Anti-dumping duties on imports of virgin multi-layer paperboards
The inquiry was initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), representing major domestic players such as Aditya Birla Real Estate, Emami Paper Mills, JK Papers, ITC, Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers, and West Coast Paper Mills
30 Sep 2025 | 148 Views | By Sai Deepthi P
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, has officially imposed anti-dumping duties on imports of virgin multi-layer paperboards from China and Chile, following concerns raised by domestic manufacturers regarding unfair trade practices and market injury.
The decision comes after a one-year comprehensive investigation led by the DGTR, which concluded that the import of these paperboards at artificially low prices had materially harmed Indian producers.
The anti-dumping duties have been set at USD 152 to USD 221-per metric tonne for imports from China and USD 123-per metric tonne for imports from Chile. These measures will be applicable for a period of five years and are designed to offset the margins of dumping, as well as the injury sustained by the domestic industry.
The investigation highlighted that the affected products, mainly used for packaging purposes, are not raw materials for further manufacturing, but are vital to a broad range of industries for packing goods. The investigation covered products used primarily for packaging (and not printing or as a raw material for other products). Exclusions from scope included cigarette boards, artboards for printing, recycled paperboards, and multi-layered boards for liquid packaging with specific treatments.
The DGTR also stressed that these measures were not intended to restrict legitimate imports arbitrarily or diminish competition, but to foster fair play in the Indian marketplace. The move is expected to enable Indian producers to compete on more equitable terms, whilst securing consumers' access to a wide choice of packaging goods.
Feedback from a variety of stakeholders was considered, including associations and producers from the subject countries, as well as domestic manufacturers and user industries.
Key observations from DGTR's report
- Anti-dumping duties restore fair competition and do not arbitrarily curb imports
- No significant adverse impact is anticipated for competition or consumer choice in India
- Since the paperboard is only used for packaging, its cost has little effect on final product prices
- The domestic industry is well-positioned to meet Indian demand and support future growth
In conclusion, the move reinforces India's commitment to fostering a competitive and fair trading environment in the paper sector, backing domestic producers while protecting the interests of the wider economy and consumers.