The investigation, to take 60 days overall, is the next step in a process that could lead to EU import limits to protect Europe's textile industry from a flood of cheap Chinese imports since the end of a quota regime in January.

"All parties interested are invited to make known their point of view in writing," said a notice published in the European Union's official journal Friday.

The investigation is focusing on nine types of textile imports that have seen particular spikes since January 1 when a 31-year-old global textile quotas system came to an end.

EU textile producers are worried thousands of jobs could be lost if urgent action is not taken to stem a flood of Chinese clothing that was unleashed by the end of the global textiles quota system on January 1.

Chinese textile imports into the EU have soared by as much as 534 percent for some garments since the end of the quota system, which is far beyond limits the European Commission considers tolerable.

Beijing has reacted angrily to the probe, arguing Europe is acting against the principles of free trade.

Specifically the EU commission is looking at T-shirts, pullovers, blouses, stockings and socks, men's trousers, women's overcoats, brassieres, flax or ramie yarn and woven fabrics flax.