EU Launches Safeguard Investigation into Certain Hybrid Vehicles
The European Commission launched a safeguard investigation into certain new hybrid vehicles on October 30, 2026. The investigation is expected to last 9 to 11 months and covers vehicles that can and cannot be charged from an external power source. A Vietnamese trade remedies agency advised relevant manufacturers and exporters to monitor the case and review their exports to the EU.
The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that, according to information from Vietnam’s delegation in Geneva, the European Commission launched a safeguard investigation into certain hybrid vehicles on October 30, 2026. Conducted under the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Safeguards, the investigation is expected to last 9 to 11 months.
The European Commission has launched a safeguard investigation into certain hybrid vehicles. Illustrative photo.（VietVance）
The investigation covers new hybrid vehicles designed primarily to carry no more than 9 people, including the driver. These vehicles use both a piston internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors for propulsion. They are covered regardless of the number of driven wheels or whether they can be charged from an external power source.
The products concerned fall under EU CN codes ex 8703 40 10, ex 8703 50 00, ex 8703 60 10 and ex 8703 70 00. Vehicles that use electricity only for functions unrelated to propulsion, category L vehicles under EU Regulation No. 168/2013, and motorcycles are excluded from the investigation.
Under EU rules, interested parties must register within 15 days of the launch of the investigation and submit written comments on the case within 21 days of its launch. The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam advised relevant manufacturers and exporters to monitor developments, study EU safeguard investigation rules and procedures, review their exports of the products concerned to the EU, and keep the authority informed.
Source: VietVance
