The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is currently assessing the parameters of the Product Under Consideration (PUC) and the utilization of the Product Control Numbers (PCN) approach in an ongoing investigation into allegations of anti-dumping related to siloxane polyoxyalkylene copolymer imports from China.
PUC refers to the specific commodity scrutinized for possible dumping, in this instance, “Siloxane polyoxyalkylene copolymers with a viscosity reaching up to 2500 cst.” PUC is a common term in trade investigations used to define products under examination for pricing anomalies, suspected dumping activities, and their effects on the domestic market.
Siloxane polyoxyalkylene copolymers, also termed silicone polyoxyalkylene copolymers, siloxane polyethers, polyalkylene oxide silicone copolymers, or dimethicone copolyol, are block copolymers. These compounds find application in cosmetics and certain soaps.
PCN is an analytical tool often used in anti-dumping inquiries to distinguish between various product types or grades within the PUC. Each PCN usually signifies a distinct version of the product based on specific attributes such as viscosity, density, chemical composition, intended use, and production process.
This classification supports a granular examination of costs, pricing, and market competition for each product variant. Leveraging PCNs facilitates a comparison between imported products and local alternatives, ensuring a thorough evaluation of dumping margins and the effect on local industries.
For siloxane polyoxyalkylene copolymers, PCNs might be assigned according to viscosity ranges, usage, or other relevant criteria to assist in a precise analysis.
The case has been presented by Momentive Performance Material (India) Pvt. Limited, an entity representing local interests.
The applicant contends that Chinese suppliers are introducing these products to the Indian market at unjust low rates, resulting in harm to the domestic sector.
Initially, imports from the United States were considered but were excluded due to being below de-minimis levels, leaving China PR as the sole subject of the investigation.
This examination is conducted under Section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, along with the Anti-Dumping Rules of 1995. The DGTR will evaluate the dumping margin by comparing the ex-factory normal value with export prices and determining the influence on the domestic industry.
All stakeholders, including importers, exporters, and local manufacturers, are invited to participate by presenting pertinent information to the Authority. Lack of cooperation could result in conclusions drawn from existing data.
Participants can submit information confidentially, backed by a non-confidential summary. The DGTR promotes transparency and encourages adherence to established norms for submitting data.
The DGTR will decide whether anti-dumping duties should be proposed to alleviate damages to the domestic industry, promoting equitable competition in India’s market.