EuroRoc, the European federation of stone industries to which both the National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) and Stone Federation Great Britain belong, has instigated anti-dumping proceedings against granite being imported to Europe by India and China.

EuroRoc has supplied evidence to the European Commission that the volumes and prices of the imports have had a negative impact on the market share of the European Community\'s industry, especially, but not exclusively, the memorial industry, hitting sales and employment.

The Commission has determined that the evidence is sufficient to instigate proceedings and has initiated an investigation.

EuroRoc, making the allegation of dumping, compares a constructed normal value of the granite from China and India with the price it is being sold for in Europe and concludes: the dumping margins calculated are significant.

Because of the number of companies involved, the investigation will include sampling that will involve sending questionnaires to the European industry, to exporters in China and India and to importers in Europe.

The investigation should be concluded early next year. If the claim of dumping is substantiated, tariffs could be imposed on memorials exported to Europe from China and India.