Chinese manufacturers had been allegedly selling the product, which is used for producing solar panels, in the EU at prices below cost, thus causing "material injury" to EU producers, the European Commission said in its Official Journal.

　　The provisional levies, resulting from an anti-dumping investigation that the Commission launched in February, would range from 17.1 percent to 42.1 percent, said the Commission.

　　The decision came months after the EU and China solved their solar panel trade disputes through "an amicable solution" in August.

　　The duties would be effective for six months, but would be prolonged for five years if the EU's 28 member states make a final ruling by May 27 next year to do so, the Commission said.