegations, the EU could subsequently introduce anti-dumping measures.

The EU trade-defense database currently lists the case as Case AD756- Alkaline batteries (certain), with China as the country under investigation.

The Commission also intends to register imports of the product concerned at an early stage, which could allow definitive duties to be collected retroactively on registered imports if such duties are ultimately imposed.

What Happens Next?

The investigation will proceed through the EU's trade-defense process, during which the Commission will examine import prices, production costs, market conditions, sales performance and the situation of the EU industry. Interested parties wishing to participate in the proceedings must respond within the deadlines specified from the date of publication of the Notice, with some initial deadlines as short as seven days.