India Revises Anti-Dumping Duty on Decor Paper Imports from China
India has revised the anti-dumping duty on decor paper imports from China following a sunset review by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The revision is aimed at protecting the domestic paper industry from unfair pricing practices while ensuring compliance with WTO rules.
Let’s break it down for Indian importers, businesses, and consultants.
What Is Anti-Dumping Duty?
Anti-dumping duty is a trade remedy imposed when a country exports goods at a price lower than its home market value, causing harm to the importing nation’s industry.
- Governed under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975
- Administered by DGTR (Ministry of Commerce) and enforced by CBIC
- Aligned with WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement
Why Was It Imposed on Decor Paper from China?
India had earlier imposed anti-dumping duty on decor paper (HS Code: 4811) originating from China in 2019. After five years, a sunset review was conducted.
Key reasons for renewal:
- Continued dumping at unfair prices
- Threat of material injury to Indian manufacturers
- Non-cooperation from certain Chinese exporters during the review
Revised Duty Structure (2025 Notification)
| Exporter/Producer | Country | Revised Duty (USD/MT) | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Producers (Non-Cooperative) | China | $168–$225/MT | 5 years (2025–2030) |
| Specific Cooperating Firms | China | Lower duty, case-specific | As per final findings |
CBIC Notification: Enforcement Under Customs Act
CBIC issued a corresponding notification under Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act to enforce the revised duties. Importers will need to factor in this duty at the time of clearance at ports.
📌 Notification No. 18/2025-Customs (ADD) dated June 20, 2025
📌 Effective from date of publication in the Gazette
Impact on Indian Importers and Businesses
- Increased import costs for decor paper from China
- Preference for domestic alternatives may rise
- Watch out: Non-declaration or under-invoicing may attract penalties
💡 Expert Tip: Importers should now reassess their sourcing strategy. Explore suppliers from countries not subject to ADD, or renegotiate contracts factoring in the duty.
Compliance Tips for Importers
✅ Check customs clearance entries carefully
✅ Use accurate HS code (4811) and invoice declarations
✅ Seek exemption if dealing with a cooperating exporter
✅ Consult a customs broker or tax consultant to avoid errors
Legal Basis and Notifications
- Customs Tariff Act, 1975 – Section 9A
- Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995 – Rule 23 (Sunset Review)
- DGTR Recommendations
- CBIC Notification No. 18/2025-Cus (ADD)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is this duty applicable to all Chinese exporters?
Not necessarily. Firms that cooperated in the investigation may face lower or nil duty.
Q2. Can Indian importers claim a refund later?
No refund is allowed unless the duty is withdrawn or changed by official notification.
Q3. What if I import from a trader in Singapore but the origin is China?
Country of origin rules apply. If origin is China, ADD will still be levied.
Summary
India has revised the anti-dumping duty on decor paper imports from China after a sunset review. The revised duty ranges from $168–$225/MT and is valid for five years. Importers must comply with CBIC notifications under the Customs Tariff Act.
Final Thoughts
This revision in anti-dumping duty on decor paper imports from China is part of India’s effort to safeguard its domestic industries from unfair trade practices. Businesses must stay updated and adapt procurement strategies to avoid non-compliance and additional costs.