US bans may push non-compliant consumables into Europe — sector urged to watch for unintended impact.
The European Commission’s new trade diversion monitoring system could have future implications for the imaging sector, as concerns grow over redirected imports following US enforcement actions.
Launched in April, the system tracks sudden changes in import volumes and prices, flagging cases where year-on-year volumes rise by 5% or more and prices fall by 5% or more. Any product meeting these criteria and exceeding €100,000 ($109,000) in weekly import value may be flagged for review, particularly if EU production is available.
The Commission states that the tool is designed to detect diverted goods entering the EU after being blocked from other markets. To date, alerts have focused on steel, chemicals and LED products. However, imaging stakeholders are watching closely, especially after a string of US actions targeting Chinese-made printer cartridges and compatible consumables.
As The Recycler has reported, recent US tariffs and import bans have disrupted trade flows in the sector. Customs seizures and anti-dumping duties have made the US market more challenging for low-cost, non-compliant producers, increasing the risk of surplus stock being redirected to Europe.
“It’s a pattern we’ve seen before,” one European importer told The Recycler. “When the US closes its doors, European importers can become the next target, especially if enforcement here is seen as weaker.”
While imaging products have not yet triggered alerts, the Commission has invited stakeholders to submit input and evidence. The trade diversion dashboard updates monthly, and trends are tracked at the 8-digit customs level.
ETIRA is monitoring developments. The association has long warned that non-compliant imports damage the legitimate remanufacturing sector and undermine environmental goals.
“The system may be well-intentioned, but there’s a risk it will treat all low-cost imports the same, without asking why they’re cheap,” the European importer added. “There’s a world of difference between a remanufactured cartridge and a new-build clone.”
Anecdotal reports indicate that some imaging laser printer consumables are entering the market at €5 or less.
Our take on this: Can anyone design, build, ship, and sell a fully compliant new non-OEM cartridge in Europe for €5, without cutting corners?
