India Opens Anti-Dumping Probe Into Imports of Thermal Paper, BOPA Film and Industrial Antioxidants

India has launched anti-dumping investigations into imports of three industrial products following complaints from domestic manufacturers who have alleged injury due to low-priced overseas shipments. The products under scrutiny are thermal paper, Biaxially Oriented Polyamide film and certain antioxidants used in the polymer industry.

The investigations have been initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, the trade investigation arm of the Commerce Ministry. The probes cover imports from China as well as Korea, Singapore, the United States and Thailand, depending on the product category. The move comes at a time when concerns are rising over the possible diversion of cheap goods into India due to global trade tensions and excess industrial capacity in China.

Vinati Organics Limited has sought an investigation into imports of certain antioxidants from China, Korea and Singapore. These antioxidants are used in the polymer industry and form part of the wider chemical value chain. The company has alleged that dumped imports are affecting domestic production and market conditions.

JPFL Films has filed a separate application seeking a probe into imports of Biaxially Oriented Polyamide film from China and Thailand. BOPA film is widely used in packaging applications because of its strength, flexibility and barrier properties. The packaging sector has become an important part of India’s manufacturing and consumer economy, making fair pricing and domestic capacity significant for industrial stability.

Another application has been filed by the Indian Association of Thermal Paper Manufacturers and Allied Industries for an investigation into imports of thermal paper, also known as thermal sensitive paper, from the United States, China and South Korea. Thermal paper is used in receipts, labels, tickets, billing systems and other printing applications across retail, logistics, banking and service sectors.

In addition, ITC Limited has sought a sunset review of the existing anti-dumping duty on decor paper imported from China. A sunset review examines whether the withdrawal of an existing duty could lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to domestic industry.

According to the DGTR notifications, the applicants have submitted prima facie evidence alleging dumping of the products and material injury to domestic industry. Based on these submissions, the authority has begun investigations to determine the existence, degree and impact of the alleged dumping.

Anti-dumping investigations are a standard trade remedy mechanism used by countries under World Trade Organization rules. They are meant to examine whether imported goods are being sold at unfairly low prices and whether such imports are harming domestic producers. When dumping and injury are established, the DGTR can recommend anti-dumping duties. The final decision on imposing such duties is taken by the Finance Ministry.

The purpose of anti-dumping duties is to restore fair competition rather than restrict legitimate trade. These measures help domestic producers compete on a level playing field when overseas suppliers sell products at prices that distort market conditions.

The latest investigations also highlight India’s broader effort to protect key manufacturing sectors from unfair trade practices. Chemicals, packaging materials and paper products are important inputs for multiple downstream industries. Safeguarding domestic capacity in these areas supports industrial resilience, employment and supply chain security.

China remains a major focus in India’s trade remedy actions because of the scale of imports and the size of the bilateral trade imbalance. China has emerged as India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 151.1 billion in 2025-26. India’s exports to China stood at US$ 19.47 billion, while imports rose to US$ 131.63 billion, pushing the trade deficit to a record US$ 112.6 billion.

The anti-dumping probes into thermal paper, BOPA film and industrial antioxidants will now examine data from exporters, importers, domestic producers and other stakeholders. If the investigations confirm that dumped imports have caused material injury, India may impose duties to protect domestic manufacturers and ensure fair market conditions.