DGTR Plans Anti-dumping Probe on Sodium Cyanide Imports Set for Dec 7

The DGTR is set to conduct a hearing on December 7, 2023, regarding an ongoing anti-dumping investigation related to the import of 'Sodium Cyanide (NaCN)' from China, the European Union (EU), Japan, and Korea.

Sodium cyanide holds significance in various applications, including bulk drugs, organic syntheses, and pharmaceutical intermediates. The anti-dumping investigation was initiated on March 31, 2023, following an application submitted by Hindusthan Chemical Company and United Phosphorous Limited. This investigation aligns with the provisions outlined in 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 (AD Rules, 1995).

In October, the DGTR had requested non-confidential versions (NCV) of submissions from all 21 registered parties involved in the NaCN anti-dumping investigation. Rule 6 (6) of the AD Rules allows the DGTR to consider oral information presented by interested parties if subsequently reproduced in writing. In accordance with this provision, the DGTR has scheduled an oral hearing on December 7, 2023, at 2:30 PM (IST). The hearing will take place in a hybrid mode, encompassing both Digital Video Conferencing (DVC) and physical presence in the conference room of DGTR.

Vivek Singh, joint director at DGTR, emphasized that interested parties should submit their written submissions and rejoinders, if any, to specified email addresses. The non-confidential submissions are to be circulated through email among the registered interested parties.

The applicants, Hindusthan Chemical Company and United Phosphorous Limited, allege that the import of NaCN from the subject countries is causing material injury to the domestic industry. They contend that anti-dumping duties should be imposed on such imports. The applicants assert that there are no substantial differences in the article produced by them and the ones exported from the subject countries. Both products exhibit similarities in terms of physical and chemical characteristics, manufacturing processes, technology, functions, uses, product specifications, pricing, distribution and marketing, and tariff classification.

Furthermore, the applicants argue that the subject goods and the domestically manufactured article are technically and commercially interchangeable. They claim that consumers of the subject goods are using them interchangeably with the article manufactured by the applicants.

The upcoming hearing provides a platform for involved parties to present their case and address the complexities of the anti-dumping investigation. The thorough examination of similarities and alleged injury will contribute to the DGTR's decision-making process as it evaluates the need for anti-dumping measures in the NaCN trade landscape.