Phthalic anhydride manufacturers have requested the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) to recommend imposition of anti-dumping duty on phthalic anhydride.

In a letter to the DCPC, Phthalic Anhydride Manufacturers Association said that Korea, Taiwan, Israel and Iran are aggressively dumping phthalic anhydride into India.

It said that there is a surge in imports of phthalic anhydride from 18272 tonnes in 2009 to 42290 tonnes in 2010. It mentioned that phthalic anhydride is being sold at highly discounted prices and far below the raw material costs.

The association has not indicated period of investigation, local capacity utilisation of indigenous manufacturers, injury caused to the indigenous manufacturers etc.

The phthalic anhydride manufacturers had already submitted an application to the Director General (Safeguards) for levy of safeguard duty on the import of phthalic anhydride into India.

However, in its reply, the DCPC said that the phthalic anhydride manufacturers have not filed their application in the prescribed format.

"So it is premature to forward the recommendation to the office of the DG, Anti-Dumping and Allied Duty, Department of Commerce, for imposition of anti-dumping duty."