The customs official struck back – Three Chinese car giants sued the Commission

Three Chinese car giants have appealed the import duties imposed by the Commission to the European Court of Justice, news agency Reuters tells.

The challenge application was jointly prepared by one of the world’s largest electric car manufacturers BYDowning Volvo and Polestar Geely and state-owned SAIC.

The challenge applications have been submitted to the lower Union General Court on Thursday, one day before the deadline for the official right of appeal. The General Court hearing takes an average of 18 months and includes the right of appeal.

Two challenges

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce has also filed its own subpoena application on the matter on Wednesday. The organization promotes, among other things, the protection of the interests of Chinese electric car manufacturers.

The Chamber of Commerce confirmed in its press release on Friday that it operates “with the authorization of the companies concerned”. It said it “represents Chinese electric car manufacturers through legal means and defends their legal rights.”

The China General Chamber of Commerce has previously urged the EU and China to negotiate to avoid tariffs.

Response time two months

The EU Commission said it was aware of the subpoena applications and added that it was in constant contact with Beijing. The Commission has more than two months to prepare its own response.

Estimates have been presented on the possible details of the subpoena application. The assumption is that the Commission’s assessments of the competition-distorting state subsidies enjoyed by electric cars will be questioned. Likewise, the distorting effects of state aid may be downplayed.

The point of the stick may also be raised by the fact that the commission exceptionally started the investigation of state subsidies for Chinese electric cars on its own initiative, not on the initiative of the automotive industry.