Anti-dumping duty imposed on imports of a fungicide from EU

DGTR has recommended a five-year anti-dumping duty of US$ 733/tonne on Thiram imports from the EU to protect Indian producers from cheap imports. The Finance Ministry will decide on implementing the duty.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the investigative arm of the Commerce Ministry, has recommended an anti-dumping duty of US$ 733 per tonne on imports of the fungicide Thiram from the European Union (EU). This recommendation is aimed at safeguarding the domestic industry from the adverse effects of low-priced imports.

India imports most of its Fungicide from Germany, United States, and Spain. In 2023, India imported fungicides packaged for retail sale totaling approximately US$ 296.93 million, with a volume of about 16.98 million kilograms.

According to DGTR’s final findings, the imposition of the duty is necessary to counter dumping practices and prevent injury to local producers. The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by Swarup Chemicals Pvt Ltd.

“The authority recommends imposition of anti-dumping duty on the imports…originating in or exported from the subject country for a period of 5 years,” the DGTR said in a notification.

Thiram is commonly used to protect crops from fungal infections during cultivation, storage, and transportation. It also serves as a disinfectant for seeds, nuts, fruits, and mushrooms and is used as an animal repellent to protect fruit trees and ornamental plants from damage caused by rabbits, rodents, and deer.

The Finance Ministry will make the final call on whether to impose the recommended duty.

Anti-dumping investigations are conducted to assess whether a surge in low-cost imports is harming domestic industries. Countries impose such duties in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to ensure fair trade and maintain a level playing field between domestic producers and foreign exporters. India has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on a range of products to address the issue of cheap imports from countries such as China.