Published: 19 Aug 2026
DGTR Finalises Scope and PCN Methodology for Antioxidants Anti-Dumping Investigation
Regulatory Update | 14 August 2026
The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has finalised the Product Under Consideration (PUC) and Product Control Number (PCN) methodology in the ongoing anti-dumping investigation concerning certain antioxidant chemicals imported into India from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore.
The investigation, initiated under Case No. AD(OI)-033/2026, covers specified antioxidant chemicals used primarily as stabilizers in rubber, plastics and polymer products.
The latest DGTR notification provides clarity on the products covered by the investigation, the classification methodology to be followed for individual antioxidants and blends, and the timeline for submission of questionnaire responses.
Importantly, this notification does not impose an anti-dumping duty. It is a procedural development in the ongoing investigation concerning the scope and classification of the products under consideration.
Key Highlights
- DGTR has finalised the PUC and PCN methodology for the investigation.
- The investigation covers imports from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore.
- The product scope remains unchanged from the original notification.
- Three specified antioxidant chemicals are covered.
- Individual antioxidants have been assigned separate PCNs.
- Blended products will be classified separately based on their constituents and mixing ratios.
- Different mixing ratios may result in different PCNs.
- Questionnaire responses are due by 29 August 2026.
- DGTR has stated that no further extension will be granted for questionnaire submissions.
- The investigation is still ongoing and no final anti-dumping duty has been imposed through this notification.
Background of the DGTR Anti-Dumping Investigation
DGTR initiated the anti-dumping investigation on 24 June 2026 following an application filed by Vinati Organics Limited, an Indian domestic producer.
The investigation concerns certain antioxidant chemicals originating in or exported from:
- China PR
- Korea RP
- Singapore
These products are used as stabilizers in various applications, particularly in the rubber, plastics and polymer industries, where they help protect materials from degradation.
As part of the investigation process, interested parties were invited to submit comments concerning the proposed Product Under Consideration (PUC) and Product Control Number (PCN) methodology.
Following submissions from stakeholders and a consultation meeting held on 6 August 2026, DGTR has now finalised the methodology.
Which Antioxidants Are Covered?
The investigation covers three specified antioxidant chemicals identified by their respective CAS numbers.
Antioxidant 1010 / AO 1010
CAS No.: 6683-19-8
Chemical name: Pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate)
Antioxidant 1098 / AO 1098
CAS No.: 23128-74-7
Antioxidant L135 / AO 1135
CAS No.: 125643-61-0
The scope also covers specified blends containing these antioxidants.
For importers and exporters, accurately identifying the chemical composition of products will therefore be important when determining whether a particular product falls within the investigation.
DGTR Confirms Product Scope Remains Unchanged
Following its review of stakeholder submissions, DGTR has confirmed that the Product Under Consideration remains the same as originally notified.
The latest notification therefore does not expand or reduce the basic product scope of the investigation.
Instead, the principal purpose of the notification is to establish the methodology through which products within the scope will be classified and compared during the investigation.
DGTR Finalises Product Control Number (PCN) Methodology
The PCN methodology is an important component of an anti-dumping investigation because it allows products with different characteristics to be categorised for appropriate comparison.
Under the finalised methodology, individual antioxidant products are assigned separate PCNs.
- AO 1010 – PCN A1010
- AO 1098 – PCN A1098
This classification allows DGTR to distinguish between different antioxidant products while undertaking its analysis.
How Will Blended Antioxidants Be Classified?
A significant feature of the finalised methodology is the treatment of blended antioxidant products.
DGTR has determined that blends will be treated as separate PCNs based on:
- The individual antioxidant chemicals contained in the blend; and
- The specific mixing ratio of those chemicals.
For example, a blend containing AO 1010 and AO 168 in a 1:2 ratio may be identified by a PCN such as:
BA-1010-0168-1:2
The methodology also means that the same two chemicals blended in a different ratio may receive a different PCN.
This distinction is relevant because variations in formulation can result in differences in product characteristics and cost structures, which are important considerations when undertaking product-to-product comparisons in an anti-dumping investigation.
Why the PCN Methodology Matters
For exporters and importers, the PCN methodology is more than an administrative classification exercise.
The classification of products into appropriate PCNs helps DGTR undertake meaningful comparisons between comparable products during the investigation.
Businesses should therefore carefully review:
- Product composition
- CAS numbers
- Product specifications
- Blend composition
- Mixing ratios
- Invoices
- Technical literature
- Cost and pricing information
Incorrect or inconsistent product classification could complicate questionnaire responses and other submissions made during the investigation.
Questionnaire Response Deadline
DGTR has also prescribed a deadline for submission of questionnaire responses using the finalised PCN methodology.
Deadline: 29 August 2026
DGTR has specifically indicated that no further extension will be granted for submission of questionnaire responses.
Exporters and other interested parties participating in the investigation should therefore begin reviewing their product information and preparing the required data without delay.
Who Should Be Concerned?
The investigation is particularly relevant to:
- Antioxidant manufacturers
- Chemical exporters
- Indian importers
- Chemical distributors
- Plastic manufacturers
- Rubber manufacturers
- Polymer manufacturers
- Compounders and formulators
- Other downstream industries using antioxidant additives
Businesses sourcing the subject products from China, Korea or Singapore should monitor the investigation closely.
Potential Impact on Importers and Downstream Industries
At present, no anti-dumping duty has been imposed through this notification.
However, if the investigation ultimately results in anti-dumping measures, importers of the subject antioxidants could face additional costs depending on the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent government notification.
This could have downstream implications for industries using antioxidants as production inputs, including:
- Plastics
- Rubber
- Polymers
- Industrial materials
- Other chemical formulations
Businesses may therefore wish to assess their exposure and consider procurement and sourcing strategies in advance.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
1. Identify Relevant Products
Review all antioxidant products imported or exported from the countries under investigation.
2. Verify Chemical Composition
Confirm the CAS number and chemical identity of each product.
3. Map Products to the Correct PCN
Determine whether products are individual antioxidants or blends and identify the appropriate PCN.
4. Review Blend Ratios
For blended products, maintain accurate records of the composition and mixing ratio.
5. Prepare Questionnaire Responses
Interested parties should ensure that questionnaire responses are prepared according to the finalised PCN methodology and submitted by 29 August 2026.
6. Monitor Further DGTR Developments
The latest notification does not conclude the investigation. Businesses should continue monitoring DGTR for subsequent findings and developments.
Is Anti-Dumping Duty Already Applicable?
No.
The notification dated 14 August 2026 relates to the finalisation of the PUC and PCN methodology.
It does not itself:
- Impose an anti-dumping duty;
- Constitute a final determination of dumping;
- Constitute a final determination of injury; or
- Establish an operative customs duty.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Businesses should therefore distinguish between the current procedural development and any future decision regarding anti-dumping measures.
How Omega QMS Can Help
Anti-dumping investigations can have significant implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers and downstream industries.
Omega QMS provides regulatory and trade remedy advisory services covering:
- DGTR anti-dumping investigations
- PUC and PCN analysis
- Product classification
- Questionnaire response support
- Product exclusion submissions
- Trade remedy impact assessment
- Customs and import compliance
- DGFT advisory
- Regulatory monitoring
Our team helps businesses understand evolving trade remedy measures and assess their potential impact on imports, costs and supply chains.
Conclusion
DGTR has finalised the Product Under Consideration (PUC) and Product Control Number (PCN) methodology for its ongoing anti-dumping investigation into certain antioxidants originating in or exported from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore.
While the product scope remains unchanged, the finalised methodology provides greater clarity on how individual antioxidants and blended products will be classified for the investigation. In particular, blended products will be differentiated based on their constituent chemicals and specific mixing ratios.
With questionnaire responses due by 29 August 2026 and no further extension indicated, affected exporters and other interested parties should act promptly to review their product portfolio and prepare the required submissions.
The latest notification does not impose an anti-dumping duty. It is an important procedural step in the ongoing investigation, and businesses should continue monitoring DGTR’s subsequent findings before making decisions regarding future duty exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DGTR anti-dumping investigation on antioxidants?
DGTR is investigating certain antioxidant chemicals imported into India from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore under Case No. AD(OI)-033/2026.
Which antioxidants are covered?
The investigation covers:
- CAS 6683-19-8 – AO 1010
- CAS 23128-74-7 – AO 1098
- CAS 125643-61-0 – AO L135/AO 1135
Specified blends containing these products are also covered.
Has DGTR imposed anti-dumping duty on antioxidants?
No. The 14 August 2026 notification finalises the PUC and PCN methodology. It does not impose an anti-dumping duty.
How are blended antioxidants classified?
Blends are classified based on their constituent antioxidant chemicals and their specific mixing ratios. Different ratios may therefore receive different PCNs.
What is the deadline for questionnaire responses?
The deadline is 29 August 2026, and DGTR has stated that no further extension will be granted.
Which countries are covered by the investigation?
The investigation covers imports originating in or exported from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore.
Official Reference
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR)
Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India
F. No.: 6/33/2026-DGTR
Case No.: AD(OI)-033/2026
Date: 14 August 2026
Subject: Finalisation of PUC and PCN Methodology in the anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of certain antioxidants originating in or exported from China PR, Korea RP and Singapore.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, customs, trade remedy or regulatory advice. Businesses should seek professional advice based on their specific products, transactions and circumstances.