India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China after a domestic producer alleged that the chemical was being sold at unfairly low prices in the Indian market. The probe has been initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which functions under the Union Commerce Ministry. The case is because ethyl chloroformate is a key intermediate used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Reason for the Investigation
- The complaint was filed by Paushak, which claims to be India’s sole domestic producer of ethyl chloroformate.
- The company alleged that Chinese imports caused material injury to domestic producers.
- It also claimed that rising imports led to price suppression and weaker profitability.
What DGTR Will Examine
- The DGTR will assess whether the product was dumped in India.
- It will examine whether the dumping margin exceeds the de minimis threshold.
- The authority will also determine whether anti-dumping duties are needed to offset injury to the domestic industry.
- The investigation period runs from October 2024 to September 2025.
Importance of Ethyl Chloroformate
- Ethyl chloroformate is an organic chemical intermediate.
- It is widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
- Any anti-dumping duty may protect domestic production but could also raise input costs for downstream industries.
Wider Trade and Industrial Context
- The probe reflects India’s broader scrutiny of cheap imports, especially from China.
- DGTR has also opened a separate anti-dumping investigation into hexamine imports from China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
- These steps indicate tighter regulatory attention on chemical imports affecting Indian manufacturing.