India Probes Alleged Circumvention of Duty on Chinese Saccharin

India has launched an investigation into the alleged circumvention of countervailing duties on saccharin imports from China, currently being rerouted through Thailand. The investigation was commenced by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies under the Commerce Ministry, as per a request by Swati Petro Products and Blue Jet Healthcare.

The applicants claim that the saccharin is of Chinese origin but routed through Thailand to evade the duty, emphasizing the lack of genuine saccharin production facilities in Thailand. The countervailing duties on Chinese saccharin, in place since February 25 last year, remain active.

If the probe confirms these allegations, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies may recommend the extension of the same duties to cover imports from Thailand. The final decision will be made by the Ministry of Finance.