India launches anti-dumping probes into 7 Chinese products, including key pharma ingredients

India has initiated separate anti-dumping investigations into imports of seven products from China, including pharmaceutical ingredients Penicillin G, Amoxycillin Trihydrate and Montelukast Sodium, following complaints from domestic manufacturers over low-priced imports.

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, launched the investigations through separate notifications issued between September 23 and September 28.

The products under investigation include Para-tert-Octyl Phenol (PTOP) Formaldehyde Tackifier Resin, Penicillin G and its salts, 6-Amino Penicillanic Acid (6-APA), T-Shaped Elevator/Lift Solid Guide Rails, Amoxycillin Trihydrate, Montelukast Sodium and Copolymer Polyol with hydroxyl value of 23.5 or more.

Six investigations specifically concern imports from China, while the probe into 6-APA, a key intermediate used in the production of beta-lactam antibiotics, also covers imports from the European Union. Qule Pharma Private Limited filed the application, alleging that dumped imports were causing “material retardation” to the establishment of the domestic industry.

Three investigations cover pharmaceutical ingredients

Three of the seven investigations concern India's pharmaceutical supply chain.

Lyfius Pharma Private Limited sought the investigation into Penicillin G, a key starting material for several antibiotics that is also used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The company alleged that dumped Chinese imports were materially slowing the establishment of domestic production.

The application concerning Amoxycillin Trihydrate was filed by Apitoria Pharma Private Limited, a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma.

According to DGTR, the applicant accounts for more than 35 per cent of Indian production. Apitoria and supporter Centrient Pharmaceuticals India together account for over 60 per cent.

DGTR said there was prima facie evidence that the dumping margin was above the minimum threshold and significant. It also found “sufficient evidence of dumping” and injury to the domestic industry, along with a link between the two.

The investigation covers the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

The Montelukast Sodium investigation followed an application by Morepen Laboratories Limited. The ingredient is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient in medicines for respiratory and allergic disorders. Morepen alleged material injury caused by dumped imports from China.

Probes cover rubber, elevator and foam products

Outside the pharmaceutical sector, SI Group India Private Limited and Finorchem Limited sought an investigation into PTOP Formaldehyde Tackifier Resin, which is primarily used in tyre manufacturing and other rubber products.

The investigation into T-Shaped Elevator/Lift Solid Guide Rails followed an application by Saver India Riding Systems Company Private Limited. The rails guide an elevator car and its counterweight during vertical movement.

DGTR also initiated a fresh investigation into Copolymer Polyol following an application by Expanded Polymer Systems Private Limited. The product is mainly used in manufacturing flexible foam for mattresses and is also used in automobile components.

Investigations do not mean duties have been imposed

The investigations come amid a broader government push to expand domestic production of critical drug ingredients.

The initiation of an anti-dumping investigation does not automatically result in the imposition of a duty.

DGTR will examine the extent of dumping, the injury caused to domestic producers and the link between the two before deciding whether to recommend an anti-dumping duty to the government.