Acting on the complaints of Vishnu Chemicals for investigation into dumping of sodium dichromate, India has initiated anti-dumping probe into imports of a chemical used in the pharmaceutical industry from four countries -- Russia, South Africa, Kazakhastan and Turkey. The chemical is also used in metal finishing industries, anti-corrosive applications, water treatment chemicals, pigments and paints.
The commerce ministry's investigation arm -- the Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) -- has found 'sufficient prima facie evidence of dumping' of the chemical, notifying that it has initiated an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry.
The period of investigation covers April 2016 and March 2017 (12 months), and through the investigation the DGAD would determine the existence, degree and effect of alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti-dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.
Imposition of anti-dumping duty is permissible under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime. The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practices and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers vis-a- vis foreign producers and exporters.