The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has announced an anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of azo pigments from China. This decision follows an application by Sudarshan Chemicals, citing material injury to the domestic industry due to dumped imports.
Azo Pigments are synthetic organic pigments used in drugs and cosmetics. Azo pigments, known for their coloring properties also possess antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and cytotoxic attributes, making them versatile and significant in pharma industry. They have the ability to be used as drug carriers, either by acting as a 'cargo' that entrap therapeutic agents or by prodrug approach.
“Interested parties must file questionnaire responses within 15 days using the prescribed methodology. Extensions will not be granted,” informed Devender Singh, joint director general, DGTR.
Sudarshan Chemicals alleges that the influx of underpriced azo pigment imports from China is harming India's domestic industry. The imposition of anti-dumping duties has been urged to level the playing field.
The DGTR's investigation aims to determine the validity of these claims and consider appropriate measures to protect the domestic market from unfair trade practices. Interested parties are encouraged to participate and submit their inputs promptly.
Sudarshan Chemical has filed an application before the Designated Authority in accordance with the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 as amended from time to time and the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Anti-dumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules, 1995, as amended from time to time for initiation of an anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of "Azo pigment", originating in or exported from China.
The product under consideration (PUC) in the present investigation is 'Azo pigment'. The product under consideration belongs to a class of synthetic organic pigments. The PUC is traded in three different colours such as yellow pigment, red pigment and orange pigment. Every colour has different grades, and each grade has different chemical concentrations and properties and therefore, has different end use application.
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