India scraps anti-dumping duties on PVC amid broader polymer regulatory reforms

The Indian government, in an official statement on 18 November 2025, decided not to proceed with the implementation of the anti-dumping duties on PVC imports, effectively scrapping the measures previously recommended by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). 

The DGTR had concluded an 18-month investigation on 14 August, recommending duties on PVC imports from China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States, citing material injury to the domestic industry. Proposed duties ranged from USD 22/ton to USD 284/ton depending on the exporter.

The Ministry of Finance, however, opted against the safeguard measures, taking into account guidance from India’s Niti Aayog and the High-Level Committee on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms. Officials cited the need to avoid unnecessary intervention for widely traded raw material intermediates that pose no health, safety, or environmental risks. 

The Ministry also highlighted the potential for higher input costs to disrupt supply chains and reduce competitiveness, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) heavily reliant on imported raw materials. The decision further aligns with international norms, as major manufacturing economies generally refrain from imposing duties on essential raw materials to protect domestic value addition.

The anti-dumping investigation, launched in March 2024 following a joint petition by domestic producers Chemplast Cuddalore Vinyls Limited (CCVL), DCM Shriram Limited, and DCW Limited, quickly became contentious. The probe drew several challenges from industry stakeholders, leading to repeated delays and multiple extensions of key deadlines.

The decision followed India’s recent rescission of several Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Quality Control Orders covering PP, PE, PVC, and other key polymers, formalised on 12 November 2025. 

Analysts caution, however, that while the short-term regulatory relief may benefit manufacturers, the government’s long-term approach to quality control under the “Make in India” framework remains uncertain. With anti-dumping duties off the table and QCOs rescinded, importers and converters can expect a smoother regulatory environment in the near term, though future measures will need to balance industrial competitiveness with product quality standards.

Written by: Aiman Haikal