DGTR Opens Fresh Anti-Dumping Probes on PET Film (Above 100 Microns) and Thermal Paper

India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated two new anti-dumping investigations in early September 2026: one into imports of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) film above 100 microns from China, Singapore, Thailand and the UAE, and another into thermal paper / thermal-sensitive paper from the USA, China and South Korea.

These are initiations, not duties. But for importers who rely on these inputs, an initiation is the moment to start assessing exposure — because provisional or final duties, if they come, can follow within months.

What Happened

Following applications from domestic producers alleging that dumped imports are hurting Indian industry, DGTR has opened investigations to examine whether these goods are being exported to India at below normal value, whether that is causing injury to the domestic industry, and whether an anti-dumping duty is warranted.

The two products under investigation are PET film thicker than 100 microns (a plastic film used in packaging, labels, lamination and industrial applications) and thermal/thermal-sensitive paper (used in POS receipts, labels and ticketing). These add to a busy period for DGTR, which has been progressing a wider batch of trade-remedy cases largely involving imports from China and other Asian origins.

Why It Matters

An anti-dumping investigation typically runs six to twelve months before any provisional or final duty. If duties are ultimately imposed, they raise the landed cost of the affected imports — sometimes substantially — and apply by country of origin/export and, often, by specific producer. Importers who lock in supply contracts or pricing during an investigation without allowing for this risk can be caught out.

Equally, participation matters: interested parties (importers, exporters, users and domestic producers) can file responses, submit data and attend hearings. Duties, when set, frequently vary by exporter, and cooperating exporters may receive lower individual rates than the residual rate applied to non-cooperating parties.

Who's Affected

The PET-film probe most affects Indian importers and users of PET film above 100 microns sourcing from China, Singapore, Thailand and the UAE — including packaging converters and label/lamination businesses. The thermal-paper probe affects importers and converters of thermal paper sourcing from the USA, China and South Korea, and downstream users such as POS-roll and label manufacturers. Domestic producers of these goods are the intended beneficiaries.

What Importers and Users Should Do Now

• Identify whether your imports fall within the product scope and originate from any named country; map your HS classifications and supplier origins.
• Quantify your exposure — volumes, values and the cost impact if a provisional duty were imposed mid-contract.
• Engage with the investigation: consider filing importer/user responses within DGTR's timelines and register as an interested party.
• Ask key overseas suppliers whether they intend to participate and cooperate, as this can affect the duty rate applied to their goods.
• Build duty-risk clauses and alternative sourcing options into procurement planning while the case is pending.
• Track DGTR's initiation notification and subsequent findings for the exact product description, period of investigation and deadlines.

The Bigger Picture

India's trade-remedy pipeline remains active, with multiple anti-dumping and related cases in progress across chemicals, plastics, steel, paper and other inputs — reflecting continued pressure from imports, particularly from China and East Asia. For import-dependent manufacturers, trade-remedy risk is now a standing feature of sourcing decisions, not an occasional surprise. Monitoring initiations early is the cheapest form of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an initiation mean duties are now payable? No. Initiation is the first step. Any provisional or final anti-dumping duty comes later, only if DGTR finds dumping, injury and a causal link, and it is notified by the Finance Ministry.

Which products and countries are covered? PET film above 100 microns from China, Singapore, Thailand and the UAE; and thermal / thermal-sensitive paper from the USA, China and South Korea. Confirm exact scope in the official initiation notifications.

Can importers and users take part? Yes. Interested parties can file responses and data with DGTR within the prescribed timelines and participate in the process.

How long until any duty? Investigations typically take six to twelve months, though provisional duties can be recommended earlier in some cases.

Conclusion

The PET-film and thermal-paper probes put importers of these inputs on notice. Nothing changes at the border today, but prudent importers will map their exposure, weigh participation, and factor duty risk into contracts now rather than after a provisional finding.

This article is for general guidance only. Importers should verify the exact product scope, named countries and deadlines in the official DGTR initiation notifications before acting.