A lawsuit launched by four domestic shoemakers against the European Union's anti-dumping tariffs has been accepted by the EU Court, Xinhua learned on Monday.

 

Lawyers and leaders of China Leather Association say the lawsuit may last for two years before a final judgement is reached.

 

Last October the EU imposed anti-dumping duties of 16.5 percent on Chinese shoes. The measures brought strong protests from Chinese shoemakers.

 

According to regulations, Chinese shoemakers can file a lawsuit to the European Court up to two months after the October 5 ruling.

 

The Chinese government has announced its support to Chinese merchants and businesses. "It is an effective way of safeguarding their legal rights," said the Ministry of Commerce official, who refused to be identified.

 

Most companies were scared away by the long-drawn and complicated process and huge costs the suit will involve, said Guo Weiwen, general secretary of the China Alliance in Response to EU Anti-Dumping of Chinese Footwear.

 

The anti-dumping tariffs affected more than 1,200 Chinese shoemakers, and most small and medium-sized shoemakers chose to adjust their product structure and export markets, or even retreat from the EU market, said Guo.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2007)