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The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has rescheduled the oral hearing in the ongoing anti-dumping investigation on the import of mono ethylene glycol (MEG) originating in or exported from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore. This decision follows a recent change in the Designated Authority overseeing the case.
MEG is a primary raw material for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins. Plastic bottles utilized for pharma packaging are made of a particular plastic, called as polyethylene terephthalate or PET - a strong, clear and lightweight plastic that belongs to the polyester family. Therefore, PET quality testing has a great relevance in the pharma industry.
In accordance with Order dated May 14, 2025, and the Gazette Notification dated May 19, 2025, the Central government has appointed Siddharth Mahajan, joint secretary, as the new Designated Authority in place of Darpan Jain. This transition in leadership has necessitated the rescheduling of the previously planned oral hearing.
The DGTR has announced that the oral hearing will now take place at 3:00 PM IST on June 16, 2025, and will be conducted virtually to accommodate all interested parties efficiently. The virtual meeting link will be disseminated via email to all registered participants and stakeholders.
This procedural update is significant in the context of the broader anti-dumping investigation initiated upon an application filed by the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Association of India (CPMA), on behalf of Reliance Industries Limited. The applicant association has alleged that the subject goods, namely mono ethylene glycol, imported from the three aforementioned nations, are being dumped in the Indian market at unfairly low prices, resulting in substantial injury to domestic manufacturers.
The investigation is being conducted under the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Anti-dumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules, 1995.
Reliance Industries claims that dumping by foreign exporters has led to significant price suppression, production losses, and inventory pile-ups in the domestic market. The application argues not only for retrospective evaluation of injury but also flags the potential for continued and future injury, demanding immediate remedial measures.
This rescheduled oral hearing is a crucial part of the investigative process and is expected to bring together exporters, importers, government representatives, and domestic industry stakeholders. It will provide an open forum for the presentation of evidence, rebuttal of claims, and detailed analysis of injury and causal links.
Post-hearing, the Designated Authority will examine the submissions and evidence presented by both sides before issuing its preliminary findings. If prima facie evidence of dumping and injury is confirmed, the Authority may recommend provisional anti-dumping duties.
The Directorate has urged all interested parties to ensure their availability for the hearing and to submit any additional documents or rebuttals well ahead of the scheduled date.
This case adds to the growing list of anti-dumping investigations launched by India in recent years as the government intensifies its scrutiny on unfair trade practices that threaten domestic manufacturing under the broader “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” frameworks.
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