DGTR Opens Fresh Trade-Remedy Actions on Chinese Imports: Nylon 6 Chips and a Glufosinate Anti-Absorption Probe

India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has opened two new trade-remedy actions targeting imports linked to China. In early September 2026 the DGTR initiated an anti-dumping investigation into Nylon 6 chips and granules with relative viscosity (RV) below 3 originating in or exported from China and Russia, and separately initiated an anti-absorption investigation on the existing anti-dumping duty on glufosinate and its salts from China. Importers of these inputs — and the downstream industries that use them — should assess their exposure now, because these processes can lead to new or higher duties.

What Happened

The DGTR is the authority that investigates whether imports are being dumped (sold below normal value) or otherwise causing injury to Indian producers, and recommends remedial duties that the Ministry of Finance then imposes.

The two fresh actions are distinct in nature. The Nylon 6 chips case is a standard anti-dumping investigation: DGTR will examine whether the specified grade (RV below 3) from China and Russia is being dumped and injuring domestic producers, and if so may recommend anti-dumping duty. The glufosinate case is an anti-absorption investigation — a review of whether an anti-dumping duty already in force is being "absorbed" (for example, through lower export prices) so that its remedial effect is blunted; if absorption is found, the existing duty can be revised upward.

These come amid a broader run of DGTR activity on Chinese-linked imports across chemicals, steel and engineering goods, reflecting sustained pressure from domestic industry seeking protection.

Why It Matters

Nylon 6 chips are a key raw material for engineering plastics, textile yarn and industrial applications; glufosinate is a widely used herbicide input. Both are imported in meaningful volumes. A new anti-dumping duty on Nylon 6 chips would raise input costs for converters and yarn makers who rely on imported material, while a revised (higher) duty on glufosinate would increase costs for formulators and the agri-input supply chain. For importers, the risk is not only the eventual duty but the uncertainty during the investigation, which can run many months.

Who's Affected

Importers of Nylon 6 chips/granules (RV below 3) from China and Russia, and importers of glufosinate and its salts from China, are directly exposed. Downstream manufacturers using these as inputs face potential cost increases. Domestic producers of these goods are the intended beneficiaries. Exporters in China (and Russia, for Nylon 6) named in the proceedings may need to participate to protect their access to the Indian market.

What Importers Should Do Now

• Confirm whether your imports fall within the exact product scope (for Nylon 6, the RV-below-3 specification) and the named source countries, using the DGTR initiation notification.
• Model the cost impact of a plausible duty on your landed cost and downstream pricing, and stress-test contracts and margins.
• Diversify sourcing where feasible — evaluate alternative origins not covered by the investigations.
• Engage with the process: interested parties (importers, users, foreign exporters) can file responses and questionnaires within DGTR's timelines; participation is how you influence the scope and outcome.
• Watch for any provisional duty and, ultimately, the final findings and the Finance Ministry's customs notification.

What CHAs and Forwarders Should Do

Flag affected product lines to clients, ensure classification and country-of-origin declarations are accurate (mis-declaration to avoid a remedy carries serious risk), and track the proceedings so clients are not surprised by a provisional or final duty at clearance.

The Bigger Picture

Anti-dumping and anti-absorption actions are a routine feature of India's trade-defence toolkit, and the pace has been brisk in 2026 across chemicals, polymers and metals — much of it directed at Chinese-linked imports. For import-dependent manufacturers, the strategic lesson is to build source diversification and duty-risk assessment into procurement, rather than reacting only when a final duty lands. Initiation is not imposition: a case may end without duty, with a duty, or with a revised one — but the time to prepare is at the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does initiation mean a duty is now payable? No. Initiation begins an investigation. Duty is only payable if and when DGTR recommends it and the Ministry of Finance notifies it. A provisional duty may be imposed during the process.

What is an anti-absorption investigation? It examines whether an existing anti-dumping duty is being neutralised — for instance by exporters lowering prices — so that it no longer offsets the dumping. If confirmed, the duty can be increased.

How can affected importers or users participate? By registering as interested parties and filing the required responses within DGTR's timelines. Consider professional advice given the technical and evidentiary requirements.

Which HS codes are involved? Nylon 6 chips/granules typically fall under polyamide headings (Chapter 39) and glufosinate under herbicide headings (Chapter 38). Rely on the precise product description in the DGTR notification rather than the HS code alone, as scope is defined by the product, not the code.

Conclusion

DGTR's new Nylon 6 chips investigation and glufosinate anti-absorption probe put importers of these China-linked inputs on notice. Confirm your product scope, model the cost risk, consider alternative sourcing, and — if materially affected — participate in the proceedings within the deadlines.

This news summary is for general guidance only. Verify product scope, countries, timelines and outcomes against the official initiation notifications and case documents on the DGTR portal (dgtr.gov.in) and any duty notification issued by CBIC before acting.