Brussels, 07/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - According to diplomatic sources quoted by AFP, the European Commission could open an anti-dumping probe into imports of Chinese-made candles in the next few weeks, following a complaint from EU manufacturers. The sources suggested that a European Commission decision on the case was expected 'around the middle of February'. The European Candle Institute (ECI), a lobby formed by four companies specifically to make the complaint (German companies Vollmar, Gies Kerzen and Eika and Dutch company Bolsius), confirmed that it has lodged a complaint. ECI explains that between them, its member companies have over a 40% market share in the EU but imports of Chinese-made candles had nearly doubled from 2002 to 2006, while prices had tumbled, eating into European manufacturers' profit margins. ECI explains in a press release that 'the massive underselling from China cannot be explained' away by 'economic advantages, particularly… low wages… It can be observed that the European retail trade imports candles from China at prices which are lower than the world market prices. This competition is only possible on account of unfair and therefore non-legal methods.' If it decides to investigate, the Commission has a year to determine whether the producers in question are selling products in Europe unfairly at below-cost prices. (E.H.)