The WTO agreements cover three TDIs:

 

- anti-dumping

- anti-subsidy

- safeguards.

The first two instruments act against unfair trade practices (dumping or subsidies). Safeguards are measures designed to give an industry time to adjust to a significant increase in imports.

 

To start an investigation and subsequently impose trade defence measures, there has to be sufficient evidence of unfair practices or of a significant increase in imports. In each case, a number of specific criteria have to be met, which are explained below.

 

Source: “TDI Trade defence instruments, Anti-dumping & Anti-subsidy - A Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses” by the European Commission