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India extends deadline for beta naphthol anti-dumping probe questionnaire amid stakeholder requests
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Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
May 24 , 2025
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The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Department of Commerce, ministry of commerce & industry, has announced an extension of the deadline for filing questionnaire responses in the ongoing anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of beta naphthol originating from China.
The DGTR noted that the previous deadline, which was set at 30 days from the issuance of Circular April 28, 2025, has now been extended until June 3, 2025. This decision comes after multiple requests from interested parties seeking additional time to compile and submit their responses.
Beta naphthol is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material and reagent, particularly in the synthesis of larger molecules and as an intermediate in producing various pharmaceuticals. It's also used in the production of antifungal agents like tolnaftate and other drugs such as naproxen and nafcillin, and as an antiseptic in scabies treatment.
Having regards to 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, Bodal Chemicals Limited has filed an application before the DGTR for initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of beta naphthol from China.
The applicant has alleged that dumping of the product under consideration from the subject country is causing material injury to the domestic industry in the country and has requested for the imposition of anti-dumping duties on the imports of the product under consideration from the subject country.
The investigation aims to assess whether the product imported from China is being dumped into the Indian market at unfairly low prices, thereby harming domestic manufacturers.
India's trade remedy laws empower the DGTR to launch such probes when there is prima facie evidence of injury to local industry due to dumping. Following the initiation of the investigation, the DGTR had released a detailed circular on April 28, 2025, finalizing the scope of the product under consideration and the associated product control numbers.
All interested parties, including domestic producers, foreign exporters, importers, and relevant trade associations, were initially given a 30-day window to respond to the detailed questionnaire.
According to DGTR, the extension aims to ensure that all stakeholders have a fair and adequate opportunity to present relevant data and arguments. The authority stressed that robust participation from all parties is essential to maintain the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of the investigation.
“Several interested parties have formally approached the authority citing the need for additional time to gather and verify information required to complete the questionnaire,” stated DGTR.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that the extension would allow them to prepare more comprehensive submissions.
"This extension reflects the DGTR's commitment to due process," said an industry analyst. Following the receipt of questionnaire responses, the DGTR will proceed to verify the submitted information through on-site inspections or desk reviews, depending on the availability of data and cooperation from interested parties. Based on the analysis, a preliminary determination may be issued, which could include the imposition of provisional anti-dumping duties if warranted.
Subsequently, a final determination will be made, after considering all submissions, rebuttals, and public hearings. The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 to 18 months of initiation, in line with WTO guidelines and Indian trade laws.
Stakeholders seeking further clarification or intending to submit responses can contact the Deputy Director (Stats), Shivam Singh, at dd12-dgtr@gov.in.
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