Product description – The product under consideration (PUC) is “Barium Carbonate”. It is a harmful, non-flammable inorganic chemical formula BaCo3 manufactured out of Barytes, a mineral product.

HS Codes – The product is classified under customs classification 28366000. The customs classification is indicative only and in no way binding on the scope of the present investigation.

Uses – Barium Carbonate is used in  (a) Purification of brine solution in caustic soda industry; (b) In production of Hard Ferrite Ring Magnets, Television Glass Shell, Neutral glass, Lamps, Heat treatment salts and other barium salts, rat poison, ceramic glazes and welding flux; (c) Acts as a flux, matting and crystallizing agent and combines with certain colouring oxides to produce unique colours not easily attainable by other means; (d) In the manufacture of heavy clay ceramic products because of its property of converting soluble sulfuric salts in the raw material into insoluble barium sulfate; and (e) In the brick, tile, earthenware and pottery industries Barium Carbonate is added to clays to precipitate soluble salts (calcium and magnesium sulfates) that cause efflorescence.

Countries involved – China PR

Applicants – M/s. Amravati Chemicals and Fertilizers Pvt. Ltd.; M/s. Kadapa Barium Salts; M/s. Rahul Barium Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.; and M/s. Sree Pavan Chemicals and Minerals.

Period of investigation – April 2019 to September 2020.

Injury period – April 2016 to March 2017, April 2017 to March 2018, April 2018 to March 2019 and the period of investigation.

Past investigations involving the product – The original anti-dumping investigation was initiated by the Authority vide Notification No. 14/18/2009-DGAD dated 16th June, 2009. On the basis of recommendation made by the Authority, vide Notification No. 14/18/2009-DGAD, dated 10th December, 2010 for definitive antidumping duty on the imports of subject goods originating in or exported from China PR, the imposition of antidumping duty was notified vide Custom Notification No. 06/2011-Customs, dated 07th February, 2011. The Authority initiated SSR investigations on 19th March, 2015. Pending the conclusion of the review, existing duties were extended up to 22nd March, 2016 vide Notification No. 15/2015 – Customs (ADD) dated 22nd April, 2015. After conducting detailed investigations, the Authority, vide Final Findings Notification No. 15/27/2014-DGAD dated 23rd February 2016, recommended the continuation of levy of anti-dumping duty for a further period of five years on imports from China PR. The findings of the Authority were adopted vide Customs Notification No. 14/2016 – Customs (ADD) dated 21st April, 2016. The current anti-dumping duty are in force till 20th April, 2021.

Facts of the present case – The present application was filed pursuant to likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumping of Barium Carbonate from China PR. The applicants submitted that there is likelihood of continuation or recurrence of dumped imports and injury to the domestic industry. The DGTR has found sufficient prima facie evidence of likelihood of dumping and injury warranting initiation of investigation.

Consumer sector – The consumers of the product would primarily be caustic soda Industry; brick, tile, earthenware and pottery industries