DGTR Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Phenol from Saudi Arabia, Singapore Plus Five Countries on DPCL and Deepak Phenolics and Hindustan Organic Complaint

Ø $1bn Market for Phenol under Anti-dumping Duty Investigation, $629mn Imports, India among Top 10

Ø Mehta Family led Deepak Nitrite and Govt Owned Hindustan Organic Lead besides Reliance

Ø Seven Countries including Saudi, US and Four in Asia Pacific under Attack

Ø Indian Price is 30% higher than Rs. 100 per kg Chinese Price

Ø Phenol is Key Starting Material for Plastics like Bakelite, Resins and Bisphenol

[DGTR Initiation Notification Case No. AD(OI) – 11/2026 dated 19 March, 2026]

1. Product Under Consideration

The investigation concerns Phenol, which:

· Has chemical formula C₆H₆O

· Is also known as Carbolic Acid

· Classified under Customs Tariff Chapter 29

· Imported mainly under 29071110 and 29071190

2. Countries Covered in the Investigation

The investigation covers imports of Phenol from the following countries:

· Saudi Arabia

· Singapore

· South Africa

· South Korea

· Taiwan

· Thailand

· United States of America

3. Domestic Industry Filing the Case

The application has been filed by:

· Deepak Phenolics Limited (DPCL)

· Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd (HOCL)

DGTR has accepted them as the domestic industry under the Anti-Dumping Rules.

4. Period of Investigation (POI)

· POI: 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025

· Injury period examined:

o 2022-23

o 2023-24

o 2024-25

o POI (2025)

5. Basis of Alleged Dumping

DGTR found prima-facie evidence that:

· Export prices from subject countries are lower than normal value

· Dumping margin is above the de-minimis level

· Imports have increased significantly in India

6. Injury to the Domestic Industry

The domestic industry has claimed:

· Price depression due to low-priced imports

· Decline in profits and return on capital

· Cash losses during the investigation period

· Imports affecting price rather than volume (price injury)

DGTR has accepted that there is prima-facie injury and causal link.

7. What the Notification Does

DGTR has officially:

· Initiated an anti-dumping investigation

· To determine:

o Whether dumping exists

o The extent of injury

o Whether anti-dumping duty should be imposed

8. Key Compliance Requirements for Interested Parties

· All parties must register on the SETU Portal

· Submit:

o Confidential version (CV)

o Non-confidential version (NCV)

· Time limit: 37 days from circulation of the application