BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Monday announced its decision to launch an anti-dumping probe on Polyformaldehyde Copolymer (POM Copolymer) imports from the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Malaysia.

The investigation is in response to applications filed by several domestic producers claiming that Copolymer products from those countries were sold to the Chinese market at prices below fair value, causing substantial damage to the local industry.

Polyformaldehyde Copolymer is an engineering thermoplastic used in high-performance components such as small gear wheels, sports equipment and construction materials.

The MOC said the anti-dumping probe will cover the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, while assessment of damage to the local industry will cover the period from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016.

In China, such investigations usually last for a year.