The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) on March 20, 2026, issued notifications on Initiation of sunset review investigation of anti-dumping duty on imports of “Untreated Fumed Silica” originating in or exported from China PR.
The present notification has been issued under the provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995, based on an application filed by Cabot Sanmar Limited, the sole domestic producer of untreated fumed silica in India. The application seeks initiation of a sunset review investigation concerning imports of “Untreated Fumed Silica” from China PR. As per the law, anti-dumping duties expire after five years unless reviewed, and such a review is required to determine whether discontinuation of the duty would lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury to the domestic industry.
The product under consideration is untreated fumed silica, a synthetic silica produced through a high-temperature gas-phase process, distinct from other types of silica due to its manufacturing process and properties. It falls under Chapter 28 of the tariff classification. The applicant has established that the domestically produced product and the imported product are “like articles,” being comparable in characteristics, usage, and commercial substitutability. Since Cabot Sanmar Limited is the sole producer, it qualifies as the domestic industry and meets the standing requirements for initiating the review.
The background of the case shows that anti-dumping duties were originally imposed in November 2021 following an investigation into imports from China and Korea. These duties were later modified in October 2025 after an anti-absorption review. The current duties are set to expire on November 10, 2026. The present sunset review has been initiated only against China PR, as no sufficient evidence was provided regarding Korea for continuation of duties.
The applicant has provided prima facie evidence suggesting continued dumping from China. Normal value has been constructed using adjusted import prices from Japan due to lack of reliable domestic price data in China, while export price has been determined based on DG Systems data with necessary adjustments. A comparison indicates a positive dumping margin, suggesting that dumping continues. Additionally, there is evidence of increasing imports, excess capacities in China, and the likelihood of price suppression in India if duties are removed.
The domestic industry has also demonstrated a likelihood of recurrence of injury in case the duties are allowed to lapse. Factors such as rising import volumes, potential price undercutting, and weak demand conditions in the exporting country support the claim that removal of duties may adversely impact the domestic industry.
Based on the prima facie evidence of continued dumping and likely injury, the Authority has initiated a sunset review investigation under Section 9A(5) of the Act. The purpose is to examine whether the existing anti-dumping duties should be continued to protect the domestic industry.
The notification further lays down detailed procedures for the investigation, including submission of information through the DGTR’s SETU portal, timelines for responses, and requirements for confidential and non-confidential submissions. Interested parties, including exporters, importers, and the government of the subject country, are required to participate within specified timelines, failing which the Authority may rely on available facts. Provisions relating to confidentiality, inspection of public files, and consequences of non-cooperation have also been clearly outlined.
[Case No. AD (SSR)-05/2026]
