Notification No. 18/2025-Customs (ADD), Dated 23-06-2025
The Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, has notified the imposition of definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) originating in or exported from Iran and Qatar, following the final recommendations by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).
1. Product Classification and Scope
- The product under consideration is Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), a key raw material used in the manufacture of detergents and cleaning products.
- In commercial parlance, LAB includes mixed alkyl benzenes, but excludes mixed alkyl naphthalenes.
- The product is classified under tariff item 3817 00 11 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
2. Basis for Imposition of Duty
- The anti-dumping duty is based on the final findings issued by DGTR vide Notification No. 6/05/2024-DGTR dated 26-03-2025.
- The investigation concluded that imports of LAB from Iran and Qatar were being dumped into the Indian market, causing material injury to the domestic industry.
- The imposition of duty is in accordance with the provisions of 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.
3. Rates and Application of Duty
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The anti-dumping duty ranges from USD 14 to USD 62 per metric tonne, depending on:
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- The country of origin (Iran or Qatar),
- The exporting country, and
- The specific producer/exporter identified in the final findings.
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Importers are required to refer to the detailed table in the notification to determine the applicable rate based on the exact combination of these three variables.
4. Duration and Currency of Duty
- The imposed duty shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, unless earlier revoked, superseded, or amended.
- The duty shall be paid in Indian currency, calculated at the exchange rate notified by the Ministry of Finance under Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962.
- The relevant date for exchange rate calculation is the date of presentation of the bill of entry, as per Section 46 of the Customs Act, 1962.
5. Compliance Requirement for Importers
Importers must:
- Carefully verify the producer-exporter combination mentioned in the notification before determining the applicable duty.
- Ensure timely payment of anti-dumping duty in accordance with the rates and procedures prescribed.
- Maintain compliance with the provisions of the Customs Act and the Anti-Dumping Rules to avoid penalties and disruptions in clearance.
6. Conclusion
The imposition of definitive anti-dumping duty on LAB imports from Iran and Qatar aims to protect the interests of the domestic industry by ensuring fair trade practices and preventing injury caused by dumped imports. Stakeholders are advised to refer to the official notification for full details and remain compliant with the prescribed legal and procedural framework.
