BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday decided to launch an anti-dumping investigation on toluidine imported from the European Union starting Friday.

The investigation was initiated at the request of Jiangsu Huaihe Chemicals Co Ltd, which filed an application on May 2 on behalf of Chinese toluidine producers, the ministry said in a statement posted on its website.

The ministry said the investigation would conclude before June 29, 2013, but it may be extended for another six months under special circumstances.

Toluidine is an organic chemical widely used to produce medicines and farm chemicals.