Notification No. 05/2025-Customs (CVD) Dated 27-06-2025
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has imposed a definitive countervailing duty (CVD) on imports of Digital Offset Printing Plates originating in or exported from China PR and Taiwan. This measure will be applicable for a period of five years from the date of notification.
1. Background and Basis for Imposition
The action follows the final findings of the Designated Authority, which concluded that:
- The subject goods were being exported at subsidised prices; and
- Such subsidisation posed a threat of material injury to the domestic industry manufacturing digital offset printing plates in India.
The imposition is in line with the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and applicable trade remedy rules.
2. Scope of Goods Covered
The countervailing duty applies to specific sub-headings under the Customs Tariff, which cover digital offset printing plates typically used in printing and publishing industries.
However, the notification excludes certain specialised products, such as:
- Waterless Computer-to-Plate (CtP) plates,
- Especially those used in security or credit card printing and similar specialised applications.
3. Structure and Range of Duties
The imposed duties vary by producer and country of origin/export, with rates ranging from:
-
NIL to USD 1.16 per square meter – The methodology distinguishes between producers with and without overlapping anti-dumping duties and applies a differential approach to avoid over-compensation.
4. Calculation Methodology – Alignment with Anti-Dumping Duties
The notification provides detailed guidance on the calculation of countervailing duties, especially in light of existing anti-dumping duties under Notification No. 28/2024-Customs (ADD).
There are three primary approaches outlined:
4.1 No Additional CVD Where ADD Exceeds Injury Margin
If the existing anti-dumping duty (ADD) already exceeds the calculated injury margin, no countervailing duty is imposed.
4.2 CVD Levied as Residual Difference
Where the combined effect of ADD and injury margin is not aligned, CVD is imposed to the extent of the difference between the injury margin and ADD.
4.3 Full CVD Where No ADD Applies
In cases where no anti-dumping duty exists, the entire countervailing duty—as determined—is levied in full.
5. Objective and Industry Impact
This measure is aimed at:
- Leveling the playing field for Indian manufacturers facing unfairly priced subsidised imports;
- Mitigating injury risks to domestic industry from trade-distorting practices; and
- Ensuring fair competition and trade compliance under WTO rules.
6. Conclusion
The imposition of countervailing duties on digital offset printing plates is part of India’s broader commitment to safeguard domestic industries against subsidised imports. Affected importers, exporters, and industry stakeholders are advised to review the product coverage, duty rates, and compliance timelines carefully.
