India Launches Anti-Dumping Probe into Chinese Ethyl Chloroformate Imports

India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into ethyl chloroformate imports from China. The probe follows a complaint by domestic producer Paushak, alleging the chemical, used in pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing, is being sold at unfairly low prices, causing significant injury to the local industry. The DGTR's preliminary assessment indicates price undercutting, and the investigation, covering October 2024 to September 2025, could lead to import duties.

India, through its Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Union Trade Ministry, has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China. The probe, announced on March 17, 2026, was prompted by an application from Paushak, an Indian domestic producer. Paushak alleges that Chinese exporters are selling the organic chemical intermediate, vital for pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing, at unfairly low prices, resulting in “material injury” to domestic producers. As India's sole producer of ethyl chloroformate, Paushak claims rising imports from China have led to price suppression and diminished profitability.TheThe DGTR's preliminary assessment supports these claims, indicating that the dumping margin appears to be above the de minimis level, suggesting significant price undercutting by Chinese exporters. The investigation will cover imports from October 2024 to September 2025. During this period, the DGTR will gather and assess evidence from exporters, importers, and other interested parties before deciding whether to recommend anti-dumping duties to the government. If dumping is confirmed, the imposition of duties could increase costs for drugmakers and agrochemical firms but would simultaneously shield local producers from unfair competition. This action aligns with previous efforts, such as India's imposition of tariffs on certain steel imports in December to curb cheap Chinese products. In a related development, the DGTR has also launched a separate anti-dumping investigation into hexamine imports from China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.