Published: 15 Sep 2026
DGTR Extends Anti-Dumping Investigation Deadline for Non-EVA Solar Encapsulants from China
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has extended the statutory deadline for completing India’s ongoing anti-dumping investigation into imports of Solar Encapsulants excluding EVA Encapsulants originating in or exported from China PR.
Under Case No. AD(OI)-34/2025, the investigation was originally scheduled for completion by 28 September 2026. The Central Government has now granted a further three-month extension, moving the deadline to 28 December 2026.
The extension has been formally notified by DGTR through F. No. 6/39/2025-DGTR dated 27 August 2026, following an Office Memorandum issued by the Tax Research Unit (TRU), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
What Has Changed?
The key change is the statutory timeline for completion of the investigation.
| Particular | Earlier Position | Revised Position |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation | AD(OI)-34/2025 | AD(OI)-34/2025 |
| Product | Solar Encapsulants excluding EVA Encapsulants | Same |
| Country of Origin/Export | China PR | Same |
| Earlier Completion Deadline | 28 September 2026 | — |
| Extended Deadline | — | 28 December 2026 |
| Extension | — | 3 months |
| Nature of Update | Ongoing investigation | Procedural timeline extension |
The Central Government has extended the statutory time limit by a further period of three months beyond 28 September 2026, with the investigation now required to be concluded on or before 28 December 2026.
Legal Basis for the Extension
The extension was granted by the Central Government through Office Memorandum No. CBIC-190349/54/2026-TRU dated 21 August 2026, issued by the Tax Research Unit (TRU), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
DGTR’s notice dated 27 August 2026 records this extension and correspondingly revises the schedule for completion of the investigation.
The extension is made under the applicable provisions of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 and the Anti-Dumping Rules, 1995.
Which Products Are Covered?
The investigation concerns “Solar Encapsulants excluding EVA Encapsulants” originating in or exported from China PR.
Solar encapsulants are materials used in photovoltaic panels to protect and bond solar cells within the panel structure. The present investigation is specifically concerned with encapsulants other than EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) encapsulants.
Businesses should therefore verify both:
- The specific chemistry/type of the encapsulant being imported; and
- The country of origin or export of the product,
before determining whether their imports fall within the scope of this particular investigation.
This Is a Procedural Extension — Not a Duty Decision
An important point for importers, manufacturers and other stakeholders is that the DGTR notice does not make any finding on dumping, injury, or the imposition of anti-dumping duty.
The notification only extends the statutory period available for completing the investigation. No final determination or duty recommendation is contained in this notice.
Accordingly, the extension should not be interpreted as an indication that anti-dumping duty will necessarily be imposed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the revised schedule provides additional time for its completion.
Why the Extension Matters to Solar Industry Stakeholders
Solar encapsulants are an important input in photovoltaic panel manufacturing. Consequently, developments in an anti-dumping investigation concerning these materials can be relevant to manufacturers, importers, suppliers and procurement teams.
The three-month extension means that regulatory uncertainty surrounding the outcome of this investigation will continue for longer than originally anticipated.
Businesses sourcing non-EVA solar encapsulants from China may need to factor this continued uncertainty into procurement, pricing and supply-chain planning.
Key considerations for businesses include:
- Importers: Confirm whether the encapsulant being imported falls within the investigation’s product scope.
- Solar module manufacturers: Assess potential procurement and pricing implications arising from the continued investigation.
- Chinese suppliers: Monitor the progress of the investigation and any subsequent DGTR developments.
- Procurement teams: Consider the possibility of continued regulatory uncertainty through December 2026.
- Industry stakeholders: Monitor DGTR notifications for subsequent developments, including the disclosure statement and final findings.
What Businesses Should Do Now
The extension does not require businesses to take any immediate action merely because the deadline has changed. However, companies connected with the product should use the additional time to review their position.
1. Verify Product Scope
Businesses should determine whether their particular solar encapsulant is a non-EVA encapsulant falling within the scope of Case No. AD(OI)-34/2025.
2. Verify Country of Supply
The investigation specifically concerns products originating in or exported from China PR. Businesses should therefore verify the relevant origin and supply-chain details.
3. Monitor DGTR Developments
The investigation is now scheduled to conclude on or before 28 December 2026. Businesses should continue monitoring DGTR notifications as the revised deadline approaches.
4. Factor Regulatory Uncertainty Into Planning
Companies importing or purchasing the affected material may wish to consider the potential impact of the investigation when making longer-term procurement and pricing decisions.
Importantly, however, businesses should not treat the current extension as confirmation that an anti-dumping duty will be imposed.
Key Takeaways
- DGTR is investigating imports of Solar Encapsulants excluding EVA Encapsulants from China PR under Case No. AD(OI)-34/2025.
- The original statutory completion deadline was 28 September 2026.
- The Central Government has granted a three-month extension.
- The revised deadline is 28 December 2026.
- The extension was granted through Office Memorandum No. CBIC-190349/54/2026-TRU dated 21 August 2026.
- The extension is procedural and does not constitute a finding of dumping or injury.
- No anti-dumping duty recommendation has been made through this notice.
- Businesses should verify whether their product and Chinese supply chain fall within the investigation’s scope and continue monitoring DGTR developments.
How Omega QMS Can Help
At Omega QMS, we assist businesses in navigating India’s evolving regulatory and trade-remedy framework, including anti-dumping investigations, customs regulations, import-export procedures, BIS certification and QCO compliance.
For businesses dealing with solar encapsulants or other renewable-energy inputs, our team can assist with:
- Product and investigation scope assessment
- Review of import and product documentation
- Understanding the potential regulatory implications of DGTR proceedings
- Trade-remedy compliance planning
- Monitoring of DGTR developments
- Regulatory representation and coordination
If your business imports or manufactures solar encapsulants and you need assistance determining whether your products fall within the scope of the ongoing investigation, Omega QMS can help assess the regulatory position and plan the next steps.
Source
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
F. No. 6/39/2025-DGTR
Case No. AD(OI)-34/2025
Notice dated 27 August 2026
Subject: Extension of statutory deadline for completion of anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of “Solar Encapsulants excluding EVA Encapsulants” originating in or exported from China PR.
The notice records the extension granted through Office Memorandum No. CBIC-190349/54/2026-TRU dated 21 August 2026, issued by the Tax Research Unit, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, regulatory or professional advice. Businesses should review the applicable DGTR notifications and seek professional advice based on their specific products, transactions and circumstances.