Govt restricts low-priced PVC resin imports for six months; exempts export-oriented units
New Delhi, July 24
The government on Friday restricted imports of low-priced suspension-grade PVC resin for six months by imposing a minimum import price, while exempting export-orientated units, SEZs and certain export-linked schemes from the restriction.
In a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Ministry of Commerce and Industry changed the import policy for Suspension Grade PVC Resin (S-PVC) under ITC (HS) Code 39041020 from "Free" to "Restricted", with immediate effect.
The notification said, "Import of Suspension grade PVC Resin (S-PVC) having CIF Value more than USD 0.766 per Kilogram is Free for a period of six months from the date of publication of this Notification." This means imports with a CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of USD 0.766 per kg or below will remain restricted during the six-month period.
However, the government exempted certain categories of imports from the minimum import price condition.
According to the notification, "The Minimum Import Price... will not be applicable for import by 100% Export Orientated Units (EOUs), units in the SEZ and under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, subject to the condition that the imported inputs are not sold into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA)."
The notification's "Effect of this Notification" section reiterated that imports of suspension-grade PVC resin with a CIF value of less than or equal to USD 0.766 per kilogram will remain "Restricted" for six months, while export-orientated imports under the specified schemes will continue to be exempt, subject to the prescribed condition.
The latest move comes against the backdrop of an earlier anti-dumping investigation by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR). The investigation was initiated following a complaint by domestic manufacturers Chemplast Cuddalore Private Limited, DCM Shriram Limited and DCW Limited alleging dumping of suspension-grade PVC resin from seven countries.
In its final findings issued in August 2025, the DGTR concluded that dumped imports had caused material injury to the domestic industry through price undercutting, price depression and rising import penetration and recommended the imposition of anti-dumping duties for five years.
However, the DGFT notification issued today does not explicitly link the six-month import restriction to the DGTR investigation or cite it as the reason for the policy change.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The exemption for EOUs and SEZs is smart – we don't want to hurt our export competitiveness. But what about small and medium plastic processors in the domestic market? They'll have to pay more for PVC resin now. Hope this doesn't lead to job losses in downstream sectors. Balance is key! 🤔
Interesting that the DGFT notification doesn't explicitly mention the anti-dumping investigation. Maybe they want to avoid legal challenges? But honestly, six months restriction seems too short. The DGTR recommended five years of anti-dumping duties. This feels like a temporary band-aid rather than a long-term solution. Need more clarity from the ministry.
As someone working in the PVC pipe industry, this is worrying. We rely on imported resin because domestic manufacturers can't meet our quality and quantity demands consistently. The MIP might stabilize prices short-term, but it could also create supply bottlenecks. Let's see how domestic producers step up their game in these six months.
I remember the 2020 anti-dumping duties on PVC – they helped domestic industry but consumers ended up paying more for pipes and fittings. This time they've carved out exemptions for export units which is good. But I still worry about inflation in construction costs. Every rupee increase in PVC hits the common man's home renovation dreams. 😔
One critical point – the DGTR investigation found dumping from SEVEN countries but the restriction applies to all imports below $0.766/kg. That's a broad brush. What if some countries weren't dumping but just had lower production costs? Hope the government reviews
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