The European Commission (EC) has delayed plans to modernize its anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard rules to early 2008.

Known as trade defence instruments (TDI), the measures are designed to tackle trade practices deemed unfair and disruptive, such as dumping actions, and the import of goods made by companies enjoying state aid.

Last year, the EU imposed anti-dumping duties on leather shoes imported from China.

The issue splits member states into a generally more liberal northern member state camp and a southern more protectionist camp.

The EC launched a review of the EU's trade defence rules a year ago, asking if they needed changing to reflect the way many European companies have invested in manufacturing in countries such as China.

After pushing back the date for its official proposals on several occasions, the most recent deadline, early December, has been moved to early 2008 for core issues.